What is The Standard Pallet Size?

Standard Pallet Size for Different Countries

Standard pallet sizes and dimensions vary significantly across different industries and international markets, making it essential to choose the right specifications for efficient shipping and storage. This guide provides a detailed overview of the most common pallet footprints, including the standard 48 x 40 inch GMA pallet and specialized dimensions used throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

You will find helpful information on how to measure pallets correctly and tips for selecting the appropriate size to optimize warehouse space and ensure compatibility with global logistics chains. By understanding these industry standards, you can streamline your material handling processes and reduce transportation costs.

Key Points

Corona Pallets in Different Shades

ISO Pallet Sizes

Pallet sizes still vary considerably between different countries although much progress has been made in terms of standardization and reusability. This was crucial as increased global trade necessitated the need for standard pallet dimensions which are now reflected in the ISO Pallet list below.

 
Of the many different pallet sizes available, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has approved six pallet dimension which are now widely used as standard pallet size around the globe.
 
This information is a good starting point when considering exporting your goods to a different country and don’t want to incur the extra expenses and time delays of transferring your goods to local pallets upon arrival. It also enables you to calculate just how many pallets you can fit into a container for shipping.

ISO Pallets

Dimensions mm (WxL)
Dimensions inches (WxL)
Wasted floor, ISO container
Region Most Used In
1016 x 1219
40 x 48
3.7% (20 pallets in 40 ft ISO)
North America
1000 x 1200
39.37 x 47.24
6.7%
Europe, Asia, similar to 40" x 48"
1165 x 1165
45.9 x 45.9
8.1%
Australia
1067 x 1067
42.00 x 42.00
11.5%
North America, Europe, Asia
1100 x 1100
43.30 x 43.30
14%
Asia
800 x 1200
31.50 x 47.24
15.2%
Europe; fits many doorways
To work out the most suited pallet and approach for your export plans, we highly recommend contacting a TranPak consultant. View our Plastic Pallets. Find out how much plastic pallets cost.

North American Pallet Sizes

There are many pallet dimensions used for handling goods within North America. Sizes vary depending on specific needs, industries and materials. The most popular dimension for both wood and plastic pallets is the 40″x48″ footprint which is also one of the six specified ISO Pallet sizes. It is also the size of the GMA (Grocery Manufacturer’s Association) sanctioned pallet.

Dimensions mm (W x L)
Dimensions inches (W x L)
Production Rank
Industries Using
1016 x 1219
40 x 48
1
Grocery, many others
1067 x 1067
42 x 42
3
Telecommunications, Paint
1219 x 1219
48 x 48
3
Drums
1219 x 1016
48 x 40
4
Military, Cement
1219 x 1067
48 x 42
5
Chemical, Beverage
1016 x 1016
40 x 40
6
Dairy
1219 x 1143
48 x 45
7
Automotive
1118 x 1118
44 x 44
8
Drums, Chemical
914 x 914
36 x 36
9
Beverage
1219 x 914
48 x 36
10
Beverage, Shingles, Packaged Paper
889 x 1156
35 x 45.5
Unknown
Military 1/2 ISO container, fits 36" standard doors
1219 x 508
48 x 20
Unknown
Retail

European Pallet Sizes

In Europe many different pallets have emerged over the years as each country developed its own material handling needs. In recent times, standardization has occurred to a certain extent and we now have a widely used standard European pallet known as the EUR Pallet, Europallet or EPAL Pallet. Its dimensions are 1200mm×800mm (31.50”×47.24”) and is one of the six approved ISO Pallet sizes.
EURO pallet type
Dimension (W x L in MM)
Dimension (W x L) in Inches
ISO Pallet Alternative
EUR, EUR 1
800 mm x 1200 mm
31.50" x 47.24"
ISO1 same size as EUR
EUR 2
1200 mm x 1000 mm
47.24" x 39.37"
ISO2
EUR 3
1000 mm x 1,200 mm
39.37" x 47.24"
EUR 6
800 mm x 600 mm
31.50" x 23.62"
ISO0, half the size of EUR
600 mm x 400 mm
23.62" x 15.75"
quarter the size of EUR
400 mm x 300 mm
15.75" x 11.81"
one-eighth the size of EUR

Asian Pallet Sizes

The two most popular pallet sizes used in Asia are the square 1100mm x 1100mm (43.30″ × 43.30″) pallet and the 1200mm x 1000mm (39.37″ × 47.24″) pallet. Both are included in the approved ISO Pallet list.

The 1200mm x 1000mm (39.37″ × 47.24″) pallet is better suited for export from Asia to Europe and the USA as these dimensions integrate nicely into European and US systems.

Panda 43x43 plastic pallet for export and shipping
australian flag

Australian Pallet Sizes

The most common pallet size in Australia is 1165mm × 1165mm (45.87″ × 45.87″). It is also on the list of approved ISO Pallets.
 
These dimensions enable two pallets to fit very snugly side by side into the Australian railway RACE container, which is slightly wider than standard ISO containers. Using the Australian pallet in 20′ or 40′ foot ISO containers will mean a loss of some floor space.
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We hope you find this resource for standard pallet size useful. Contact us to purchase plastic pallets or talk to an expert. You may also be interested in:

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