The Complete Pallet Size Reference
Every standard dimension, ISO code, material property, and load capacity — in one place. Bookmark this page.
Standard Sizes
| Size (in) | Metric | Name / Industry | Weight | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 × 40 inPopular | 1219 × 1016 mm | GMA / Grocery | 30–48 lbs | 4,600 lbs |
| 42 × 42 in | 1067 × 1067 mm | Telecom / Chemical | 28–40 lbs | 3,700 lbs |
| 48 × 48 in | 1219 × 1219 mm | Drum / Barrel | 35–55 lbs | 4,800 lbs |
| 40 × 40 in | 1016 × 1016 mm | Dairy / Beverage | 25–38 lbs | 3,000 lbs |
| 48 × 36 in | 1219 × 914 mm | Military / Government | 28–42 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| 36 × 36 in | 914 × 914 mm | Beverage / Small | 20–30 lbs | 2,400 lbs |
| 48 × 20 in | 1219 × 508 mm | Half Pallet | 15–22 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
| 45 × 45 in | 1143 × 1143 mm | Industrial Square | 30–44 lbs | 3,800 lbs |
| 44 × 44 in | 1118 × 1118 mm | Pharma / Chemical | 28–42 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| 32 × 40 in | 813 × 1016 mm | Oil / Lubes | 22–32 lbs | 2,800 lbs |
| 48 × 42 in | 1219 × 1067 mm | Military Variant | 30–45 lbs | 4,200 lbs |
| Custom | Any dimension | Custom Build | Varies | Up to 5,500 lbs |
* Load capacity figures refer to static floor load. Dynamic (forklift in motion) capacity is typically 50% of static. Racking capacity requires separate specification.
ISO Pallet Standards
International standard, European manufacturing
Most common European pallet, EPAL certified
North American standard, compatible with GMA
Asia/Pacific region, automotive industry
North American telecom/chemical industry
Small half-euro, retail display, postal
Material Comparison Guide
| Material | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softwood (Pine) | Lightweight, cost-effective, widely available | Lower moisture resistance, splinters possible | General dry goods, warehousing |
| Hardwood (Oak/Ash) | High strength, durable, good for heavy loads | Heavier, more expensive, harder to source | Heavy manufacturing, automotive |
| Engineered/LVL | Consistent strength, no knots, moisture resistant | Higher cost than sawn lumber | Precision applications, pharma |
| Plastic (HDPE/PP) | Hygienic, washable, 30+ year lifespan, no splinters | High upfront cost, heavier than wood | Food, pharma, cleanroom, export |
| Composite/Presswood | Isotropic strength, no bark/sap, pest-free | Cannot be repaired, single-use only | Export, one-way shipping |
Parts of a Pallet
Top Deck Boards
Horizontal boards on the top surface where the load sits. Number of boards determines deck coverage and weight distribution.
Stringers
Continuous boards running the length of the pallet that support the deck. Notched for pallet jack entry.
Blocks (Block Pallets)
On block pallets, 9 wooden blocks replace stringers, allowing 4-way entry for forklifts from any side.
Bottom Deck Boards
Boards on the underside that add rigidity, ground clearance, and allow fork entry from all sides.
Chamfer / Lead Boards
The outermost deck boards, sometimes chamfered (beveled edge) to guide forklift tines onto the pallet.
Notch
A cutout in stringers that allows pallet jack entry from the 2 non-stringer sides.
How to Measure a Pallet Correctly
Incorrect measurements are the most common cause of pallet ordering errors. Follow these steps to ensure you get the right dimensions every time. In the pallet industry, dimensions are always stated as Length x Width, where length is the dimension along the stringer boards (the longest structural member) and width is the dimension across the deck boards.
Step-by-Step Measurement
Identify the Stringer Direction
Stringers are the long structural boards running underneath the deck. They determine your pallet's length. On a block pallet, look at the direction where the blocks are aligned in rows of three.
Measure the Length (Stringer Side)
Place your tape measure along the stringer from one end to the other. This is your first number. On a standard GMA pallet, this is 48 inches.
Measure the Width (Deck Board Side)
Measure across the deck boards from one edge to the opposite edge. This is your second number. On a standard GMA pallet, this is 40 inches.
Measure the Height
Measure from the floor to the top of the deck boards. Standard pallets are 6 inches tall (5.5 inches for some block pallets). Custom pallets may have non-standard heights.
Note the Entry Type
Check if forklifts can enter from 2 sides (stringer pallet) or 4 sides (block pallet). This affects which equipment can handle the pallet and how it fits in racking systems.
Common Measurement Mistakes
- 1. Swapping length and width. Remember: length runs along the stringers, width across the deck boards. A "48x40" pallet is NOT the same as a "40x48" pallet in many systems.
- 2. Measuring inside the notches instead of overall length. Always measure the full outside dimension of the pallet.
- 3. Ignoring deck board overhang. On some pallets, deck boards extend slightly beyond the stringers. Measure the full footprint including any overhang.
- 4. Not measuring height for racking applications. Pallet height affects total unit load height and determines whether loads fit under racking beams.
- 5. Assuming all pallets are the same. Even pallets of the "same size" can vary by half an inch due to wood shrinkage, manufacturing tolerance, and wear.
Quick Reference: GMA 48x40
Understanding Pallet Weight Capacities
Pallet load capacity is not a single number. There are four distinct load ratings, and confusing them is one of the most dangerous mistakes in warehouse operations. Each rating describes a different loading scenario with different weight limits.
Static Load Capacity
The maximum weight a pallet can support when sitting stationary on a flat, solid surface (like a warehouse floor) with the load evenly distributed. This is the highest capacity rating because the entire bottom surface of the pallet is supported. For the standard GMA 48x40 pallet, static load capacity ranges from 2,500 lbs (Grade C) to 4,600 lbs (Grade A, new) depending on construction and condition.
Dynamic Load Capacity
The maximum weight a pallet can support while being lifted and transported by a forklift or pallet jack. This is typically 50% of the static load because the pallet is only supported at the fork entry points, not across its full surface. Vibration and impact during transport add additional stress. Never load a pallet beyond its dynamic rating for forklift operations.
Racking Load Capacity
The maximum weight a pallet can support when placed on racking beams with the center span unsupported. This is the most demanding load scenario because the pallet must bridge the gap between racking beams without deflecting more than allowable limits (typically 0.5 inches). Not all pallets are rackable — only Grade A and some Grade B pallets should be used in racking systems.
Floor Stack Capacity
The maximum number of loaded pallets that can be stacked on top of each other on the warehouse floor. This depends on the pallet's compression strength, the weight of each unit load, and the stacking configuration. A standard GMA pallet can typically support 3–5 loaded pallets stacked on top, but this must be calculated based on actual unit load weight and pallet condition.
Safety Warning: Load Capacity Is Not Load Weight
Load capacity ratings assume even weight distribution across the full pallet surface. Concentrated loads (such as a single heavy machine placed in the center) significantly reduce effective capacity. Point loads can cause deck board failure even when the total weight is well below the rated capacity. For concentrated or uneven loads, consult with us to determine the correct pallet specification or consider a custom-built heavy-duty solution.
International Pallet Size Comparison
Different regions of the world have standardized on different pallet dimensions based on their shipping container sizes, truck dimensions, and warehouse configurations. Understanding these differences is critical for international shipping operations.
GMA Standard (North America)
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) pallet is the dominant standard in North America, accounting for approximately 30% of all new pallets produced in the United States. It was designed to optimize space in standard 53-foot truck trailers — two pallets fit side by side across the trailer width (96 inches), and 20–21 pallets fit per trailer load.
EUR / EPAL (Europe)
The Euro pallet (EUR 2 / EPAL pallet) is the dominant standard across Europe, managed by the European Pallet Association. It was designed to fit European truck trailers and intermodal containers. EPAL pallets are produced under strict quality controls and carry a branded marking on the blocks. Over 600 million EPAL pallets are in circulation at any time.
T11 Standard (Asia-Pacific)
The 1100x1100mm pallet is the standard in Australia, Japan, and much of the Asia-Pacific region (ISO 4). Its square shape allows optimal loading in shipping containers and offers 4-way entry regardless of orientation. It is widely used in the automotive industry globally and is the standard for intermodal container shipping across Asia.
CHEP and PECO Pool Pallets
CHEP (blue) and PECO (red) pallets are not a different size — they use the standard 48x40 GMA dimension. What makes them different is the ownership model. These are rental/pooling pallets owned by the respective companies (Brambles for CHEP, PECO Pallet Inc. for PECO). Companies lease them instead of buying, and the pooling company manages collection, repair, and redistribution. CHEP pallets are block-style with 4-way entry, while PECO uses a similar block design.
CHEP (Blue)
48x40 block pallet. Rental model. ~300M in circulation in North America. Ideal for companies wanting to avoid pallet management overhead.
PECO (Red)
48x40 block pallet. Rental model. Focused on grocery and consumer goods. Known for high quality standards and consistent condition.
iGPS (Plastic)
48x40 plastic pallet. Rental model. Hygienic, lightweight (48 lbs), no splinters, RFID trackable. Used in food and pharmaceutical supply chains.
How to Choose the Right Pallet Size
Choosing the wrong pallet size wastes trailer space, increases shipping costs, and can create safety hazards. Use these factors to determine the optimal pallet for your operation.
Product Footprint
Start with the size of your product or unit load. The pallet should fully support the load without significant overhang (no more than 1 inch on any side) or wasted deck space. Overhang reduces racking stability and creates forklift hazards. Excessive unused deck space means you're paying for trailer capacity you're not using.
Trailer and Container Fit
A standard 53-foot North American trailer has an interior width of 98.5 inches and length of 630 inches. Two 48x40 GMA pallets fit across the width (80 inches), leaving room for handling. For international shipping containers, dimensions differ: a 20-foot container fits 10 pallets of 1100x1100mm, while a 40-foot container fits 20–24 EUR pallets.
Racking System Compatibility
Your warehouse racking system is designed for a specific pallet size. Standard selective racking in North America uses 8-foot beam spans designed for two 48x40 pallets side by side. Using a non-standard size may require racking modifications. Check your racking beam spacing, upright depth, and clearance before selecting a pallet size.
Weight and Load Type
Heavier loads require stronger pallets — which may mean using hardwood, thicker stringers, or additional deck boards. A 48x40 softwood pallet is rated for roughly 2,500 lbs dynamic load, while a heavy-duty hardwood pallet of the same dimensions can handle 4,000+ lbs. Match the pallet construction to your actual load weight.
Industry Standards
Many industries have standardized on specific pallet sizes for supply chain compatibility. The grocery industry uses 48x40 GMA. The automotive industry commonly uses 45x45 or 48x45. The military specifies 40x48 (note the reversed dimension). The beverage industry often uses 36x36 or 40x40. Matching your industry standard ensures compatibility with receiving docks.
Cost Considerations
The 48x40 GMA pallet is the most cost-effective option because it's produced in the highest volume and has the deepest used-pallet market. Non-standard sizes cost more per unit (both new and used) because they have lower production volumes and smaller recycling pools. If your product can fit on a GMA pallet, it's almost always the most economical choice.
Not Sure Which Size You Need?
Tell us your product dimensions, load weight, and shipping method. We will recommend the right pallet size, grade, and construction type — and send you samples to verify the fit before you commit to a bulk order.
Detailed Specifications by Pallet Size
Below are detailed construction specifications for the most commonly ordered pallet sizes. These specs describe typical stringer-style construction — block pallet versions may vary in deck board count and stringer dimensions.
48 x 40 (GMA Standard)
48 x 48 (Drum/Barrel)
42 x 42 (Telecom/Chemical)
48 x 36 (Military/Government)
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Need Help Choosing?
Tell us your application and we'll recommend the right spec.