Standard Pallet Sizes
The standard pallet size in North America is 48 × 40 inches — the GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) pallet. In Europe the standard is the 1200 × 800 mm EUR/EPAL pallet. Below is the full dimensions chart — by region, by industry, with heights and weights.
The standard pallet size (48 × 40)
The GMA pallet measures 48 inches long by 40 inches wide and stands about 5.7 inches (145 mm) tall. It's the workhorse of North American shipping — built for grocery and general freight, sized to fit two-wide in a standard trailer and to interface with forklifts and pallet jacks from all four sides. A new hardwood GMA pallet weighs roughly 37–48 lb and is rated to carry around 2,800 lb in motion (dynamic) and far more when static.
North American pallet sizes by industry
| Inches | Millimetres | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 48 × 40 in | 1219 × 1016 mm | GMA — grocery, most common (~30% of US) |
| 42 × 42 in | 1067 × 1067 mm | Telecom, paint |
| 48 × 48 in | 1219 × 1219 mm | Drums |
| 40 × 48 in | 1016 × 1219 mm | Military, cement |
| 48 × 42 in | 1219 × 1067 mm | Chemical, beverage |
| 40 × 40 in | 1016 × 1016 mm | Dairy |
| 48 × 45 in | 1219 × 1143 mm | Automotive |
| 44 × 44 in | 1118 × 1118 mm | Drums, chemical |
| 36 × 36 in | 914 × 914 mm | Beverage |
| 48 × 36 in | 1219 × 914 mm | Beverage, shingles, packaged paper |
| 35 × 45.5 in | 889 × 1156 mm | Military half (ISO container) |
| 48 × 20 in | 1219 × 508 mm | Retail (half pallet) |
Euro pallet sizes (EUR / EPAL)
| Type | mm | in | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR / EPAL 1 | 1200 × 800 mm | 47.2 × 31.5 in | The standard Euro pallet |
| EUR 2 / EPAL 2 | 1200 × 1000 mm | 47.2 × 39.4 in | Industrial / drums |
| EUR 3 / EPAL 3 | 1000 × 1200 mm | 39.4 × 47.2 in | Industrial |
| EUR 6 / EPAL 6 | 800 × 600 mm | 31.5 × 23.6 in | Half pallet / display |
The ISO also recognises six standard sizes worldwide, including 1219 × 1016 mm (North America), 1200 × 1000 mm and 1200 × 800 mm (Europe), 1140 × 1140 mm (Australia), 1100 × 1100 mm (Asia), and 1067 × 1067 mm.
Pallet height and weight
A standard wooden pallet is about 5.7 inches (145 mm) tall. Empty weights vary by material: a GMA hardwood pallet is roughly 37–48 lb, a Euro EPAL pallet about 25 kg (55 lb), and a plastic pallet 15–40 lb. For total shipped weight, add your cargo — see how much a pallet weighs.
How many cartons fit your pallet?
Once you've picked a size, work out how many cartons it holds and how many pallets fit your truck or container:
Cartons per pallet
Per layer
9
cartons
Layers
5
high
Pallets per load (single layer)
26
53ft truck
10
20ft container
20
40ft container
Free PDF includes a watermark. Pro removes it & adds your brand.
Dimensional estimate (uniform orientation; weight limits not factored). Confirm stack height and pallet weight limits with your carrier.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard pallet size?
In North America the standard pallet is the GMA pallet at 48 × 40 inches (1219 × 1016 mm). In Europe it's the EUR/EPAL pallet at 1200 × 800 mm (47.2 × 31.5 in).
What are the dimensions of a 48 × 40 pallet?
A GMA pallet is 48 inches long, 40 inches wide, and about 5–6 inches tall (typically 5.7 in / 145 mm). Its top deck gives a 48 × 40 in footprint for cargo.
How big is a standard pallet in feet?
A 48 × 40 inch GMA pallet is 4 ft × 3.33 ft. Two side by side are roughly 8 ft × 3.33 ft — useful when planning how many fit a 53 ft trailer (about 26–30).
What is the most common pallet size?
The 48 × 40 in GMA pallet is the most common in North America, accounting for roughly 30% of all pallets in use. Globally the 1200 × 1000 mm and 1200 × 800 mm Euro sizes are most common.