What is a Standard Pallet Size?

Pallet size is considered an important component in the logistics and shipment industry. In freight shipment, standard pallet size handles your goods to maximize trailer space. Pallet sizes may include formal standards or informal standards. It may vary from industry to industry or country to country. But, pallet sizes can be custom-made per the supply chain’s requirements.

Let’s dive deep into the article to list standard-size information for operations in Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia.

Let’s Started with Pallet Dimensions

metal pallet size

Many factors influence the formulation of pallet standards in the entire logistics system. The main need is coordinating with trucks, railroad wagons, storage racks and forklift forks. You may not understand why there are so many factors to consider in pallet standards. Its primary purpose is for the following two points.

  1. The pallet can be loaded into the carrier smoothly.
  2. The space utilization rate of transportation can be as high as possible.

The carriers’ inner width is an important constraint in determining pallet size.

In China, the inner width of most containers is 2330 mm. The internal width minus 50 mm is the workable space. (That is, the actual space available for placing pallets) There are two standard sizes of pallets derived from this principle. One is a square tray: 1100 mm*1100 mm. The other is a rectangular tray: 1200 mm*1000 mm. But, in actual use, the size specification of 1200 mm*1000 mm will be recommended first. According to the actual survey, the international mainstream packaging modulus is 600 mm*400 mm. Considering the principle of coordination between the pallet size and product packaging modulus, only 1200 mm*1100 mm meets the requirements. Although 1100 mm*1100 mm is very suitable for the size of the container, it does not match the packaging modulus of mainstream products worldwide.

Common standard pallet size

According to the available information, the common standard pallet size of the world’s top ten trading countries (USA, China, Germany, UK, Japan, France, Korea, Italy, Canada, India) are compiled, and the common ESD Plastic Pallet, Racking Plastic Pallet, Nestable Plastic Pallet are all available in the market. The common ESD Plastic Pallet, Racking Plastic Pallet, Nestable Plastic Pallet can be used. The following table shows the recommended sizes.

Common standard pallet size

Area/CountryStandard Size
Dimensions W*L(mm)
Asia1200*1000
CHINA1200*1000(Recommend)
1100*1000
JAPAN1200*1000
1100*1100
South Korea1200*1000
1100*1100A
INDIA1200*1000
European1200*800
Germany1180*1265
U.K.1200*1000
1000*1000
France1200*800
Italy1200*1000
North America1016*1219
U.S.A.1200*1000
Canada1200*1000

The above dimensions are for reference only for most of the plastic pallets required for cargo, if you need to customize, please contact SHANGHAI FAVOS PACKAGING TECH CO., LTD for more information.

What is meant by ISO Pallet Size?

There are different sizes available in pallets in the market. However, the International Organization Standardization (ISO) has approved six standard sizes for Pallets.

The ISO standardization process makes it easy to transfer goods to the international market. So, there is no point in extra delays and expenses upon arrival in a different country. This process also enables the company to calculate how many pallets are going to fit into the container for shipment

what is a standard pallet size

ISO Standard Pallet Size

Dimensions W x L (mm)Dimensions W x L (inches)Wasted floor, ISO containerRegion Most Used In
1100 x 110043.30 x 43.3014%Asia
1016 x 121940 x 483.7% (20 pallets in 40 ft ISO)North America
1067 x 106742.00 x 42.0011.5%North America, Europe, Asia
800 x 120031.50 x 47.2415.2%Europe; fits many doorways
1165 x 116545.9 x 45.98.1%Australia
1000 x 120039.37 x 47.246.7%Europe, Asia, similar to 40″ x 48″

Standard pallet Size in North America

Although the standard size for both plastic and wood pallets is 40″x48″ footprint, it is one of the six sizes determined by ISO Pallet sizes. The 40″x48″ is also determined by the Grocery Manufacturer’s Association (GMA). However, In North America, there are many pallet sizes for handling and managing the products. These sizes depend on the specific need of the industries.

Standard Pallet Sizes in North America

Dimensions W x L (inches)Dimensions W x L (mm)Industries of application
48 x 401219 x 1016Groceries
42 x 421067 x 1067Telecommunication and paints
48 x 481219 x 1219Drums
40 x 481016 x 1219Military and cement
48 x 421219 x 1067Chemicals and beverages
40 x 401016 x 1016Dairy
48 x 451219 x 1143Automotive
44 x 441118 x 1118Drums and chemicals
48 x 201219 x 508Retail
35 x 45.5889 x 1156½ ISO containers in Military
36 x 36914 x 914Beverages
48 x 361219 x 914Shingles, packaged paper and beverage

Standard Pallet Size in European Countries

Many different pallet sizes have emerged in European countries as each country developed its requirements of material needs. The standard European pallet is called Euro-pallet, EPAL Pallet or EUR pallet. The dimension size of these pallets is 1200mm×800mm (31.50”×47.24”), and it is also part of the approved list by ISO Pallet sizes.

European Pallet sizes

EURO pallet typeDimension (W x L) in mmDimension (W x L) in InchesISO Pallet Alternative
EUR, EUR 1800 mm x 1200 mm31.50″ x 47.24″ISO 1 same size as EUR
EUR 21200 mm x 1000 mm47.24″ x 39.37″ISO 2
EUR 31000 mm x 1,200 mm39.37″ x 47.24″
800 mm x 600 mm31.50″ x 23.62″ISO 0, half the size of EUR
600 mm x 400 mm23.62″ x 15.75″quarter the size of EUR
400 mm x 300 mm15.75″ x 11.81″one-eighth the size of EUR

Standard Pallet size in Australia

Here is a glimpse of Pallet standardization in Australia

Dimensions (WXL) inchesDimensions (WXL) mmRegion of most use
45.90 x 45.901165 x 1165Australia, New Zealand

International Pallet Sizes

There are other international sizes used in different countries.

Product nameL x W x H in inchesL x W x H in mmCountries of most use
Timber block pallet48 x 40 x 5.551219 x 1016 x 141New Zealand, USA and Italy
Wooden pallet47.24 x 39.37 x 6.381200 x 1000 x 162UK, Latin America, New Zealand, India and other European countries
Wooden pallet31.50 x 23.62 x 6.53800 x 600 x 166France
Wooden & metal pallets31.50 x 23.62 x 6.42800 x 600 x 163USA, UK and most European countries
Wooden pallets47.24 x 47.24 x 6.061200 x 1200 154China and India
Timber half pallet47.24 x 20 x 5.041220 x 508 x 128Canada
Wooden pallet47.24 x 39.37 x 6.061200 x 1000 x 154New Zealand
Bearer pallet59 x 47.24 x 6.131500 x 1200 x 176South Africa and Namibia
Bearer pallet47.24 x 47.24 x 5.901200 x 1200 x 150Namibia and South Africa
Wooden pallet45.87 x 45.87 5.901165 x 1165 x 150Australia and New Zealand
Wooden pallet47.24 x 31.50 x 5.671200 x 800 x 144Europe, South Africa, UK and India
Pallet Mercosur47.24 x 39.37 x 5.711200 x 1000 x 145Argentina and USA
Automotive Pallet47.24 x 39.37 x 5.671200 x 1000 x 144Most European Countries, Brazil, Argentina
Automotive Half Pallet3.93 x 23.62 x 5.67100 x 600 x 144Most European Countries, Brazil, Argentina
Blue Shield Plastic Pallet47.24 x 39.37 x 5.901200 x 1000 x 150China, Thailand, South Africa
Plastic Dolly23.62 x 15.75 x 6.81600 x 400 x 173Austria, Switzerland
Automotive Pallet – US Standard45.87 x 48.90 x 5.981166 x 1242 x 152USA, Canada, Mexico
Plastic Pallet – 3 Runner47.24 x 39.37 x 5.901200 x 1000 x 150China
Plastic Display Pallet47.24 x 31.50 x 6.301200 x 800 x 160Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom
plastic pallet dimensions

Why are standard pallet sizes essential?

After diving into sizes, let’s explore why standard pallet sizes are essential. Modern supply chains optimize operations from start to finish by following standard pallet sizes. Using standard size means the forklift won’t need to adjust fork openings. And also, non-conforming doesn’t require manual intervention.

Here are the reasons why the supply chain needs standard pallet size.

  • Efficiency and Automation: The use of a standard pallet size means that goods can move more efficiently. It also reduces the disruption necessary to drive goods. Moreover, handlings systems and automated warehouses need standardization in the dimensions of pallets.
  • Promotion of reuse: The use of standard pallet size help to promote the reuse of pallets as compared to custom-made pallets. For instance, in the case of standard pool pallets, empty pallets can be operated by any pool member. But in customized pallets, there’s always a need to relocate the pallets back to the original shipper.
  • Elimination of labor: The practice of non-standard-sized pallets promotes labor inefficiencies. Because they deal with re-boarding goods from non-conforming pallets or with unusual-sized pallets that have malfunctioned in conveyors or storage systems. Standard Pallets eliminates labor inefficiencies
  • Eliminating solid waste: Once non-standard-sized or custom-made pallets are used, they accumulate due to less market value. Whereas the customer of standard-sized pallets may exist, a strong secondary market may appear.
  • Less pricing: The size Standard- pallets are made in large quantities, and refurbishing used pallets is also maintained. This availability and good condition of used pallets generate more competitive pricing.