Quick comparison
Common pallet sizes
“Standard” usually means the footprint most common in a particular pool, industry or country. Pallet height, entry type, materials and capacity can still differ within the same footprint.
| Name / market | Millimetres | Inches | Use this as |
|---|---|---|---|
| US 48 × 40 | 1219 × 1016 | 48 × 40 | Common North American planning footprint |
| EPAL 1 / Euro | 1200 × 800 | 47.24 × 31.50 | Certified EPAL exchange pallet footprint |
| EPAL 2 | 1200 × 1000 | 47.24 × 39.37 | Wider EPAL industrial pallet |
| Australian | 1165 × 1165 | 45.87 × 45.87 | Common Australian pooled-pallet footprint |
| 1100 square | 1100 × 1100 | 43.31 × 43.31 | Regional reference used in parts of Asia |
The short answer
What size is a standard pallet?
For a US warehouse, start with 48 × 40 in unless your customer, carrier or rack specification says otherwise. In Europe, do not use “Euro pallet” as a generic label when certification matters: an EPAL 1 pallet has a defined 1200 × 800 × 144 mm construction and markings. For Australia, 1165 × 1165 mm is the common pooled footprint.
Height and capacity
Footprint does not define the whole pallet
A 48 × 40 in pallet can be wood, plastic or another material and can have different deck, runner and reinforcement designs. That means a generic footprint cannot supply a safe load rating or exact height.
Calculate with a known footprint
Open a pallet preset
The calculator compares uniform rows-and-columns layouts at 0° and 90°. It does not yet claim mixed, pinwheel or interlocked optimization.
Sources and scope
Primary references used
- ISO 6780:2003 — principal dimensions and tolerances for flat pallets; ISO lists the edition as current after its 2026 confirmation.
- European Pallet Association: EPAL 1 — exact dimensions, weight, markings and safe working load.
- European Pallet Association load-carrier overview — EPAL 1, EPAL 2 and other product specifications.
- MHI unit-load equipment reference — identifies 48 × 40 in as the most popular US footprint.
- CHEP Australia pallet range — 1165 × 1165 × 150 mm Australian wooden and plastic pallet examples.
Common questions
Standard pallet size FAQ
What are the dimensions of a standard US pallet?
The common US footprint is 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm). Exact height and capacity depend on the pallet design and condition.
What are the dimensions of an EPAL Euro pallet?
EPAL publishes 1200 × 800 × 144 mm for EPAL 1, with an approximate tare weight of 25 kg and a 1,500 kg safe working load under its specification.
What is the standard Australian pallet size?
The common Australian pooled footprint is 1165 × 1165 mm. CHEP’s Australian wooden pallet is 150 mm high, but verify the exact product supplied.
Does ISO 6780 mean every pallet is interchangeable?
No. ISO 6780 addresses principal dimensions and tolerances. Equipment clearances, pallet construction, condition, certification and load rating still need to be checked.