Pallet dimension FAQ · Updated
What Are the Dimensions of a Pallet?
The go-to pallet footprints are 48×40 in (1219×1016 mm) in North America and 1200×800×144 mm under the Euro EPAL standard. Other ISO-supported sizes such as 1200×1000, 1165×1165, and 1100×1100 mm keep global freight aligned. Use the summary below to match your lane and launch calculator presets.
Quick answer
The pallet dimensions you should reference depend on the region and program:
- US GMA / CBA: 48×40 in footprint, roughly 5.5–6.5 in tall, ~2,500 lb dynamic limit.
- Euro EPAL 1: 1200×800×144 mm, 1,500 kg safe working load, fits EU racking.
- AU standard: 1165×1165×150 mm, optimized for Australian rail and distribution grids.
- Asia export: 1100×1100×150 mm, maximizes 40ft High-Cube utilization.
Cross-check with suppliers before locking load plans, then drop the values into the Pallet Calculator for TI‑HI and payload checks.
Global pallet dimensions
| Region / name | Size (mm) | Size (in) | Typical height | Usage note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US GMA | 1219 × 1016 | 48 × 40 | 140–165 mm | Most pooled wooden pallets, four-way entry. |
| Euro EPAL 1 | 1200 × 800 | 47.2 × 31.5 | 144 mm | Mandatory HT stamp for exports. |
| Euro EPAL 2 | 1200 × 1000 | 47.2 × 39.4 | 144 mm | White goods, manufacturing crates. |
| Australia | 1165 × 1165 | 45.9 × 45.9 | ≈150 mm | Works with Loscam/CHEP pools. |
| Asia ISO | 1100 × 1100 | 43.3 × 43.3 | ≈150 mm | High-Cube container efficiency. |
Need a downloadable chart? Grab the standard pallet CSV.
Planning tips
Match stack height to policies
Combine pallet height with carton HI to stay under sprinkler or container ceilings. The TI‑HI calculator quickly checks rotations.
Check load ratings
GMA pallets commonly support 2,500 lb dynamic loads, while EPAL pallets rate at 1,500 kg. Use the weight calculator to verify totals.
Consider material
Switching between wood and plastic? Review the plastic pallets guide for ISPM 15 exemptions and rackable options.
FAQ
How thick is a pallet?
Most wooden pallets fall between 140 and 165 mm (5.5–6.5 in) tall depending on deck-board thickness and bottom runners.
Which pallet fits a 40ft container best?
Twenty-four Euro pallets (1200×800) or twenty 48×40 pallets fit a 40ft standard container. See the 40ft guide for layout tips.