Pallet Size Guide
The most comprehensive pallet size reference available. Every standard, every dimension, in both inches and millimeters.
Need a Specific Pallet Size?
We stock the most popular sizes and can source or custom-build any dimension you need. Request a quote below.
Why Pallet Size Matters
Choosing the right pallet size is one of the most important logistics decisions your business can make. The wrong size leads to wasted truck space, unstable loads, incompatible racking, and rejected shipments. The right size maximizes your trailer utilization, keeps your products safe, and ensures seamless integration with your supply chain partners.
Pallet dimensions are always stated as length x width (also referred to as stringer length x deck width). The length is measured along the stringer boards (the long structural boards that run underneath), while the width is measured across the deck boards (the top surface where goods are placed). Height varies by construction type but is typically 5 to 7 inches (127 to 178 mm) for standard wood pallets.
At Raleigh EcoPallet, we carry used pallets in all of the major standard sizes. Our most popular seller is the 48 x 40 GMA pallet, which accounts for the majority of pallets used in North American supply chains. However, we routinely stock Euro pallets, half pallets, and various industrial sizes. If you need a size we do not have on hand, we can typically source it within 3 to 5 business days or build it to your exact specifications.
Major Pallet Size Standards
These are the most widely used pallet sizes worldwide. Each serves specific regional markets and industry needs. All sizes are available as used pallets from Raleigh EcoPallet.
GMA / North American Standard
Grocery, retail, general warehouse use across North America
~30% of all pallets produced in the US
Euro Pallet (EUR / EPAL)
Standard throughout Europe, widely used in international shipping
Most common pallet in Europe
Australian Standard
Standard in Australia and parts of the Asia-Pacific region
Dominant in Australian supply chains
Asian Standard (T11)
Standard in Japan, Korea, and parts of Asia. Gaining global adoption.
Primary pallet in Asian logistics
Half Pallet (GMA)
Retail displays, point-of-sale, smaller shipments. Fits two per standard dock.
Popular in retail and display
Half Euro Pallet
European retail displays, in-store merchandising, optimized for EUR footprint
Growing in European retail
Quarter Pallet
Point-of-purchase displays, small retail promotions, sample shipments
Niche retail and promotional use
Static, Dynamic, and Racking Load Capacity
Every pallet has three different load capacity ratings. Understanding these is critical for safe and efficient operations. Using a pallet beyond its rated capacity risks damage to goods, injury to workers, and structural failure in racking systems.
Static Load Capacity
The maximum weight a pallet can support when it is sitting on the floor or a flat surface and is not being moved. This is the highest load rating because the weight is distributed across the entire bottom surface of the pallet. Static loads apply when pallets are stacked in a warehouse at floor level or placed on a flat surface for storage.
Example: A standard 48x40 GMA pallet has a static load capacity of approximately 2,500 lbs. This means you can safely place up to 2,500 lbs on it while it sits on a warehouse floor.
Dynamic Load Capacity
The maximum weight a pallet can support while being moved by a forklift or pallet jack. This rating is lower than the static load because the pallet is subjected to additional stresses during lifting and transport, including vibration, uneven fork positioning, and acceleration forces. The pallet is only supported at two points (the fork tines), not across its full surface.
Example: That same 48x40 GMA pallet has a dynamic load capacity of about 2,200 lbs. If your load weighs 2,400 lbs, it is safe on the floor but could fail when lifted.
Racking Load Capacity
The maximum weight a pallet can support when placed on pallet racking (beam racks where the pallet spans between two beams). This is the lowest and most conservative rating because the pallet is only supported along its two edges, causing the greatest bending stress on the deck boards and stringers. Exceeding this rating can cause catastrophic pallet failure and racking collapse.
Example: The standard 48x40 GMA pallet is rated for approximately 2,000 lbs in racking. Never exceed this weight in racking applications, as failure can cause cascading rack collapse.
Important Note for Used Pallets: Load capacity ratings are for pallets in good condition. Used pallets that have been properly inspected and graded (Grade A or Grade B) retain their full load capacity. Grade C or economy pallets may have reduced capacity. Always inspect used pallets before use and consult with your Raleigh EcoPallet representative about load requirements.
All Pallet Sizes at a Glance
A comprehensive table of every standard pallet size including ISO standards, chemical industry (CP) pallets, and common industry-specific sizes. All dimensions shown in both inches and millimeters.
| Pallet Name | Size (Inches) | Size (mm) | Primary Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 x 48 (Drum Pallet) | 48 x 48" | 1219 x 1219 | Drums, barrels, bulk chemicals, paint industry |
| 42 x 42 (Telecom) | 42 x 42" | 1067 x 1067 | Telecommunications, paint, chemical drums |
| 48 x 42 | 48 x 42" | 1219 x 1067 | Chemical and beverage industries |
| 48 x 45 | 48 x 45" | 1219 x 1143 | Automotive industry standard |
| 48 x 36 | 48 x 36" | 1219 x 914 | Beverage, shingles, and packaged paper |
| 48 x 20 | 48 x 20" | 1219 x 508 | Retail displays, narrow aisle applications |
| 44 x 44 | 44 x 44" | 1118 x 1118 | Drums, barrels, chemical industry |
| 36 x 36 | 36 x 36" | 914 x 914 | Beverage industry, small format stores |
| 40 x 40 | 40 x 40" | 1016 x 1016 | Dairy industry, square loads |
| 60 x 48 (Oversized) | 60 x 48" | 1524 x 1219 | Large equipment, oversized industrial loads |
| 72 x 48 (Oversized) | 72 x 48" | 1829 x 1219 | Heavy machinery, industrial equipment |
| 48 x 24 | 48 x 24" | 1219 x 610 | Narrow footprint, retail display, small loads |
| ISO 1 (EUR 6) | 31.50 x 47.24" | 800 x 1200 | ISO standard, same as Euro pallet |
| ISO 2 | 39.37 x 47.24" | 1000 x 1200 | ISO standard, used in Europe and Asia |
| ISO 3 (Australian) | 45.87 x 45.87" | 1165 x 1165 | ISO standard, same as Australian standard |
| ISO 4 (Asian) | 43.30 x 43.30" | 1100 x 1100 | ISO standard, same as T11 Asian standard |
| ISO 5 (North American) | 43.30 x 55.12" | 1100 x 1400 | ISO standard, European automotive industry |
| ISO 6 | 47.24 x 63.00" | 1200 x 1600 | ISO standard, oversized European freight |
| CP1 (Chemical) | 39.37 x 47.24" | 1000 x 1200 | Chemical industry, bags and boxes |
| CP2 (Chemical) | 31.50 x 47.24" | 800 x 1200 | Chemical industry, bags and small drums |
| CP3 (Chemical) | 45.28 x 45.28" | 1140 x 1140 | Chemical industry, large bags and drums |
| CP7 (Chemical) | 51.18 x 51.18" | 1300 x 1100 | Chemical industry, big bags |
| CP9 (Chemical) | 57.48 x 45.28" | 1140 x 1140 | Chemical industry, heavy drums |
Which Size for Your Industry?
Different industries have settled on different pallet standards. Using the right size for your industry ensures compatibility with your customers, suppliers, and logistics partners.
48 x 40 (GMA Standard)
The GMA standard is universally accepted by US grocery chains. Half pallets (24 x 40) are ideal for in-store displays. This is the only size many major retailers will accept.
48 x 48 or 48 x 42
Square pallets provide stable bases for heavy machinery and drums. The extra width helps with bulky items. Many chemical and automotive plants require non-standard sizes.
Euro (800 x 1200) or ISO Standard
If shipping to Europe, use Euro pallets to avoid compatibility issues. For Asia, the T11 (1100 x 1100) is the standard. Always check ISPM-15 treatment requirements.
48 x 40 (GMA) or custom
These industries often require Grade A or new pallets for hygiene reasons. However, used Grade A pallets from Raleigh EcoPallet meet the same cleanliness standards at a fraction of the cost.
48 x 45
The automotive industry has settled on the 48 x 45 as its standard. This size accommodates most automotive parts containers and racks.
48 x 36 or 36 x 36
Beverage cases have specific stacking patterns that work best on these sizes. The 36-inch dimension aligns well with standard case footprints.
Pallet Size and Trailer Utilization
One of the most important considerations when choosing a pallet size is how well it fits inside standard trailers. A standard 53-foot dry van trailer has an interior width of approximately 98.5 inches and an interior length of approximately 630 inches. Here is how common pallet sizes fit:
48 x 40 (GMA)
26 pallets per trailer (double-loaded, 2 across x 13 rows)
~92% floor utilization
The industry standard for a reason. Two pallets fit side-by-side with minimal wasted width (80 inches used of 98.5 available).
48 x 48 (Drum)
22 pallets per trailer (double-loaded, 2 across x 11 rows)
~88% floor utilization
Slightly less efficient than GMA due to wider footprint. Some space wasted between rows.
48 x 45 (Automotive)
24 pallets per trailer (double-loaded, 2 across x 12 rows)
~91% floor utilization
Good fit. Two pallets span 90 inches, leaving 8.5 inches of clearance.
Euro Pallet (800 x 1200mm)
24-26 pallets depending on orientation
~85-90% floor utilization
When shipped in US trailers, Euro pallets are slightly less efficient. In European trucks (2400mm wide), they fit perfectly 2 across.
Custom Pallet Sizes
While standard sizes cover the vast majority of applications, some products and operations require custom-built pallets. Raleigh EcoPallet offers custom pallet fabrication to your exact specifications. Common reasons businesses order custom sizes include:
- Oversized or irregularly shaped products that do not fit standard pallets
- Specific racking systems that require non-standard pallet footprints
- Export requirements for unusual container dimensions
- Automated handling systems that need exact tolerances
- Display pallets for retail environments with unique dimensions
- Specialty products like aerospace components or server racks
- Nested or stackable pallet designs for return logistics
Custom used pallets are also available. We can modify existing used pallets by trimming, reinforcing, or reconfiguring them to meet your dimensions. This provides the cost savings of used pallets with the exact fit of a custom size. Custom modifications typically add 1 to 2 business days to fulfillment, and pricing depends on the complexity of the modification.
Pallet Construction Styles
Size is only part of the equation. The construction type affects load capacity, handling compatibility, and durability. Here are the main types of pallet construction you will encounter.
Stringer Pallets
The most common type in North America. Uses two or three parallel boards (stringers) as the main structural support. Standard 48x40 GMA pallets are stringer pallets. They are compatible with forklifts from two directions (the sides without stringers) and can be notched for four-way forklift access. Used stringer pallets are our most popular product.
Lower cost, widely available, easy to repair
Limited fork access without notching
Block Pallets
Uses blocks of solid wood (typically 6 or 9 blocks) instead of stringers for support. This construction allows full four-way forklift entry without notching. Euro pallets are block pallets. They are generally considered stronger and more durable than stringer pallets, though they cost more to manufacture.
True four-way entry, stronger, longer lifespan
Higher cost, harder to repair
Double-Face Pallets
Has deck boards on both the top and bottom. This provides additional strength and distributes weight more evenly when stacking. Double-face pallets can be reversible (both sides are identical and can be used as the top) or non-reversible (only one side is designed as the load-bearing surface).
Extra strength, better weight distribution, reversible options
Heavier, more expensive, uses more material
Single-Face / Skids
Has deck boards on only the top surface. The bottom is open, with only the stringers or blocks touching the ground. These are lighter and less expensive but offer less protection for the bottom of stacked loads. Skids are the oldest form of pallet and are still used in some specialized applications.
Lightweight, lower cost, good for one-way shipping
Less durable, cannot be double-stacked safely
Pallet Size FAQ
What is the most common pallet size in the US?
The 48x40 inch GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) pallet is by far the most common, accounting for approximately 30% of all pallets produced. It is the standard for grocery, retail, and general warehouse use throughout North America.
How do I know which pallet size my racking system requires?
Check your racking beam spacing and depth. For standard selective pallet racking in the US, beams are typically set 42 to 44 inches apart (face-to-face) to accommodate 40-inch wide pallets with overhang clearance. Your racking manufacturer specifications will list compatible pallet sizes.
Can I use Euro pallets in US standard racking?
It depends on your racking configuration. Euro pallets (800x1200mm / 31.5x47.24 inches) have different dimensions than US standard (48x40). They may not fit optimally in racking designed for GMA pallets. Consult your racking specs and consider ordering a sample to test before committing.
What determines whether I need a two-way or four-way entry pallet?
Four-way entry pallets can be accessed by forklifts from all four sides, making them more versatile in tight spaces. Two-way pallets can only be forked from two sides. If your facility has narrow aisles or you need maximum flexibility, choose four-way. For most standard operations, two-way (or notched two-way for partial four-way access) is sufficient.
How many pallets fit in a standard 53-foot trailer?
With standard 48x40 GMA pallets loaded double-wide, you can fit 26 pallets per trailer floor (2 across x 13 rows). If stacking two high, that is 52 pallets. The exact number depends on your load height and weight restrictions. Our trailer utilization section above has details for other pallet sizes.
Do you offer non-standard or odd-sized used pallets?
We can often source non-standard sizes or modify existing used pallets to meet your dimensions. If you need a size we do not currently stock, contact us with your requirements. We can typically source it within 3-5 business days or build a custom solution.
"We needed 48x45 automotive pallets and assumed we would have to buy new. Raleigh EcoPallet had them in stock as used Grade B at less than half the price. The size guide on their website helped us verify that the dimensions and load capacity were exactly right for our application."
Supply Chain Manager
Triangle-Area Automotive Parts Supplier
Not Sure Which Size You Need?
Our used pallet experts can help you choose the perfect size for your application. We will consider your product dimensions, shipping requirements, racking systems, and budget to recommend the ideal pallet solution.
Get a Quote for Any Pallet Size
Whether you need standard 48x40 GMA pallets or a custom size built to your specifications, we are here to help.