Pallet Size Guide
Find the perfect pallet dimensions for your operation. Our comprehensive guide covers every standard size, how to measure, and how to choose the right pallet for your needs.
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Pallet Dimensions at a Glance
Below you will find every standard pallet size we stock. Each entry includes exact dimensions, approximate weight, load capacity, and common industry applications.
| Size Name | Dimensions | Weight | Load Capacity | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 × 40 (GMA) | 48″ × 40″ (1219 × 1016 mm) | ~37 lbs (17 kg) | Up to 2,800 lbs | Grocery, retail, general freight — the #1 standard in North America |
| 42 × 42 | 42″ × 42″ (1067 × 1067 mm) | ~42 lbs (19 kg) | Up to 2,500 lbs | Telecommunications, paint, drums |
| 48 × 48 | 48″ × 48″ (1219 × 1219 mm) | ~48 lbs (22 kg) | Up to 3,500 lbs | Drums, barrels, heavy industrial loads |
| 36 × 36 | 36″ × 36″ (914 × 914 mm) | ~30 lbs (14 kg) | Up to 2,000 lbs | Beverages, small retail, lightweight cargo |
| 48 × 36 | 48″ × 36″ (1219 × 914 mm) | ~35 lbs (16 kg) | Up to 2,500 lbs | Beverage, bottling, paper products |
| Euro Pallet | 47.24″ × 31.50″ (1200 × 800 mm) | ~55 lbs (25 kg) | Up to 3,300 lbs | European imports/exports, ISO standard |
| Half Pallet | 31.50″ × 23.62″ (800 × 600 mm) | ~20 lbs (9 kg) | Up to 1,100 lbs | Retail displays, in-store merchandising |
| Quarter Pallet | 23.62″ × 15.75″ (600 × 400 mm) | ~12 lbs (5.5 kg) | Up to 550 lbs | Point-of-sale displays, small shipments |
48 × 40 (GMA)
Grocery, retail, general freight — the #1 standard in North America
42 × 42
Telecommunications, paint, drums
48 × 48
Drums, barrels, heavy industrial loads
36 × 36
Beverages, small retail, lightweight cargo
48 × 36
Beverage, bottling, paper products
Euro Pallet
European imports/exports, ISO standard
Half Pallet
Retail displays, in-store merchandising
Quarter Pallet
Point-of-sale displays, small shipments
Size Comparison
See how each pallet size compares relative to the industry-standard 48 x 40 GMA pallet.
How to Measure a Pallet
Proper measurement ensures you order the right size every time. Follow these steps to accurately measure any pallet in your warehouse or yard.
Measure the Length (Stringer Side)
Place your tape measure along the longest board on top of the pallet. This is typically the stringer side. Measure from one end to the other in inches.
Measure the Width (Deckboard Side)
Turn 90 degrees and measure the deckboard side — the side perpendicular to the stringers. This gives you the width measurement.
Measure the Height
Stand the pallet upright or measure from the ground to the top surface. Standard pallets are typically 5-7 inches tall. Custom or block pallets may vary.
Note Entry Points
Count the forklift entry points: 2-way entry (accessible from two sides) or 4-way entry (accessible from all four sides). This affects compatibility with your material handling equipment.
Quick Reference
Pallet dimensions are always expressed as Length x Width (L x W). The first number is the stringer length, the second is the deckboard width.
Standard Format
Length" x Width"
Example: 48" x 40" means 48 inches long, 40 inches wide
Pro Tips
- ●Always measure in inches for US standard pallets
- ●Euro pallets use millimeters (1200 x 800mm)
- ●Tolerance of +/- 0.5 inches is standard for used pallets
- ●Check for broken or missing boards that may affect size
Common Weights
15-30 lbs
30-48 lbs
48-70 lbs
~55 lbs
Choosing the Right Size
The right pallet size depends on your industry, load requirements, storage configuration, and shipping method. Here is what to consider.
Load Weight & Distribution
Match your pallet capacity to your heaviest expected load. Always leave a safety margin of at least 20%. For uneven loads, consider a larger pallet to distribute weight more evenly.
Warehouse Racking
Check your rack beam spacing and depth. The pallet must sit securely on the beams with 2-3 inches of overhang on each side. Standard 48 x 40 pallets fit most racking systems in the US.
Truck & Container Fit
A standard 53-foot trailer fits 26 GMA pallets (48 x 40) when double-stacked. Choosing a non-standard size may reduce how many pallets fit per load, increasing your shipping costs.
Product Dimensions
Your products should fit within the pallet footprint without hanging over the edges. Overhang causes damage during transport and creates safety hazards in the warehouse.
Industry Standards
Different industries have adopted specific pallet sizes. Grocery and retail use 48 x 40, telecom uses 42 x 42, and European trade requires 1200 x 800mm Euro pallets.
Budget & Availability
Standard sizes like the 48 x 40 are the most affordable and readily available. Non-standard or custom sizes cost more and may have longer lead times. Used pallets offer the best value.
Standard or Custom?
Most businesses benefit from standard sizes. But when your products demand a unique footprint, custom pallets can optimize space and reduce waste.
Standard Pallets
- ✓Lower cost per unit — high supply means competitive pricing
- ✓Immediate availability from our massive inventory
- ✓Compatible with standard racking, trucks, and warehouses
- ✓Easy to repair, replace, and recycle
- ✓Widely accepted across industries and supply chains
- ✓Best resale value when you no longer need them
Best for: General freight, retail, grocery, warehousing, and any operation using standard equipment.
Custom Pallets
- ✓Tailored to your exact product dimensions and weight
- ✓Maximizes container and trailer space utilization
- ✓Reduces product damage from overhang or shifting
- ✓Ideal for oddly shaped or oversized products
- ✓Can be built with specific wood types or treatments
- ✓Available in heat-treated (ISPM 15) for export compliance
Best for: Specialty manufacturing, export shipping, oversized equipment, and unique product configurations.
Recommended Sizes by Industry
Different industries have adopted specific pallet standards over decades. Choosing the size your industry uses ensures maximum compatibility with existing equipment, racking, and transportation infrastructure.
Grocery & Retail
48" x 40" (GMA)
The Grocery Manufacturers Association standard. Used by virtually every major supermarket chain, big-box retailer, and consumer packaged goods company in the US. This size optimizes standard 53-foot trailer loads at 26 pallets per truck and fits standard racking systems used in retail distribution centers.
Telecommunications
42" x 42"
Adopted by the telecom industry for equipment shipping. The square footprint provides uniform weight distribution for heavy, sensitive electronic equipment like servers, switches, and cabling. This size is also popular in the paint and coatings industry for drum and barrel shipping.
Chemical & Drums
48" x 48"
Widely used in the chemical, petroleum, and drum shipping industries. The larger square footprint accommodates standard 55-gallon drums in a 4-drum pattern. This size provides excellent stability for cylindrical containers and maximizes floor space utilization in chemical storage facilities.
European Export
47.24" x 31.50" (Euro)
The EUR/EPAL pallet is the standard for European trade. If you ship goods to or from Europe, this size is essential for compatibility with European racking, trucks, and warehousing systems. Must be ISPM-15 heat treated and stamped for international compliance.
Automotive
48" x 45"
The automotive industry commonly uses this slightly wider pallet for engine blocks, transmission assemblies, and body panels. The extra 5 inches of width compared to the GMA standard provides more support surface for heavy, irregularly shaped auto parts and reduces overhang risk.
Beverage
36" x 36"
Smaller square pallets are popular in the beverage industry for case-stacking bottled and canned drinks. This compact size works well for smaller delivery trucks, convenience store stocking, and display floor placement. Also used for specialty food items and small-batch product distribution.
Understanding Pallet Components
Knowing the parts of a pallet helps you communicate your requirements accurately and understand quality reports. Here is a breakdown of every key component.
Top Deckboards
The flat boards on the top surface where products sit. Standard GMA pallets have 5-7 top deckboards. Deckboard condition directly impacts load stability and product protection. Gaps between boards should be consistent and appropriate for your product type to prevent items from sinking or catching.
Bottom Deckboards
The boards on the underside that contact the floor, racking, or conveyor systems. Bottom boards distribute weight across the support structure and protect stringers from abrasion. Three bottom boards are standard on most pallets, though heavy-duty designs may include five for better weight distribution.
Stringers
The long structural members running parallel to the longest dimension. Stringers are the backbone of the pallet, supporting the top deckboards and transferring load weight to the bottom boards. Stringer pallets have 2-way forklift entry unless notched for 4-way access. Cracked or broken stringers compromise the entire pallet.
Blocks (Block Pallets)
Block pallets use solid wood blocks between the deck layers instead of stringers. Blocks provide true 4-way forklift entry and are generally stronger than stringer pallets. Euro pallets and many export pallets use block construction. They are more expensive to manufacture but offer superior strength and versatility.
Lead Boards
The outermost deckboards on each edge of the pallet. Lead boards take the most abuse during handling, as they are the first point of contact with forklifts, dock edges, and other pallets. Premium pallets often feature wider or thicker lead boards for added durability in high-cycle operations.
Chamfered Edges
Some pallets feature beveled or chamfered edges on the bottom lead boards, creating a tapered entry point for pallet jack forks. Chamfered edges reduce fork entry damage, make the pallet easier to engage with manual pallet jacks, and help protect both the pallet and the handling equipment during daily use.
Understanding Load Capacity Ratings
Pallet load capacity is expressed in two ways: static load capacity (the weight a pallet can hold when sitting stationary on a flat surface) and dynamic load capacity (the weight it can hold when being moved by a forklift or pallet jack). Dynamic capacity is always lower than static because the pallet flexes during movement.
Racking load capacity is a third consideration -- the weight a pallet can support when resting on rack beams with an unsupported span in the middle. This is typically the lowest rating of all three because the center of the pallet bears the most stress. Always verify that your pallet is rated for racking use if you plan to store loaded pallets on warehouse racks.
Our team can help you determine the correct load rating for your specific application. Overloading pallets is a safety hazard and a leading cause of product damage during transit and storage. When in doubt, choose a heavier-duty pallet -- the marginal cost increase is far less than the cost of damaged goods or a workplace injury.
Static Load
Up to 7,500 lbsMaximum weight when the pallet is stationary on a flat, even surface. Applies to floor stacking and static storage scenarios.
Dynamic Load
Up to 2,500 lbsMaximum weight during forklift transport or pallet jack movement. Lower than static due to bending stress during transit.
Racking Load
Up to 2,000 lbsMaximum weight when pallet is supported only at the edges by rack beams. The unsupported center span creates maximum stress.
Factors That Affect Capacity
- ✓Wood species and moisture content of the lumber used
- ✓Number and spacing of deckboards and stringers
- ✓Condition and age of the pallet (new vs. repaired)
- ✓Nail pattern and fastener quality
- ✓Environmental conditions (humidity, temperature extremes)
- ✓Whether the pallet is a stringer or block design
Our Pallet Grading System
Understanding our grading system helps you choose the right quality level for your application and budget. Each grade is clearly defined with objective criteria.
Premium / Like-New
Highest price point — typically 60-70% the cost of new
- ✓No broken or missing boards
- ✓Minimal cosmetic wear or staining
- ✓No major repairs visible
- ✓All original components intact
- ✓Clean, professional appearance
- ✓Suitable for retail display and export
Retail displays, high-value goods, customer-facing shipments, pharmaceutical, and food industry applications where appearance and cleanliness matter.
Standard / Good Condition
Mid-range — typically 40-55% the cost of new
- ✓Minor cosmetic imperfections allowed
- ✓Small repairs (1-2 boards replaced) OK
- ✓Slight staining or discoloration acceptable
- ✓Fully structurally sound
- ✓All boards and stringers functional
- ✓The industry workhorse — most popular grade
General freight, warehouse operations, distribution centers, manufacturing, and any standard shipping application where function matters more than aesthetics.
Economy / Budget
Lowest price — typically 25-40% the cost of new
- ✓Multiple repairs may be present
- ✓Significant cosmetic wear accepted
- ✓Staining and discoloration common
- ✓Structurally sound for rated loads
- ✓Some boards may be mismatched
- ✓Ideal for cost-sensitive applications
One-way shipping, internal warehouse transfers, temporary storage, low-value goods, and any application where cost savings take priority over appearance.
Size Guide FAQ
What is the most common pallet size in the United States?
The 48 x 40 inch GMA pallet is by far the most common, accounting for approximately 30% of all new pallets produced in the US. It is the standard for grocery, retail, and general freight and fits perfectly in standard 53-foot trailers.
Can I mix different pallet sizes in the same shipment?
While technically possible, mixing sizes can reduce trailer utilization, complicate warehouse racking, and increase loading time. We recommend standardizing on one size per shipment whenever possible. If you must mix, our logistics team can help optimize the load plan.
How many pallets fit in a standard 53-foot trailer?
A standard 53-foot trailer fits 26 GMA pallets (48 x 40) when arranged 2-wide and 13-deep. A 48 x 48 pallet fits 20-22 per trailer. Exact counts depend on the pallet size, stacking height, and trailer interior dimensions.
Do you carry metric-sized pallets for international shipping?
Yes, we stock Euro pallets (1200 x 800mm / 47.24 x 31.50 in) and can source other metric sizes including the 1100 x 1100mm Asia-Pacific standard. All our export pallets are available with ISPM-15 heat treatment and certification.
What if none of the standard sizes work for my products?
Our custom pallet service builds pallets to any dimension you need. Whether you need a unique footprint, specific board spacing, reinforced decks, or special treatments, we design and manufacture custom pallets to your exact specifications.
How does pallet height affect my operations?
Standard pallet height is 5-7 inches. Taller pallets may not fit in automated conveyor systems or under standard racking beams. Shorter pallets reduce total stack height, allowing more tiers per bay. Always verify your pallet height against your racking and equipment specifications.
Not Sure Which Size You Need?
Our pallet experts can help you determine the perfect size for your operation. Get personalized recommendations at no cost.