Size guide
The complete pallet size & grade guide
Dimensions, metric conversions, weight capacities, and the industries each size serves — plus how pallet grading actually works. Bookmark it; you’ll come back.
The short answer
The 48x40 GMA pallet is the North American standard (1219 x 1016 mm, ~33–48 lb, ~2,500 lb dynamic capacity). Other common sizes include the 1200x800 mm Euro pallet, 42x42, 48x48, and retail half/quarter pallets. Grades A, B, recycled, and remanufactured describe condition and construction — match the grade to the job.
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Standard dimensions
Common pallet sizes at a glance
| Size (name) | Imperial | Metric | Region | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48" x 40" (GMA / North American Standard)Standard The single most common pallet in the USA — roughly a third of all new wood pallets. If in doubt, this is the one. | 48 x 40 in | 1219 x 1016 mm | North America | Grocery, general distribution, retail |
| Euro / EUR-1 (EPAL)Standard The European block-pallet standard, sized to fit European trucks and racking. Marked EUR/EPAL when certified. | 47.24 x 31.5 in | 1200 x 800 mm | Europe | European supply chains, automotive |
| 42" x 42" A square footprint that gives even four-way access and suits round or drum-style loads. | 42 x 42 in | 1067 x 1067 mm | North America | Telecom, paint, dairy |
| 48" x 48" Large square pallet used for 55-gallon drums and heavy industrial loads. | 48 x 48 in | 1219 x 1219 mm | North America | Drums, chemicals |
| 40" x 48" The GMA footprint oriented with the 48" side as the stringer length — spec sheets sometimes list it this way. | 40 x 48 in | 1016 x 1219 mm | North America | Military, general |
| 48" x 42" A slightly deeper cousin of the GMA pallet, common in chemical and beverage handling. | 48 x 42 in | 1219 x 1067 mm | North America | Chemical, beverage |
| 44" x 44" Square pallet favored for drum stability in chemical logistics. | 44 x 44 in | 1118 x 1118 mm | North America | Drums, chemicals |
| 36" x 36" Compact square pallet for tighter loads and beverage distribution. | 36 x 36 in | 914 x 914 mm | North America | Beverage, retail |
| 48" x 45" Sized for automotive parts handling and assembly-line feed. | 48 x 45 in | 1219 x 1143 mm | North America | Automotive |
| Half Pallet (48" x 20") Half-footprint pallet for retail floor displays and direct-store-delivery of smaller quantities. | 48 x 20 in | 1219 x 508 mm | North America / Retail | Retail display, DSD |
| Quarter Pallet (24" x 20") Small display pallet for promotional end-caps and compact merchandising. | 24 x 20 in | 610 x 508 mm | Retail | Retail display, promotions |
| Australian Standard The square standard used across Australian rail and distribution networks. | 45.9 x 45.9 in | 1165 x 1165 mm | Australia | Oceania supply chains |
| Euro 2 / EUR-2 (EPAL) A larger Euro block pallet closer to the North American footprint, common for heavier European loads. | 47.24 x 39.37 in | 1200 x 1000 mm | Europe | General European freight |
| Euro 3 / EUR-3 (EPAL) Heavy-duty European block pallet oriented for industrial and chemical handling. | 39.37 x 47.24 in | 1000 x 1200 mm | Europe | Industrial, chemical |
| Asia Pallet The dominant square footprint across much of Asia and a dedicated ISO container-friendly size. | 43.3 x 43.3 in | 1100 x 1100 mm | Asia | Seafreight, Asia-Pacific |
| 45 x 48 in Sized for canned-goods and beverage handling where a slightly wider deck helps stability. | 45 x 48 in | 1143 x 1219 mm | North America | Cans, beverage |
| 48 x 20 in (Retail Half — EU) The European display half-pallet (Düsseldorf pallet) used for in-store merchandising. | 31.5 x 23.6 in | 800 x 600 mm | Europe / Retail | Retail display (EU) |
Grades explained
What the grades mean
Grades describe condition and construction, not a legal standard — so consistency depends on your supplier inspecting to a written spec. Here’s how we define ours.
Grade A (#1)
- Appearance
- Near-new; clean, uniform boards
- Strength
- Full structural integrity
- Best for
- Automated lines, racking, premium outbound
- Repairs
- None or minor
Grade B (#2)
- Appearance
- Visible wear, may have repairs
- Strength
- Structurally sound
- Best for
- One-way shipments, internal transport
- Repairs
- Some plugged/replaced boards
Remanufactured / Combo
- Appearance
- Mixed-tone reclaimed boards
- Strength
- Rebuilt to target spec
- Best for
- Standardized internal & regional use
- Repairs
- Built from salvaged lumber
New
- Appearance
- Bright, uniform fresh lumber
- Strength
- Maximum, predictable
- Best for
- Export, precision, heavy loads
- Repairs
- None
Want the deep dive? Read Pallet Grades Explained.
Load ratings
Static, dynamic & racking load — the difference that matters
A single pallet has three very different weight ratings. Confusing them is the most common — and most dangerous — pallet mistake. Here is what each one means.
Static load
The maximum weight a pallet can hold while sitting still on a flat, solid floor. This is always the highest of the three ratings.
Dynamic load
The weight a pallet can safely carry while being moved by a forklift or pallet jack. For a typical 48x40 this is roughly 2,500 lb.
Racking load
The weight a pallet can bear when supported only at its edges in racking, with the middle unsupported. Usually the lowest rating (~2,800 lb for a GMA), and the most important for warehouse safety.
How to measure
Reading a pallet size correctly
- 01
Length first
By convention the stringer length is listed first. On a 48x40, the 48-inch dimension runs along the stringers (the load-bearing runners).
- 02
Width second
The 40-inch dimension is the deck-board length — the boards you see running across the top.
- 03
Check entry type
Note whether forks can enter from two sides (2-way) or all four (4-way, via notched stringers or block construction). This dictates how it handles.
- 04
Measure deck height
Total height matters for truck cube and racking clearance — a standard GMA sits around 5–6 inches tall unloaded.
Choosing a size
Five factors that decide your footprint
Your product footprint
The load should cover the pallet fully without overhanging (which invites edge damage) or leaving big gaps (wasted cube). Match the deck to the case pattern.
Racking & equipment
Existing racking, conveyors, and automated systems are usually built around one footprint. Standardizing on it avoids jams, re-tooling, and mis-picks.
Truck & container cube
A 48x40 nests two-wide across a 53-ft trailer with little waste. Odd sizes can strand cube and raise your freight cost per unit shipped.
Destination expectations
Retail DCs, grocery, and export receivers often mandate a specific size or grade. Shipping the wrong one risks rejection at the dock.
One-way vs return
For one-way outbound, a cheaper recycled or remanufactured unit in a common size is ideal. For closed loops, durability and a trackable standard size matter more.
FAQ
Size & grade questions
What is the standard pallet size in the USA?
The 48" x 40" GMA pallet is the North American standard — roughly a third of all new wood pallets. If you are unsure what to order, it is almost always the right default.
What is the Euro pallet size?
The Euro (EUR/EPAL) pallet measures 1200 x 800 mm (about 47.2" x 31.5"), sized to fit European trucks and racking.
How much does a pallet weigh?
A standard 48x40 wood pallet weighs roughly 33–48 lb depending on lumber and moisture content. Heavier hardwood builds sit at the top of that range.
How do I choose the right size?
Match the footprint to your product, racking, and truck dimensions. When in doubt, share your load and equipment through the quote form and we will recommend a size and grade.
Know your size? Let’s get you stocked.
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