Choosing the right pallet affects how much you can load, how safely it travels and whether it fits your destination’s racks and containers. This guide is a practical reference to pallet sizes and weight limits, with our free Pallet Capacity Calculator to plan loads.
Common pallet sizes
| Pallet | Dimensions | Region |
|---|---|---|
| ISO / standard | 1,200 × 1,000 mm | Asia, Middle East, UK |
| Euro (EUR 1) | 1,200 × 800 mm | Europe |
| North American | 48 × 40 in (1,219 × 1,016 mm) | USA, Canada |
| Australian | 1,165 × 1,165 mm | Australia |
| Half pallet | 800 × 600 mm | Retail displays |
Three kinds of weight limit
| Load type | Meaning | Typical wooden pallet |
|---|---|---|
| Static | Pallet resting on the floor | Up to several tonnes |
| Dynamic | Moving on a forklift or pallet jack | Around 1,000 to 2,000 kg |
| Racking | Supported only on its edges in a rack | Lower; often around 1,000 kg or less |
Exact ratings depend on the design and condition; check the supplier’s specification.
Wood vs plastic pallets
| Feature | Wood | Plastic |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Weight | Heavier (about 20 to 30 kg) | Often lighter |
| Hygiene | Can absorb moisture | Easy to clean |
| Export treatment | Needs ISPM 15 | Exempt |
ISPM 15
Wooden pallets used in international trade must be heat-treated or fumigated and stamped under ISPM 15 to prevent the spread of pests. Without the mark, shipments may be delayed or rejected.
Load height
Typical maximum load heights range from about 1.2 to 1.8 m including the pallet, depending on trucks, racking and buyer rules.
Planning weight
Total pallet weight = cartons + pallet + wrap. Read tare, gross and net weight and use the Package Weight Calculator.
For container capacity, read pallets in 20ft and 40ft containers. For box counts, use the Pallet Loading Calculator.
Inspect before use
Check pallets for broken boards, protruding nails and cracked blocks before loading. Damaged pallets can collapse under load.
Frequently asked questions
What is the size of a Euro pallet?
1,200 × 800 mm.
How much weight can a pallet hold?
It depends on static, dynamic and racking ratings; dynamic loads are often around 1,000 to 2,000 kg.
What is ISPM 15?
The international standard for treating wooden packaging used in trade.