Pallet sizes: ISO standards, euro pallets and plastic pallets
In briefThe most common pallet sizes in Europe are 1200×800 mm (EUR / euro pallet) and 1200×1000 mm (industrial pallet); ISO 6780 recognises six sizes in all. A plastic pallet can have the same dimensions as a euro pallet, but EPAL and EUR identify certified wooden pallets.
The six ISO 6780 sizes
Standard pallet sizes for flat pallets are set by the international standard ISO 6780:2003. It lists six footprints, with a manufacturing tolerance of +3/−6 mm [1].
| Size (mm) | Shape | Main region of use |
|---|---|---|
| 1200×800 | rectangular | Europe (same footprint as the EPAL 1 euro pallet) [4] |
| 1200×1000 | rectangular | Europe and Asia [4] |
| 1219×1016 (48×40 inches) | rectangular | North America [4] |
| 1067×1067 | square | North America, Europe, Asia [4] |
| 1100×1100 | square | Asia [4] |
| 1140×1140 | square | listed in the standard [1] |
The regions of use come from a secondary source [4] and are a rough guide. The sources disagree on the sixth size: the ISO 6780:2003 entry gives 1140×1140 mm [1], while other sources give 1165×1165 mm, the Australian standard size [4]. Here we follow the text of the standard.
The 1200×800 euro pallet and how it differs from EPAL
The 1200×800 mm is the most common size in Europe. It fits through doorways and runs on the conveyors and automated systems designed around this footprint [3].
'Euro pallet' means two different things, though. As a size, it is a 1200×800 pallet in any material. As a mark, EPAL (and EUR) identifies a wooden pallet built to the rules of the European Pallet Association: 1200×800×144 mm, 11 boards, 9 blocks and 78 nails, with a working load of 1,500 kg [2].
A 1200×800 plastic pallet matches it in size, but it is not an EPAL pallet [3]. In practice this means:
- it cannot enter the EPAL exchange pool ('pallet for pallet'): if you need a return loop, look at plastic pallet rental and pooling;
- you cannot call it EPAL or EUR in a quotation or a specification;
- it works on the same equipment, in the same pallet racking and on the same trucks as wooden pallets.
In pallet racking a 1200×800 normally goes in with the 800 side facing the aisle and the 1200 side running back into the rack: the runners sit at 90° to the beams, crossing them, and the pallet overhangs by about 50 mm at the front and back [8].
Classes, load capacities and bases available in this size are covered in the guide to the 1200×800 plastic pallet.
Weight depends on the class: a nestable 1200×800 plastic pallet starts at 5.2 kg [6], while a wooden pallet of the same size usually weighs about 10-20 kg. Load capacities are compared in the guide to plastic pallet load capacity.
The 1200×1000 industrial pallet
This is the second European size and the first choice in many industries: chemicals, plastics, paper, beverages. It gives more surface for drums, sacks and big bags, and it is also widespread in Asia [4].
In plastic, the 1200×1000 is the usual size for heavy-duty rackable models, with 3 or 5 runners and racking load capacities of up to 1,250 kg in the data sheets we checked [6]. In a rack the pallet spans two beams, so its racking load is lower than its static load, which applies on the floor or on a solid shelf. For the difference between feet and runners, see plastic pallet types; models, containers and orientation in the rack are in the guide to the 1200×1000 plastic pallet.
Square sizes: 1100×1100 and 1140×1140
The 1100×1100 mm is the main size in Asia [4]. Square sizes also help when the load is round or square in plan, such as drums or big bags, because they reduce overhang.
If you export to Asia, ask your customer which size their warehouse uses before you choose. A pallet that does not fit the racking at the destination has to be repalletised, which adds cost and puts the goods at risk.
The 800×600 half pallet
The 800×600 mm is half a euro pallet. It is used in distribution, in retail outlets and for small loads. It is not one of the ISO 6780 sizes [1].
Lightweight plastic models weighing just a few kilos are available: the reference data sheet gives 3.7 kg, 500 kg static and 250 kg dynamic [6]. Two half pallets side by side take up the footprint of one euro pallet.
Which size for which market
| Destination | Size to consider first |
|---|---|
| Italy and Europe, distribution and retail | 1200×800 |
| Europe, industry (chemicals, paper, plastics) | 1200×1000 |
| North America | 1219×1016 (48×40 inches) |
| Asia | 1100×1100 or 1200×1000 |
| Retail outlets, small loads | 800×600 |
For country-by-country detail, with market shares, sectors and pallets per container, see the guide to pallet sizes by country.
Outside the European Union the ISPM 15 phytosanitary standard also comes into play, and it applies only to wood packaging [7]. A plastic pallet is exempt, but any wooden accessories used with the pallet are still covered. Details are in the guide to export without fumigation.
Sizes and trucks
A standard trailer takes 33 non-stacked 1200×800 euro pallets; if the load can be double-stacked you reach 66, within the vehicle's weight limit. With 1200×1000 pallets the stated maximum is 26 [5]. These figures come from a single logistics provider: the exact number depends on the vehicle and should be confirmed with your haulier.
Sizes and reels
For reels and rolls, you choose the pallet footprint from the diameter and width of the reel. Even so, you usually start from 1200×800 or 1200×1000 to stay compatible with trucks and racking. The method is in the guide to reel pallets; if no standard size works, see custom plastic pallets.
Frequently asked questions
What are the standard pallet sizes?
ISO 6780:2003 recognises six footprints: 1200×800, 1200×1000 and 1219×1016 mm (rectangular), and 1067×1067, 1100×1100 and 1140×1140 mm (square). In Europe, 1200×800 and 1200×1000 mm dominate. The 800×600 mm half pallet is very common but is not one of the ISO 6780 sizes.
Is a 1200×800 plastic pallet an EPAL euro pallet?
No. EPAL and EUR are marks for wooden pallets built and inspected under the rules of the European Pallet Association: 1200×800×144 mm, 11 boards, 9 blocks and 78 nails. A 1200×800 plastic pallet has the same footprint and works on the same equipment, but it does not carry the EPAL mark and cannot enter the EPAL exchange pool.
How many euro pallets fit on a truck?
A standard trailer takes 33 non-stacked 1200×800 euro pallets, according to one logistics provider; if the load can be double-stacked, you reach 66, within the vehicle's weight limits. With 1200×1000 pallets the stated maximum is 26. These figures come from a single operator: always check with your haulier.
Which pallet size should I use for export outside Europe?
It depends on the destination country. The 1200×1000 mm is common in Europe and Asia, the 1219×1016 mm (48×40 inches) in North America and the 1100×1100 mm in Asia. For export, a plastic pallet has another advantage: it falls outside the ISPM 15 phytosanitary standard, which applies only to wood packaging.
Is there a tolerance on pallet dimensions?
Yes. ISO 6780:2003 allows a manufacturing tolerance of +3/−6 mm on the plan dimensions. For automated systems, pallet racking or wrapping machines, ask the manufacturer for the actual tolerance of the model anyway.
Sources
- ISO 6780:2003 Flat pallets for intercontinental materials handling: Principal dimensions and tolerances (iTeh Standards entry)
- EPAL: EPAL Euro pallet (technical data sheet)
- Cabka: 1200×800 plastic pallets
- Wikipedia: Pallet (table of ISO sizes and regions of use; secondary source)
- DSV: Quanti pallet può contenere un camion DSV standard? (page in Italian)
- Schoeller Allibert: general international catalogue (pallet data sheets)
- IPPC/FAO: ISPM 15 Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade (rev. 2018)
- SEMA, Is this your problem? Euro pallet orientation in pallet racking (Warehouse News)
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