Which pallet size do I need for my application?

Pallet sizes at a glance: all common pallet dimensions

The most common pallet size in Europe is the Euro pallet at 1200 x 800 mm. There are also a number of other standard sizes, used depending on purpose, industry, goods and region. Which size fits depends mainly on the goods, transport and storage. The table below shows the length, width and typical use for each common pallet dimension:

How big is a Euro pallet?

A Euro pallet measures 1200 x 800 mm and is 144 mm high. Depending on moisture content, a wooden Euro pallet weighs around 20 to 24 kg. This makes it the standard pallet size that most other formats are based on. It carries up to 1,500 kg. When loaded EPAL Euro pallets are stacked on firm, level ground, the bottom pallet may bear a maximum of 5,500 kg. A standard semi-trailer with a loading length of 13.6 m holds 33 Euro pallets. One rule applies: the load should not overhang the pallet.

What is the difference between EUR 2 and EUR 3?

EUR 2 and EUR 3 share the same footprint of 1,200 × 1,000 mm. They differ, however, in construction, height and load capacity. The EUR 2 measures 1,200 × 1,000 × 162 mm and the EUR 3 measures 1,000 × 1,200 × 144 mm. This affects from which side forklifts and pallet trucks pick up the pallet, and how pallets can be arranged in the warehouse, on the truck or in the container. Both formats count as industrial pallets and meet common pallet requirements.

Why choosing the right pallet size matters

The right pallet size affects storage capacity, transport costs, safety and handling. Pallets that are too large waste space, while pallets that are too small can be inefficient or fail to protect the goods properly. A well-considered choice delivers:

• Better use of space
• Lower transport costs
• More stability and safety
• More efficient processes in the warehouse and in shipping
  
  

Pallet size and pallet types for food

In the food industry and other sectors with high hygiene requirements, particularly strict requirements apply to hygiene and safety. Standardised pallet sizes are therefore often used, as they integrate smoothly into existing logistics and storage systems. Typical options are:

• Euro pallet (1200 x 800 mm) – the standard in Europe
• Industrial pallet (1200 x 1000 mm) – ideal in plastic
• Half pallet (800 x 600 mm) – ideal for smaller load units and sales floors
• Quarter pallet (600 x 400 mm) – widely used in retail for display solutions
• Hygiene pallet (various sizes) – designed specifically for sensitive food environments

Especially for perishable goods, pallets must be reliable and stable. Plastic pallets offer clear advantages here: unlike wooden pallets, they are moisture-resistant, hygienic and easy to clean. Depending on the material, plastic pallets can be highly resistant to many acids, alkalis and other chemicals. This supports compliance with high standards in the food industry and ensures safe and efficient processes along the entire supply chain.

Pallet size for export: EUR pallets at a glance

In export, international standards and transport conditions play a major role. Within the EU, Euro pallets are the most widely used pallets. The wrong pallet size can quickly lead to extra costs here. Important factors are:

• Container dimensions
• Customs regulations
• Weight restrictions

For international shipments to countries that apply ISPM 15, packaging made of raw wood must meet the relevant phytosanitary requirements. Plastic pallets are not subject to ISPM 15 and therefore need no pest treatment. Exchangeable Euro pallets must be in good condition for this. Plastic pallets are gaining importance here because they require no pest treatment.

More than 650 million EPAL pallets are in circulation worldwide.

Pallet size for high-bay warehouses

In high-bay warehouses, one thing matters above all: maximum efficiency. The pallet size must match the racking systems exactly. For every standard pallet, the relevant properties of each pallet type matter alongside the dimensions. These are:

• Consistent dimensions
• High load capacity and load in the rack
• Precise stackability
• Sufficient load capacity under static, dynamic and racking loads
  
  

What to look out for with pallet size in a high-bay warehouse

To keep your processes in the high-bay warehouse running smoothly, consider several factors. The deflection of the pallet is particularly important, as even slight deformation can cause disruptions. For general cargo transport, the maximum load height is often 220 cm. Depending on the carrier and type of transport, other maximum load heights may apply. Also check compatibility with automated systems to ensure precise processes and safe handling with forklifts. One important difference: 2-way pallets can only be picked up from two sides, whereas a 4-way pallet can be picked up from all four sides.

Load capacity is also decisive: besides static and dynamic load capacity, the racking load capacity plays a major role. Material quality matters too. Dimensionally stable plastic pallets are often the more reliable choice here.

Pallet size for container transport

In container transport, optimal use of floor space is what counts. Standard sea containers have fixed internal dimensions, which should be used as fully as possible.

Overview of typical sea container lengths:

• 20-foot container: approx. 5.9 m long
• 40-foot container: approx. 12 m long

Loading works most efficiently with Euro pallets and industrial pallets. However, Euro pallets are not always the best fit for containers. Industrial pallets often use the space better. Careful planning of the pallet size can save considerable costs here. Depending on the standard sizes and loading plan options, more goods can be transported per container and the number of pallets per container increases.

Pallet sizes at Q-Pall: plastic pallets in all standard sizes

Q-Pall manufactures plastic pallets, such as display pallets, in all common standard sizes. For all products, length and width match the standard pallet dimensions, so they fit into existing storage and conveyor systems. Besides length and width, the products differ in height, weight and load capacity. Plastic pallets in Euro-standard format have the same footprint as the wooden Euro pallet, but height and weight can vary by design. You will find the exact values for each pallet in our range of plastic pallets.

Conclusion: the right pallet size saves time and money

Choosing the right pallet size is not a detail, but a decisive factor for efficient logistics. Anyone who analyses the area of use carefully and takes the requirements into account can optimise processes, cut costs and avoid damage. It is therefore worthwhile for companies to check the size, format and material of the pallet carefully for every transport and every storage situation.

Suitable, standardised formats and appropriate materials, together with regulatory compliance, allow optimal use of storage areas, means of transport and automated systems. At the same time, they help simplify processes and reduce sources of error. As reusable pallets in a closed loop, Euro pallets promote sustainability in logistics. This ensures reliable planning and an economical flow of materials within the company.