Reference Guide
Pallet Size Guide
Choosing the right pallet size saves money, maximizes trailer space, and ensures safe transport. Use our comprehensive size guide to find the perfect pallet dimensions for your application, whether you ship domestically or internationally.
Need Help Choosing a Size?
Tell us about your application and we'll recommend the best pallet size for your needs.
At a Glance
Quick Reference Table
The most commonly used pallet sizes in North America, ranked by market share.
| Size (inches) | Size (mm) | Common Name | Primary Industries | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48" x 40" | 1219 x 1016 mm | GMA / Grocery | Grocery, Retail, General | ~30% |
| 42" x 42" | 1067 x 1067 mm | Telecom | Telecom, Paint, Drums | ~9% |
| 48" x 48" | 1219 x 1219 mm | Drum Pallet | Drums, Barrels, Bulk | ~6% |
| 48" x 42" | 1219 x 1067 mm | Chemical | Chemicals, Beverages | ~5% |
| 40" x 40" | 1016 x 1016 mm | Dairy | Dairy, Produce | ~3% |
| 48" x 20" | 1219 x 508 mm | Half Pallet | Retail Displays | ~2% |
| 36" x 36" | 914 x 914 mm | Beverage | Beverages, Small Loads | ~2% |
| 48" x 36" | 1219 x 914 mm | Beverage / Paper | Paper, Beverage | ~2% |
| 44" x 44" | 1118 x 1118 mm | Drum / Chemical | Drums, Chemicals, USAF | ~1% |
Market share estimates based on the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and industry surveys. The 48" x 40" GMA pallet accounts for roughly 30% of all new wood pallets produced in the US.
Explore In Depth
Detailed Size References
Dive deeper into specific pallet sizes, international standards, or industry-specific requirements.
Selection Tips
How to Choose the Right Pallet Size
Know Your Load
Measure the footprint of your product. The pallet should be at least as large as the load, with no overhang for safe stacking.
Check Weight Capacity
Consider static, dynamic, and racking load ratings. Dynamic loads during transport are typically 50-60% of static capacity.
Match Your Trailer
Standard 53' trailers fit 26 GMA pallets (48x40) in a double-pinwheel pattern. Other sizes may reduce trailer utilization.
Industry Standards
Many industries mandate specific sizes. Grocery retailers require GMA pallets; telecom uses 42x42. Always verify with your customer.
Measuring Guide
How to Measure a Pallet
Accurate measurements are essential when ordering pallets, designing packaging, or verifying that incoming pallets meet your specifications. Follow these steps to measure any pallet correctly.
Step-by-Step Measuring Instructions
Measure Length (Stringer Length)
Place your tape measure along the longest side of the pallet, parallel to the stringers or the direction the forklift forks enter. For a GMA pallet, this is the 48-inch dimension. Always measure from the outermost edge of the deck boards on one side to the outermost edge on the other.
Measure Width (Deck Board Length)
Measure perpendicular to the stringers, across the deck boards. For a GMA pallet, this is the 40-inch dimension. Measure the full span of the deck boards, including any overhang beyond the stringers if present.
Measure Height
Measure from the bottom of the lower deck boards to the top of the upper deck boards. Standard pallet height is approximately 6 to 6.5 inches. Height matters for trailer clearance calculations. The maximum loaded height (pallet plus product) for most trailers is 96 to 102 inches.
Measure Fork Opening Height
Measure the vertical clearance between the top and bottom deck boards where the forklift forks enter. This opening should be at least 3 inches to accommodate standard forklift tines. Insufficient fork opening is a common issue with poorly repaired or non-standard pallets.
Check for Square
Measure diagonally from corner to corner in both directions. The two diagonal measurements should be equal. If they differ by more than half an inch, the pallet is out of square, which can cause problems in racking systems and automated handling equipment.
Pallet Dimensions Convention
In the pallet industry, dimensions are always stated as Length x Width, where Length is the stringer (or runner) dimension and Width is the deck board dimension. A 48x40 pallet has 48-inch stringers and 40-inch deck boards. This convention is critical when ordering because a 48x40 pallet is not the same as a 40x48 pallet, as the stringer orientation is different.
Industry Tip
When calling to order, always specify the stringer direction. Say "48 by 40, stringers on the 48-inch side" to eliminate any possibility of confusion.
Common Measurement Mistakes
- Measuring between stringers instead of overall width, which gives an incorrect narrow dimension
- Ignoring wing overhang, which makes the pallet wider than the stringer spacing suggests
- Confusing stringer length with deck board length, resulting in ordering the wrong orientation
- Not checking for square on used or recycled pallets, leading to racking problems
- Forgetting to measure pallet height, which affects truck loading clearance calculations
Load Ratings
Weight Capacity by Pallet Size
Weight capacity varies significantly by pallet size, construction type, wood species, and condition. These estimates represent typical capacities for standard stringer pallets in good condition.
| Pallet Size | Static Load | Dynamic Load | Racking Load | Pallet Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48" x 40" (GMA) | 2,800 lbs | 2,500 lbs | 2,200 lbs | 33-48 lbs |
| 42" x 42" (Telecom) | 2,500 lbs | 2,200 lbs | 1,800 lbs | 35-45 lbs |
| 48" x 48" (Drum) | 3,500 lbs | 2,800 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 40-55 lbs |
| 48" x 42" (Chemical) | 2,500 lbs | 2,500 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 36-48 lbs |
| 40" x 40" (Dairy) | 2,500 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 30-40 lbs |
| 48" x 20" (Half) | 1,500 lbs | 1,200 lbs | 800 lbs | 18-28 lbs |
| 36" x 36" (Small) | 2,000 lbs | 1,600 lbs | 1,200 lbs | 22-32 lbs |
Load capacities are approximate and assume even weight distribution, standard lumber grades, and good pallet condition. Block pallets typically offer 10-15% higher capacity than equivalent stringer pallets. Contact Universal Pallet Supply for capacity ratings on specific pallet configurations.
Decision Guide
Choosing the Right Size
Answer these questions to narrow down the best pallet size for your application. If you are still unsure after reviewing this guide, our team in Portsmouth, VA is always ready to help.
What are you shipping?
Measure the footprint of your product or packaging. The pallet should be equal to or slightly larger than the load. Product overhang beyond the pallet edge creates a falling hazard and makes stacking impossible. If your products are round (drums, barrels), use a square pallet like 42x42 or 48x48 to provide full support.
Where is it going?
If your customer is a major US retailer, you almost certainly need a 48x40 GMA pallet. If shipping to Europe, consider an 800x1200mm EUR pallet. For Asia-Pacific, the 1100x1100mm standard may be required. For internal use only, size matters less, so choose whatever is most available and cost-effective.
How are you shipping?
Standard 53-foot trailers are optimized for 48x40 pallets (26 per load in a pinwheel pattern). Using a different size may reduce the number of pallets per truck, increasing your freight cost per unit. If shipping in ocean containers (20-foot or 40-foot), different pallet sizes optimize container space differently.
What is the total load weight?
Compare your total loaded weight against the pallet's dynamic load rating (the most relevant for shipping). If your load exceeds standard capacity, consider a heavier-duty pallet, a block pallet design, or reinforced construction. Never overload a pallet, as it creates safety hazards and potential product damage.
Will pallets be racked?
Racking load capacity is the lowest of the three ratings because the pallet spans the racking beams with no center support. Verify that your loaded weight does not exceed the racking load rating. If it does, consider a block pallet or a heavier-duty stringer pallet with thicker deck boards and stringers.
Is this a one-way or returnable shipment?
For one-way shipments where the pallet will not return, minimize cost by choosing the smallest size that safely supports your load and using Grade B or C pallets. For returnable systems, invest in quality pallets that will last many trips, and standardize on a single size to simplify logistics.
Need Custom Pallet Sizes?
Universal Pallet Supply builds custom pallets to any specification. Whether you need a non-standard size, specialty materials, or heat treatment for export, we have you covered.
Get a Custom Quote