# How much does a pallet weigh?

A standard <b>48 × 40 in wooden GMA pallet weighs about 35 to 70 lb (16 to 32 kg)</b>, often around 48 lb when dry; a <b>EUR / EPAL pallet weighs about 25 kg (55 lb)</b>. Plastic pallets range from under 15 lb for light export pallets to over 50 lb for heavy-duty ones.

## Key takeaways

- Wood pallet weight varies with species, moisture and construction.
- Use the real weight in your gross weight, VGM and freight class calculations.
- Light plastic or presswood pallets cut air freight and avoid ISPM 15 treatment.
- Load capacity is separate from pallet weight; check the rating.

## Typical pallet weights

| Pallet | Size | Typical empty weight |
|---|---|---|
| Wood GMA stringer pallet | 48 × 40 in | 35–70 lb (16–32 kg) |
| EUR / EPAL block pallet | 1200 × 800 mm | about 25 kg (55 lb) |
| UK / ISO wood pallet | 1200 × 1000 mm | about 25–35 kg |
| Plastic export (nestable) | 48 × 40 in or 1200 × 800 mm | about 10–20 lb (5–9 kg) |
| Plastic rackable / heavy duty | 48 × 40 in | about 40–60 lb (18–27 kg) or more |
| Presswood (moulded wood) | 1200 × 800 mm | about 10–15 kg |
| Steel or aluminium | Various | Often 50–100 lb and up |


Figures are typical ranges; a wet, freshly cut or heavily built wood pallet can weigh much more than a dry, light one. Weigh one from your supplier if the weight matters for a limit.


## Why the weight varies

- **Wood species**: hardwood pallets are heavier than softwood.
- **Moisture**: green wood holds a lot of water, and pallets dry out over weeks.
- **Construction**: block pallets and pallets with more deck boards weigh more than light stringer pallets.
- **Size**: a 48 × 48 in pallet weighs more than a 48 × 40.


## How much weight can a pallet hold?

Pallets have separate ratings for a static load (on the floor), a dynamic load (moved by forklift) and a racking load. A typical wood 48 × 40 in pallet carries around 2,500 lb dynamic and much more static; an EUR pallet is commonly rated around 1,500 kg moving load. Light export pallets are rated far lower. Use your supplier's rating.


## Using pallet weight in shipping

- **Gross weight** on the packing list and bill of lading includes the pallets.
- **Freight class** density is measured with the pallet; see the [freight class calculator](https://cartonmath.com/freight-class-calculator/).
- **Container VGM** includes pallets and dunnage; see [container weight](https://cartonmath.com/guides/shipping-container-weight/).
- **Air freight** charges every kilogram; a light pallet can pay for itself.

[Work out density with the pallet](https://cartonmath.com/freight-class-calculator/?l=48&w=40&h=48&wt=500): 500 lb on a 48 × 40 in pallet, 48 in tall.

## Sources

- [EPAL: EPAL Euro pallet](https://www.epal-pallets.org/)

## FAQ

**How much does a standard pallet weigh?**
A standard 48 × 40 in wooden pallet usually weighs 35 to 70 lb (16 to 32 kg), often around 48 lb when dry.

**How much does a euro pallet weigh?**
About 25 kg (55 lb) for a standard EPAL 1200 × 800 mm pallet.

**How much does a plastic pallet weigh?**
From under 15 lb for nestable export pallets to 50 lb or more for heavy-duty rackable ones.

**Should I include the pallet in the shipping weight?**
Yes. Gross weight, freight class density and the container's VGM all include pallets.

Source page: https://cartonmath.com/guides/how-much-does-a-pallet-weigh/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: CartonMath (https://cartonmath.com)