Pallet sizes explained: EUR, UK/ISO, US, Asia and Australia
The common pallet footprints are EUR/EPAL 1200 × 800 mm (Europe), UK/ISO 1200 × 1000 mm, US GMA 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm), Asia 1100 × 1100 mm and Australia 1165 × 1165 mm. Use the size your buyer's warehouse handles, then size your cartons to fit it.
The five common footprints
| Pallet | Size (mm) | Size (in) | Area (m²) | Where it is used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR / EPAL | 1200 × 800 | 47.2 × 31.5 | 0.96 | Europe-wide standard pallet, the EPAL 1 / EUR 1 footprint |
| ISO / UK | 1200 × 1000 | 47.2 × 39.4 | 1.2 | The UK standard footprint, also used widely in Europe as the 'industrial' pallet |
| US GMA | 1219 × 1016 | 48 × 40 | 1.24 | The 48 x 40 inch GMA pallet, the most common footprint in North America |
| Asia | 1100 × 1100 | 43.3 × 43.3 | 1.21 | The square 1100 x 1100 mm footprint common in Japan, Korea and wider Asia |
| Australia | 1165 × 1165 | 45.9 × 45.9 | 1.36 | The square 1165 x 1165 mm footprint used in Australia |
Which pallet should an exporter use?
- Shipping to Europe: EUR/EPAL 1200 × 800 mm is the default for retail and most warehouses; 1200 × 1000 mm is common for industrial goods.
- Shipping to the US or Canada: 48 × 40 in is by far the most common.
- Within Asia: 1100 × 1100 mm is widespread, but ask, because 1200 × 1000 mm is also common.
- Australia: 1165 × 1165 mm fits local racking and the national pallet pools.
When in doubt, ask the consignee which pallet their racking and forklifts take. A pallet that fits your container well but not their warehouse can cost more at the other end.
How each pallet fills a container
| Pallet | 20GP | 40GP | 40HQ | 45HQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR / EPAL | 11 | 25 | 25 | 27 |
| ISO / UK | 9 | 22 | 22 | 24 |
| US GMA | 9 | 20 | 20 | 24 |
| Asia | 10 | 20 | 20 | 24 |
| Australia | 10 | 20 | 20 | 22 |
The narrow EUR pallet uses the 2.35 m wide container floor best. If you choose the footprint yourself and ship by container, that is worth knowing; more on this in pallets per container.
Fitting cartons to the pallet
The best carton size divides the pallet evenly. On a EUR pallet, a 40 × 30 cm carton footprint gives 8 per layer with no gaps; a 41 × 31 cm carton gives only 5. Cartons hanging over the edge get crushed and can be refused at the warehouse.
Plan a pallet40 × 30 × 20 cm cartons on a EUR pallet, stacked to 160 cm.Export pallets and ISPM 15
Solid wood packaging, including pallets, crossing borders usually has to meet ISPM 15: heat-treated or fumigated and marked with the IPPC stamp. Plywood, plastic and presswood pallets are generally outside its scope. Rules and enforcement vary by country, so confirm with your forwarder or the destination's plant-health authority.
Tools used in this guide
Related guides
Common questions
What size is a EUR pallet?
1200 × 800 mm (about 47.2 × 31.5 in), the EPAL 1 footprint.
What is the standard US pallet size?
48 × 40 inches (1219 × 1016 mm), the GMA pallet.
What is an ISO pallet?
Usually the 1200 × 1000 mm footprint, one of the six sizes in ISO 6780; it is the UK standard and common in industry.
Do export pallets need to be heat treated?
Solid wood pallets usually need ISPM 15 treatment and marking for international shipping; check the destination's rules.