From the ubiquitous 48×40 to specialty sizes — a concise guide to standard pallet dimensions and their best uses.
Not all pallets are created equal — and choosing the wrong size can lead to wasted space, unstable loads, or compatibility issues with racking and trucks. Here's a quick rundown of the most common sizes.
The 48"×40" GMA pallet is the industry standard, used by approximately 80% of businesses in North America. It's compatible with all standard forklifts, pallet jacks, racking systems, and 53-foot trailers (which fit 20 floor-loaded GMA pallets). When in doubt, this is your default choice.
The 42"×42" square pallet is the go-to for telecom equipment, paint cans, and certain chemical products. Its square footprint provides excellent stability for tall, narrow loads.
The 48"×48" drum pallet fits four standard 55-gallon drums perfectly. Common in chemical, petroleum, and beverage industries.
The 36"×36" compact pallet works well for beverages, retail displays, and smaller delivery vehicles. Craft breweries love this size.
For international shipping, the 800mm×1200mm EUR pallet is the European standard. We can source or build these, though lead times are longer than domestic sizes.
Visit our detailed size guide for complete specifications, weight capacities, and industry recommendations for each size.