In global logistics, the pallet quietly supports the movement of goods across long distances. It helps move products across countries and keeps supply chains organized. Knowing global pallet sizes is not just a small technical detail. It affects shipping speed, storage space, and overall transportation costs. As companies sell products in more international markets, they must understand different pallet standards. Each region uses specific pallet sizes. This guide explains the most common pallet sizes used around the world. It shows the dimensions in centimeters (cm), inches (inch), and feet (feet). The goal is to help logistics teams, manufacturers, and freight companies choose the right pallets. Clear knowledge helps businesses move goods smoothly across borders.
The Foundation: ISO 6780 International Pallet Standards
The International Organization for Standardization helps create shared rules for global trade. It sets standards that guide companies in shipping and handling goods around the world. ISO 6780 pallet standard lists six pallet sizes that many countries recognize. These sizes help companies move goods more easily across long distances. The standard improves compatibility between warehouses, trucks, and shipping containers. Many businesses use these pallet sizes for international shipping. However, different regions still prefer certain pallet types. Local habits and older logistics systems influence these choices.
Below is a simple overview of the six pallet sizes recognized in ISO 6780 and the regions that commonly use them.
| Pallet Dimensions (Length x Width)（mm） | Pallet Dimensions (Length x Width)（cm) | Pallet Dimensions (Length x Width)(inch) | Pallet Dimensions (Length x Width)(feet) | Primary Region of Use |
Height (cm/inch/feet) |
| 1219 mm x 1016 mm | 121.9cm x 101.6 cm | 48 inch x 40 inch | 4 ft x 3.33 ft | North America | 14-16 cm/ 5.5-6.3 inch/ 0.46-0.525 ft |
| 1200 mm x 1000 mm | 120 cm x 10 cm | 47.24 inch x 39.37 inch | 3.94 ft x 3.28 ft | Europe, Asia | 14.4-15 cm/ 5.67-5.91 inch/ 0.47-0.49 ft |
| 1200 mm x 800 mm | 120 cm x 80 cm | 47.24 inch x 31.5 inch | 3.94 ft x 2.625 ft | Europe | 14.4 cm/ 5.67 inch/ 0.47 ft |
| 1165 mm x 1165 mm | 116.5 cm x 116.5 cm | 45.9 inch x 45.9 inch | 3.825 ft x 3.825 ft | Australia | 15 cm/ 5.91 inch/ 0.49 ft |
| 1100 mm x 1100 mm | 110 cm x 110 cm | 43.3 inch x 43.3 inch | 3.61 ft x 3.61 ft | Asia | 15 cm/ 5.91 inch/ 0.49 ft |
| 1067 mm x 1067 mm | 106.7 cm x 106.7 cm | 42 inch x 42 inch | 3.5 ft x 3.5 ft | North America, Europe, Asia |
14-16 cm/ 5.5-6.3 inch/ 0.46-0.525 ft |
Understanding these basic standards helps businesses plan international shipping. It gives logistics teams a clear starting point. Companies can use this knowledge to choose pallet sizes that work across different markets. This choice can improve shipping speed and reduce wasted space. However, the real challenge appears when companies study regional pallet standards. Different regions follow their own common sizes. These local standards strongly shape daily logistics and transportation across each area.
Regional Pallet Dimensions: A Detailed Comparison
ISO 6780 pallet standard gives the world a basic guide for pallet sizes. However, most real logistics systems still follow regional pallet standards. Local transport systems, road rules, and old trade patterns shape these sizes. Companies must study these regional differences to ship goods smoothly. This section compares common pallet sizes in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. The sizes appear in centimeters, inches, and feet for easy reference.
Europe: The Euro Pallet System
Europe uses the Euro pallet as its main logistics platform.The system supports warehouses, trucks, and retail supply chains across the region.
European Pallet Association manages the Euro pallet system.The organization controls quality and reuse standards for these pallets.The EUR 1 pallet is the most common version.Other types serve different transport needs.
EUR 1 Pallet (Standard Euro Pallet)
Companies use the EUR 1 pallet across Europe.Retailers and warehouses rely on this size for daily logistics.
- Dimensions: 1200 mm × 800 mm
- Centimeters: 120.00 cm × 80.00 cm
- Inches: 47.24 inch × 31.50 inch
- Feet: 3.94 feet × 2.62 feet
EUR 2 Pallet
Some logistics systems use the EUR 3 pallet for special storage needs.The size allows flexible loading patterns.
- Dimensions: 1000 mm × 1200 mm
- Centimeters: 100.00 cm × 120.00 cm
- Inches: 39.37 inch × 47.24 inch
- Feet: 3.28 feet × 3.94 feet
EUR 6 Pallet (Half Pallet)
Retail stores often use the EUR 6 half pallet.Small loads fit this compact format well.
- Dimensions: 800 mm × 600 mm
- Centimeters: 80.00 cm × 60.00 cm
- Inches: 31.50 inch × 23.62 inch
- Feet: 2.62 feet × 1.97 feet
North America: The GMA Pallet
North America uses one pallet size more than any other.Most companies call it the standard pallet.Grocery Manufacturers Association helped set this format.Warehouses and trucks across the region support this size.
North American GMA Pallet
Retailers, food companies, and freight carriers use this pallet every day.The design works well with forklifts and storage racks.
- Dimensions: 48 inch × 40 inch
- Centimeters: 121.92 cm × 101.60 cm
- Inches: 48.00 inch × 40.00 inch
- Feet: 4.00 feet × 3.33 feet
Many companies compare the GMA pallet with the Euro pallet.The size difference can change container loading plans.
Asia: Multiple Pallet Standards
Asia uses several pallet sizes across different countries.Large markets and different logistics systems shape these choices.Some countries now move toward shared pallet standards.This change helps improve trade across the region.
Asian Standard Pallet (1100 mm × 1100 mm)
Many Asian logistics systems use this square pallet.Companies in Japan, Korea, and China often choose this format.
- Dimensions: 1100 mm × 1100 mm
- Centimeters: 110.00 cm × 110.00 cm
- Inches: 43.31 inch × 43.31 inch
- Feet: 3.61 feet × 3.61 feet
Asian Standard Pallet (1200 mm × 1000 mm)
Some Asian companies use this rectangular pallet.This size also works well with European systems.
- Dimensions: 1200 mm × 1000 mm
- Centimeters: 120.00 cm × 100.00 cm
- Inches: 47.24 inch × 39.37 inch
- Feet: 3.94 feet × 3.28 feet
Australia: A Unique Pallet Size
Australia uses its own pallet design.Rail transport and container systems shaped this format.
Australian Standard Pallet
Many companies in Australia rely on this square pallet.Rail freight systems support this size across the country.
- Dimensions: 1165 mm × 1165 mm
- Centimeters: 116.50 cm × 116.50 cm
- Inches: 45.87 inch × 45.87 inch
- Feet: 3.82 feet × 3.82 feet
Other Notable Pallet Sizes
Some industries use special pallet sizes.Specific products require unique loading solutions.The 1067 mm × 1067 mm pallet appears in several sectors.Telecom and paint companies sometimes use this format.Air cargo and drum transport also use custom pallets.These designs help solve special logistics problems.
Pallet Height: More Than Length and Width
Length and width define the pallet base.Height also plays an important role in logistics planning.Companies must consider the pallet thickness.They must also calculate the full height of the loaded pallet.
Empty Pallet Thickness:Different pallet materials create different thickness levels.Wood, plastic, and metal pallets all vary in design.
- Euro Pallet Height：The standard Euro pallet has a fixed height.Automation systems rely on this exact size.Height: 144 mm/Centimeters: 14.4 cm/Inches: 5.67 inch.
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GMA Pallet Height：The North American pallet has a slightly larger height.Manufacturers may change the design slightly.Height: about 6.5 inches/Centimeters: about 16.51 cm/Feet: about 0.54 feet.
Most wooden pallets fall within a general thickness range.The range usually sits between 14 and 16 cm.
Conclusion
Understanding global pallet sizes helps companies run international logistics smoothly.Businesses must learn the main pallet standards used in different regions.ISO 6780 pallet standard provides a global reference for pallet dimensions.Regional systems like the Euro pallet and the GMA pallet still dominate daily transport.European Pallet Association manages the Euro pallet system used across Europe.Many companies compare the GMA pallet with the Euro pallet when they ship goods across the Atlantic.Asia and Australia also use their own pallet standards.These regional sizes create both challenges and opportunities for global shipping.Companies must also plan pallet height and container space carefully.Good planning helps businesses reduce costs and move products safely across borders.Clear knowledge of pallet standards supports better supply chains.It also helps companies compete more effectively in global markets.