Standard US pallet size: 48 × 40 in
The 48 × 40 inch pallet, often called the GMA pallet, is the most commonly used pallet in the US. In feet it is 4 ft × 3 ft 4 in; in metric, 1219 × 1016 mm, which GS1 lists as ISO 3. GMA pallets are usually about 6.5 in tall.
Pallet size chart
| Size (in) | Feet | mm | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 × 40 (ISO 3) | 4 ft × 3 ft 4 in | 1219 × 1016 | Grocery and general warehouse: the GMA pallet, the most used size in the US |
| 42 × 42 (ISO 4) | 3 ft 6 in × 3 ft 6 in | 1067 × 1067 | Telecom; technical coatings and paint |
| 48 × 48 | 4 ft × 4 ft | 1219 × 1219 | Drums: four 55-gallon drums without overhang |
| 40 × 48 | 3 ft 4 in × 4 ft | 1016 × 1219 | Military; cement bags and blocks |
| 48 × 42 | 4 ft × 3 ft 6 in | 1219 × 1067 | Packaged chemicals and beverages |
Euro pallet and ISO sizes
GS1’s list of platform codes gives these ISO pallet sizes and the regions where each is mainly used. The Euro (EUR) pallet is 1200 × 800 mm.
| mm | inches | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1200 × 800 | 47.2 × 31.5 | ISO 1: the EUR or Euro pallet |
| 1200 × 1000 | 47.2 × 39.4 | ISO 2 |
| 1219 × 1016 | 48 × 40 | ISO 3: the US standard, mainly the Americas |
| 1067 × 1067 | 42 × 42 | ISO 4: mainly the Americas |
| 1100 × 1100 | 43.3 × 43.3 | Mainly Asia Pacific |
| 1140 × 1140 | 44.9 × 44.9 | ISO 6: mainly Europe |
Pallet height and weight
- Height: GMA pallets are usually about 6.5 in tall (PalletOne). Other builds differ, so measure yours.
- Weight: one supplier’s spec sheet gives 55 lb for a used 48 × 40 GMA pallet. Weigh yours: it is part of the freight’s weight and density.
- Load capacity: at least 2,500 lb for PalletOne’s GMA pallets; PECO rates its pallets at 2,800 lb.
Pallet limits for shipping
- Carriers: Pitt Ohio’s rules tariff treats 40 × 48 × 48 in as its standard pallet, charges extra above 48 in tall and above 2,500 lb per pallet. Other carriers set their own limits.
- Amazon: 40 × 48 in four-way wooden pallets, GMA Standard B grade or better, 1,500 lb at most, and a loaded height ideally under 50 in.
Work out how many cartons fit with the pallet calculator, then the freight class of the loaded pallet with the freight class calculator.
Questions
What is the standard pallet size?
In the US, 48 × 40 inches: the GMA pallet, which pallet makers call the most commonly used size in the US. That is 4 ft by 3 ft 4 in, or 1219 × 1016 mm, and GS1 lists it as pallet size ISO 3.
What is a standard pallet size in feet?
4 ft × 3 ft 4 in (48 × 40 in). The other common US sizes are 3 ft 6 in square (42 × 42), 4 ft square (48 × 48) and 4 ft × 3 ft 6 in (48 × 42).
How tall is a standard pallet?
It depends on how it is built. PalletOne says GMA pallets are usually 6.5 in tall. Measure yours: the pallet height counts in the freight class.
How much does a pallet weigh?
One supplier’s spec sheet gives 55 lb for a used 48 × 40 GMA wooden pallet. Weights vary with the wood and the build, so weigh yours; it counts in your freight’s density.
How much weight can a pallet hold?
PalletOne gives a minimum load-bearing capacity of 2,500 lb for its GMA pallets, and PECO rates each of its pallets at 2,800 lb. Carriers and receivers set their own limits, for example 1,500 lb per pallet for Amazon LTL deliveries.
What is the Euro pallet size?
1200 × 800 mm (about 47.2 × 31.5 in): ISO 6780 size ISO 1, known as the EUR pallet.
What size pallet does Amazon require?
Amazon asks for 40 × 48 in four-way wooden pallets of GMA Standard B grade or better, at most 1,500 lb, and ideally no taller than 50 in loaded.