48 × 40 in
1,219 × 1,016 mm
The standard U.S. pallet measures 48 × 40 inches across the deck. Often called a GMA pallet, this footprint is common in North American grocery and retail distribution.
Footprint, empty height, weight, load rating and fork entry for the common U.S. pallet. Free to share with a link back.
Use these published footprints to compare sizes or start a load plan. Empty height is listed for the specific pallet shown in each row.
| Region and design | Footprint | Empty height | Specification | Load planner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North AmericaCHEP pooled wood block | 48 × 40 in1,219 × 1,016 mm | 5.6 in141 mm | CHEP | Use size |
| EuropeEPAL 1 Euro pallet | 800 × 1,200 mm31.50 × 47.24 in | 144 mm5.67 in | EPAL | Use size |
| United KingdomCHEP UK wooden pallet | 1,200 × 1,000 mm47.24 × 39.37 in | 162 mm6.38 in | CHEP UK | Use size |
| JapanT11 flat transport pallet | 1,100 × 1,100 mm43.31 × 43.31 in | 144 mm5.67 in | Japan Pallet Association | Use size |
| AustraliaCHEP Australian wooden pallet | 1,165 × 1,165 mm45.87 × 45.87 in | 150 mm5.91 in | CHEP Australia | Use size |
Footprints follow the source’s length × width order, and converted units are rounded. EPAL lists 800 mm as the Euro pallet’s length. CHEP lists 1,200 mm as its UK pallet’s length. Check the product drawing when fork-entry direction matters. Source pages checked November 14, 2026.
48 × 40 is the most common U.S. pallet. PalletOne says it makes up over 30% of pallets used in the United States, and Kamps says around 30% of new wood pallets built in the U.S. Other industries settled on their own footprints.
| Footprint | Typical uses | Reported by |
|---|---|---|
| 48 × 48 in1,219 × 1,219 mm | Drums, chemical | Kamps · PalletOne |
| 42 × 42 in1,067 × 1,067 mm | Paint, telecom | Kamps · PalletOne |
| 48 × 45 in1,219 × 1,143 mm | Automotive | PalletOne |
| 48 × 42 in1,219 × 1,067 mm | Beverage, chemical | PalletOne |
| 48 × 36 in1,219 × 914 mm | Beverage, paper, roofing shingles | PalletOne |
| 44 × 44 in1,118 × 1,118 mm | Chemical, drums | PalletOne |
| 40 × 40 in1,016 × 1,016 mm | Dairy | PalletOne |
| 36 × 36 in914 × 914 mm | Beverage | Kamps · PalletOne |
| 48 × 20 in1,219 × 508 mm | Retail | PalletOne |
Typical uses are what pallet makers report, not a standard. Your customer or carrier may ask for a different size. Sources: PalletOne (September 8, 2024) and Kamps (June 22, 2020), checked November 14, 2026. Converted units are rounded. Euro and other metric pallets aren’t interchangeable with these inch footprints in tight racking or automated storage, so check the receiver’s spec.
Enter your pallet and carton measurements. The load planner lays out each layer, counts the cartons and totals the loaded height.
Plan a loadGMA stands for Grocery Manufacturers Association. The name is still used for the common U.S. grocery footprint. A wood stringer pallet carries its deck on long beams. A wood block pallet uses spaced blocks and commonly provides fork entry on four sides. Both can share the same footprint. See the pallet bottom types gallery.
Kamps gives about 4½ in for a stringer example. PalletOne lists 4¾ in in its GMA guide, and Freightquote gives about 6½ in as general guidance. CHEP lists 5.6 in (141 mm) for its North American block pallet. Measure from the floor to the top of the empty pallet before you estimate how many carton layers fit.
Kamps · PalletOne · Freightquote · CHEP
Kamps lists 37 lb as the average in its 48 × 40 chart. PalletOne gives 30–48 lb for standard wood pallets. Weigh the pallet you’ll use and include it when checking gross weight.
CHEP specifies 2,800 lb for its North American wood block pallet with a uniformly distributed load in normal operation. Ask your supplier for the rating for your pallet and how you’ll support it, such as on a floor, in a rack or on forks.
Measure edge to edge across both sides of the deck. For an existing load, also measure the widest points of the load, including any carton overhang or wrap. Use those actual dimensions when they differ from the preset.
Open the load planner
Ask your receiver for its accepted pallet footprint, maximum loaded height and gross weight, and allowed overhang. Confirm which sides your equipment can enter and check the pallet’s rating for the way it will be supported.
If the receiver specifies a pool, confirm the accepted operator before loading. Buying pallets outright gives you control over their reuse. Pooled pallets remain the operator’s property and are returned through its network. Check the markings before reusing or disposing of a pallet. CHEP and PECO provide return instructions.
Run a receiving check
Many destinations require solid-wood packaging to comply with ISPM 15. Check the destination requirements before shipping. When compliance is required, use packaging with the official treatment mark, which identifies treatments such as heat treatment (HT).
USDA export guidanceThey describe the same rectangular footprint if you turn it 90 degrees. For handling, verify which edge has the fork openings and whether the pallet suits your rack or lift equipment.
The common U.S. grocery footprint is 48 × 40 in (1,219 × 1,016 mm). An EPAL 1 Euro pallet measures 800 × 1,200 mm. You’ll also see it written as 1,200 × 800 mm. Its shorter side is about 8½ inches narrower than the U.S. pallet’s short side. Rerun the box layout when switching between them.
Measure from the floor to the tallest point of the full load, including the pallet and anything above the top layer of cartons. Use that total when checking a receiver’s height limit.
Start with the outside dimensions of a packed carton. Rotating the carton on its base may change how many fit per layer. Empty pallet height, carton height and the shipment’s height and weight limits determine how many layers you can use. Try the box layout calculator.
Start with the measured deck and the dimensions of a packed carton. Try both orientations and check that your outer cartons stay inside all four edges. If a row extends past the deck, rotate the cartons, use fewer, or choose a larger pallet your receiver accepts. After wrapping, measure the widest points of the full load again. FedEx recommends avoiding overhang because it leaves carton edges exposed to damage. FedEx pallet packing guidance.
