A euro pallet measures 120 × 80 × 14.4 cm and weighs around 25 kg when empty. Depending on how the load is distributed, its load capacity is roughly 1,000 to 2,000 kg, and as the bottom pallet in a stack it can bear a top load of up to 4,000 kg. In this article you will find the euro pallet dimensions, its weight, the load capacity in detail and how it differs from other pallet types.
Euro pallet dimensions at a glance
The euro pallet is the standard pallet for warehousing and transport in Europe. Its dimensions are standardised, so it fits into racks, trucks and containers without wasting space.
- Length: 1,200 mm (120 cm)
- Width: 800 mm (80 cm)
- Height: 144 mm (14.4 cm)
- Footprint: 0.96 m²
- Tare weight: around 25 kg, slightly more or less depending on the moisture content of the wood
The euro pallet consists of 11 boards, 9 blocks and 78 special nails. It is a four-way pallet: a forklift can pick it up from all four sides, while a pallet jack can only enter from the two short sides, meaning the 80 cm wide sides.
Euro pallet weight: empty and loaded
An empty euro pallet weighs around 25 kg. Dry wood is lighter, damp or wet wood is heavier. What matters for shipping: carriers always calculate with the gross weight. This includes the goods, the packaging, stretch film, edge protectors and the pallet itself. So weigh your shipment only once it is fully packed.
The permitted total weight of a loaded pallet depends not only on the pallet but also on the transport network. Many groupage carriers limit the weight per pallet, and this limit is often below the technical load capacity of the euro pallet. Check your carrier's requirements before packing.
Euro pallet load capacity: distributed load and stacking load
Different figures are often quoted for load capacity. The reason is that the bearing capacity depends on how the load sits on the pallet and how the pallet itself is supported. Commonly quoted values for an intact euro pallet on a level floor are:
- Around 1,000 kg if the load is unevenly distributed or concentrated in the middle.
- Around 1,500 kg if the load is evenly distributed over the entire surface.
- Around 2,000 kg if the load rests on the full surface, compact and evenly, for example sacks or tightly packed cartons that cover the whole area.
- Up to 4,000 kg top load if the pallet is the bottom one in a stack on a level floor and the load is evenly distributed.
The difference between payload and stacking load
The first three values describe the payload: the weight of the goods lying directly on a pallet. The fourth value describes the stacking load: the weight pressing down on the bottom pallet when further loaded pallets stand on top of it. The stacking load is higher because the pallet rests on the floor with its full surface and transfers the force directly downwards through the blocks.
The difference to the goods is important: the pallet may bear 4,000 kg of top load, but your cartons may not. In practice, whether pallets may be stacked is usually decided by the strength of the goods and the packaging, not by the pallet.
Load capacity in racking
If a pallet does not stand on the floor but on two rack beams, it is only supported at the edges. The load then bends the boards more, and the permitted load capacity drops considerably. How high it is depends on the placement: lengthwise or crosswise, with or without support grids. Separate values therefore apply to rack storage, which you can look up with the pallet manufacturer or in the EPAL load capacity information.
All figures mentioned apply only to pallets in perfect condition. Broken boards, missing nails or damaged blocks reduce the load capacity. Damaged pallets should not be used for shipping.
EPAL marking: how to recognise a genuine euro pallet
Only pallets with valid marking count as exchangeable euro pallets. Look out for these features:
- EPAL logo in an oval on the corner blocks of the long sides. On older pallets you will still find the "EUR" mark in an oval on one corner block.
- Information on the centre block: the manufacturer's code as well as the year and month of manufacture.
- Control clip in the centre block as proof of inspection.
- IPPC mark with the abbreviation HT on heat-treated pallets. This treatment according to the ISPM 15 standard is mandatory for wooden packaging in many exports outside the EU.
Pallets without these features or with counterfeit marks are not exchangeable. If you agree on a pallet exchange with your carrier, make sure the pallets are clean, intact and correctly marked.
Other pallet types compared
Besides the euro pallet, there are other pallet types. For shipping, the footprint is what matters most, because it determines the space occupied in the truck.
One-way pallet
One-way pallets are built lighter and intended for a single transport. Many also have a footprint of 120 × 80 cm, but carry no EPAL mark and are not exchangeable. Their load capacity is usually lower and varies greatly depending on the design. They are suitable for shipments where the pallet stays with the recipient.
Half pallet and Düsseldorf pallet
The half pallet measures 80 × 60 cm and therefore has half the footprint of a euro pallet. It is often called a Düsseldorf pallet and is common in retail because it works well for sales floors and displays. Two half pallets side by side occupy the area of one euro pallet.
Quarter pallet
The quarter pallet measures 60 × 40 cm. It is mainly used for small quantities and displays in retail.
Industrial pallet
The industrial pallet measures 120 × 100 cm. It is common in industry and the chemical sector and offers more surface than the euro pallet. Accordingly, it takes up more space in the truck.
How many euro pallets fit on a truck?
A standard semi-trailer has a loading area of 13.6 m in length and an internal width of around 2.45 m. Euro pallets are loaded crosswise: three pallets with their 80 cm side next to each other give a width of 2.40 m, and each row is 1.20 m deep. 11 such rows fit on 13.6 m, which means 33 euro pallets on one level.
With industrial pallets, two fit side by side, with the 120 cm side crosswise. Each row is 1 m deep, and 13 rows fit on 13.6 m, which means 26 industrial pallets.
If the pallets are stackable and low enough, the number of pallet spaces doubles in theory. Whether this works depends on the height, the weight and the strength of the goods. How to express the occupied space in loading metres is explained in our blog.
Maximum loading height and why height affects the price
There is no uniform limit for the height of a loaded pallet. It depends on the transport network and the vehicle. The internal height of a standard trailer is around 2.70 m, a mega trailer offers about 3 m. In pallet shipping via groupage networks, a height of about 1.80 m to 2.00 m including the pallet often applies as the upper limit or recommendation. Some networks allow more, others work with height bands. Ask your carrier before packing high.
Height affects the price for two reasons:
- Space: A tall pallet leaves no room for a second pallet on top. It occupies the entire pallet space up to the ceiling. Two low, stackable pallets, on the other hand, share one pallet space.
- Stability: The taller the pallet, the higher its centre of gravity. Tall pallets tip over more easily, need more securing and are handled more carefully during transhipment.
Put heavy goods at the bottom, keep the top surface level and always measure the height including the 14.4 cm pallet. You can read more in our blog and in our article on pallet shipping costs.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a euro pallet?
A euro pallet is 120 cm long, 80 cm wide and 14.4 cm high. The footprint is 0.96 m².
How heavy is an empty euro pallet?
Around 25 kg. The exact weight depends mainly on the moisture content of the wood.
How much weight can a euro pallet carry?
Commonly quoted figures are around 1,500 kg for an evenly distributed load, around 2,000 kg for a load resting compactly on the full surface and around 1,000 kg for a concentrated load. As the bottom pallet in a stack, it can bear up to 4,000 kg of top load. For shipping, the carrier's weight limits also apply.
How many euro pallets fit on a truck?
33 euro pallets fit on one level of a standard trailer with a loading length of 13.6 m. With stackable goods, it can be more.
How high can a pallet be for shipping?
This is set by the respective transport network. As a guideline, 1.80 m to 2.00 m including the pallet often applies. Check the requirements before packing.
Do you know the dimensions and weight of your pallet? Then the price calculator shows you the fixed price for shipping instantly, without an account. An overview of our transport services can be found on our freight and transport page.