Standard Pallet Sizes Complete Chart: GMA, Euro, Chemical & Industry-Specific Dimensions
Florida Pallet Supply • Updated 2026-03-30
Pallet dimensions are not one-size-fits-all. While the GMA 48x40 dominates US general distribution, at least a dozen industry-specific pallet sizes are in common use across different supply chains. Using the wrong pallet size for your industry creates handling problems, racking incompatibilities, and trailer-space waste.
This guide lists every major pallet standard in current use, explains which industries use each, and shows how to calculate trailer utilization for any pallet size.
Measuring a GMA 48x40 stringer - the dominant US pallet standard
North American Pallet Size Chart
Size
Industry / Use
Notes
48 x 40
Grocery, food, general distribution
Most common in North America (GMA standard)
42 x 42
Telecom, paint, beverages
Square format for symmetric loads
48 x 48
Drums, chemicals, beverages
Large square for barrel/drum loads
40 x 40
Dairy (milk crates)
Fits standard dairy crate dimensions
48 x 36
Beverage, bottling
Common for 2-liter beverage cases
36 x 36
Drums, chemical, beverage kegs
Fits standard 55-gallon drum
48 x 45
Automotive
Fits automotive part packaging dimensions
44 x 44
Chemical, drums
Standard for chemical industry 55-gal drums
48 x 20
Half pallet (retail display)
Used for store display half-pallets
1200 x 800mm (47.2 x 31.5)
European (EUR/EPAL)
Standard for European supply chains
How to Calculate Trailer Utilization
For a 53-foot dry van trailer (interior: 630" L x 98-99" W), divide trailer width by pallet width to get columns, then divide trailer length by pallet depth to get rows. Example: 48x40 GMA pallets placed 40" deep = 630/40 = 15.75, so 15 rows. At 2 columns (2 x 48" = 96"), that is 30 pallet positions per trailer. If you orient 48" across the trailer width (2 x 40" = 80"), you waste 18" of width but can potentially fit 3 columns of 40" wide pallets in some wide-body trailers.
Custom Pallet Sizes
If your product does not fit cleanly on a standard pallet, a custom size is often more cost-effective than you might expect. Florida Pallet Supply builds custom pallet dimensions for sod farms (long, narrow, high-deck designs for sod rolls), nursery operations (flat low-profile pallets for potted plant trays), building material suppliers (extra-heavy duty 48x40 or 60x48 for block, tile, and lumber), and pool/spa equipment manufacturers. Custom tooling costs are minimal for wood construction; the minimum order is typically 50-100 units.
Frequently Asked Questions
The GMA 48x40 is the dominant standard in the United States, representing roughly 35% of all pallets in circulation. It is the standard for grocery distribution, food manufacturing, and general retail supply chains.
Standard forklifts with adjustable fork spacing can handle most pallet sizes between 36 and 48 inches wide. Very narrow pallets (under 32") or very wide pallets (over 48") may require fork extensions or non-standard equipment.
Only if the rack beam spans are designed for it. Racking systems are typically engineered for a specific pallet width. Mixing significantly different sizes without beam adjustment creates safety hazards.
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