When choosing pallets for transport, warehousing or export, wooden pallet sizes are one of the first specifications to consider. The correct pallet dimensions affect how goods are packed, how much warehouse space is used, how efficiently trucks and containers are loaded, and whether pallets are compatible with handling equipment. wooden pallet sizes

In Europe, the 1,200 × 800 mm Euro pallet is one of the most widely recognized pallet formats, while 1,200 × 1,000 mm, 1,000 × 1,200 mm and other industrial dimensions are also widely used.

However, there is no single wooden pallet size suitable for every application.

The right pallet depends on the product, load, warehouse equipment, transport system, storage configuration and export requirements. wooden pallet sizes

This guide explains the most common wooden pallet sizes in Europe, their dimensions, applications, load considerations and the differences between Euro pallets, industrial pallets, one-way pallets and custom pallets. wooden pallet sizes

What Are the Standard Wooden Pallet Sizes?

Common wooden pallet dimensions used in Europe include:

Pallet Size	Typical Description	Common Applications
1200 × 800 mm	Euro / EPAL format	General logistics, retail, warehousing
1200 × 1000 mm	Industrial format	Manufacturing, heavier products
1000 × 1200 mm	Industrial / EPAL format	Industrial logistics and distribution
800 × 600 mm	Half pallet	Retail, displays, smaller loads
1140 × 1140 mm	Industrial / sector-specific	Certain export and industrial applications
1100 × 1300 mm	Large industrial format	Heavy or oversized products
Custom dimensions	Made to specification	Machinery, special products, export

The exact construction, height, board configuration and load capacity can vary significantly even when two pallets have the same footprint.

This is why buyers should specify more than just the length and width.

1200 × 800 mm Euro Pallet

The 1,200 × 800 mm format is one of the most important pallet dimensions in European logistics.

The official EPAL Euro pallet has:

Length: 1,200 mm
Width: 800 mm
Height: 144 mm
Approximate weight: 25 kg
Safe working load: 1,500 kg
11 boards
9 blocks
78 nails

These specifications are published by EPAL for the EPAL Euro pallet.

The 1200 × 800 mm format is widely used for:

Warehousing
Retail distribution
Manufacturing
Food and beverage logistics
Road transport
Export
Distribution centers
Automated material handling
General commercial logistics
wooden pallet sizes

The important distinction is that not every 1200 × 800 mm wooden pallet is an EPAL pallet.

A pallet can have the same external dimensions while having a different construction, load rating, board thickness, nail pattern or certification status.

If you specifically require EPAL pallets, see our Euro EPAL Pallets Portugal page.

1200 × 1000 mm Industrial Pallets

The 1,200 × 1,000 mm footprint is another major pallet format used in industrial logistics.

Compared with the 1200 × 800 mm Euro format, it provides a larger base area.

This can be useful for:

Industrial products
Machinery
Larger cartons
Manufacturing components
Chemical products
Building materials
Heavy loads
Warehouse storage
Export cargo
wooden pallet sizes

The 1200 × 1000 mm format is also represented within the EPAL load-carrier range. EPAL currently lists the EPAL 2 pallet at 1,200 × 1,000 × 162 mm, with a stated safe working load of 1,250 kg.

However, an industrial pallet measuring 1200 × 1000 mm does not automatically have the same specifications as an EPAL 2 pallet.

When buying standard industrial pallets, always confirm the actual construction and load rating supplied.

For heavy industrial applications, see our Industrial Pallets Portugal page.

1000 × 1200 mm Wooden Pallets

The 1,000 × 1,200 mm configuration is also widely used in industrial logistics.

It is essentially the same footprint dimensions as 1200 × 1000 mm but with the orientation reversed.

This format can be useful where the pallet needs to be positioned in a specific direction for:

Forklift access
Warehouse racking
Production lines
Container loading
Conveyor systems
Automated handling
Industrial storage
wooden pallet sizes

EPAL lists the EPAL 3 pallet at 1,000 × 1,200 × 144 mm, with a safe working load of 1,500 kg.

Again, buyers should distinguish between a generic industrial pallet and a pallet manufactured to a specific EPAL technical specification.

800 × 600 mm Half Pallets

Half pallets are useful when a full-size pallet would provide more capacity than necessary.

The 800 × 600 mm format is commonly associated with half-pallet applications.

Typical uses include:

Retail
Promotional displays
Smaller product quantities
Point-of-sale distribution
Consumer goods
Smaller warehouse loads
Partial shipments
wooden pallet sizes

EPAL currently lists both EPAL 6 and EPAL 7 half pallets at 800 × 600 mm, although their heights and safe working loads differ. EPAL lists EPAL 6 at 144 mm high with a 750 kg safe working load and EPAL 7 at 163 mm high with a 500 kg safe working load.

This illustrates an important point:

Pallet footprint alone does not determine load capacity.

Other Wooden Pallet Sizes Used in Europe

Beyond the most common formats, businesses may require larger or specialized pallet dimensions.

Examples include:

1,140 × 1,140 mm
1,100 × 1,300 mm
760 × 1,140 mm
1,300 × 1,100 mm
1,000 × 1,200 mm
1,200 × 1,000 mm

EPAL’s current product range includes several CP pallet formats, including CP3 at 1,140 × 1,140 mm, CP4 at 1,100 × 1,300 mm, CP5 at 760 × 1,140 mm and CP7 at 1,300 × 1,100 mm.

These formats demonstrate why businesses should select pallet dimensions according to the actual supply-chain requirement rather than assuming that every wooden pallet should be 1200 × 800 mm.

Wooden Pallet Size Comparison

The following table provides a practical overview of common pallet footprints.

Size	Typical Category	Typical Use
1200 × 800 mm	Euro pallet	European logistics and general distribution
1200 × 1000 mm	Industrial pallet	Manufacturing and heavier products
1000 × 1200 mm	Industrial / EPAL	Industrial distribution
800 × 600 mm	Half pallet	Retail and smaller loads
1140 × 1140 mm	Industrial / sector-specific	Industrial and export applications
1100 × 1300 mm	Large industrial	Large products and industrial cargo
760 × 1140 mm	Sector-specific	Specialized logistics
Custom	Custom pallet	Machinery, oversized and unusual loads

Why Wooden Pallet Dimensions Matter

Choosing the right dimensions is not simply about making sure the product fits on the pallet.

The pallet footprint influences the entire logistics process.

1. Product Fit

The pallet should provide a stable base for the product.

A pallet that is too small can create overhang and instability.

A pallet that is significantly larger than the product may waste space.

The ideal configuration depends on:

Product dimensions
Packaging dimensions
Weight
Center of gravity
Stacking requirements
Handling method
wooden pallet sizes

2. Truck Loading

Pallet dimensions directly affect how many pallets can be loaded into a vehicle.

The objective is normally to maximize usable cargo space while maintaining safe loading arrangements.

For this reason, European distribution operations frequently use standardized footprints.

However, the optimum arrangement depends on:

Trailer dimensions
Pallet orientation
Product dimensions
Loading restrictions
Weight distribution
Access requirements

3. Container Loading

Pallet size is also important when goods are transported in shipping containers.

A poorly selected pallet footprint can create unused spaces inside the container.

For export cargo, businesses should consider the pallet dimensions together with:

Product dimensions
Packaging
Container dimensions
Load height
Total cargo weight
Loading sequence
wooden pallet sizes

For international shipments, see our Export Pallets Portugal page.

Pallet Size and Warehouse Storage

Warehouse storage is another major consideration.

A pallet should be compatible with the storage system where it will be used.

Common systems include:

Floor stacking
Selective pallet racking
Drive-in racking
Push-back racking
Automated storage
Conveyor systems

The pallet footprint, construction and bottom-board arrangement can affect whether a pallet is suitable for a particular racking system.

Therefore, buyers should not select a pallet based solely on external dimensions.

Before ordering, confirm:

Pallet dimensions
Pallet height
Static load
Dynamic load
Racking load
Forklift compatibility
Rack compatibility
Entry direction
Product dimensions
Storage configuration
wooden pallet sizes

Wooden Pallet Size and Load Capacity

One of the most common mistakes when buying pallets is assuming that pallet dimensions determine load capacity.

They do not.

Two pallets measuring 1200 × 800 mm can have very different load capacities.

Capacity can be affected by:

Timber species
Board thickness
Board width
Number of deck boards
Number of bottom boards
Block dimensions
Stringer design
Nail pattern
Pallet construction
Load distribution
Support conditions
Handling method
wooden pallet sizes

For example, the official EPAL Euro pallet has a stated safe working load of 1,500 kg under the specified conditions.

That figure should not automatically be applied to every generic 1200 × 800 mm wooden pallet.

For heavy products, see our Industrial Pallets solutions.

Static, Dynamic and Racking Load

When discussing pallet capacity, it is useful to distinguish between different loading conditions.

Static Load

Static load refers to the load carried while the pallet is stationary, such as during floor storage.

Dynamic Load

Dynamic load refers to the load when the pallet is being moved using handling equipment such as a forklift or pallet truck.

Racking Load

Racking load refers to the load carried when the pallet is supported by a warehouse racking system.

These values can be different.

Therefore, a pallet specification should ideally state the relevant loading conditions rather than simply providing one generic “maximum weight.”

How to Choose the Right Wooden Pallet Size

The best pallet size depends on your application.

Use the following process.

Step 1: Measure the Product

Measure:

Length
Width
Height
Weight

Include the outer dimensions of the packaging.

Step 2: Determine the Required Orientation

Consider how the product should sit on the pallet.

Ask:

Can the product overhang?
Must all sides remain inside the pallet footprint?
Does the product need to be accessed from a particular direction?
Will multiple products be loaded onto one pallet?

Step 3: Calculate the Pallet Load

Determine the total weight of the products and packaging.

Do not forget:

Product weight
Packaging weight
Pallet weight
Additional protective material

Step 4: Consider Handling Equipment

Confirm whether the pallet will be moved by:

Forklift
Hand pallet truck
Automated guided vehicle
Conveyor
Warehouse stacker
wooden pallet sizes

The pallet construction should match the equipment.

Step 5: Consider Storage

If the pallet will be stored in racking, confirm the exact rack requirements before ordering.

Step 6: Consider Transport

If the pallet will travel by:

Truck
Container
Rail
Sea freight
Air freight

consider the available loading space and weight limitations.

Step 7: Determine Whether Standard or Custom Is Better

If your product fits efficiently on a standard pallet, a standard size can simplify purchasing and logistics.

If the product is unusually shaped or oversized, a custom pallet may be more appropriate.

See our Custom Pallets options for non-standard dimensions.

Standard vs Custom Wooden Pallets

Standard Pallets

Standard pallets are useful when:

Products fit existing dimensions
Warehouse systems are standardized
Pallets are exchanged or reused
Transport systems are already configured
Large quantities are purchased

Common standard formats include 1200 × 800 mm and 1200 × 1000 mm.

Custom Pallets

Custom pallets can be designed around:

Machinery
Industrial equipment
Long products
Wide products
Heavy components
Export packaging
Special handling requirements
wooden pallet sizes

Custom dimensions can help reduce product overhang and improve load stability.

Are 1200 × 800 mm Pallets the Same as Euro Pallets?

Not necessarily.

A 1200 × 800 mm pallet describes the footprint.

An EPAL Euro pallet describes a pallet manufactured according to the applicable EPAL specifications and identification requirements.

The official EPAL Euro pallet is 1200 × 800 × 144 mm and has a stated safe working load of 1,500 kg.

Therefore, when purchasing, specify whether you need:

Generic 1200 × 800 mm pallets
Euro-size pallets
EPAL Euro pallets
New pallets
Used pallets
Export-treated pallets
Custom pallets
wooden pallet sizes

This distinction is particularly important when pallets are being exchanged or used within standardized logistics systems.

Wooden Pallet Dimensions for Export

Export shipments require additional planning because the pallet has to work within the complete international logistics chain.

Depending on the shipment and destination requirements, wooden export pallets may need to meet applicable ISPM 15 requirements.

ISPM 15 addresses phytosanitary measures for regulated wood packaging material used in international trade.

For exporters, pallet selection should therefore consider:

Dimensions
Load capacity
Product fit
Container utilization
Handling equipment
Treatment requirements
Marking requirements
Destination-country regulations
wooden pallet sizes

Read our detailed ISPM 15 Wooden Pallets Guide for more information.

Wooden Pallet Dimensions for Different Industries

Different industries often have different pallet requirements.

Manufacturing

Manufacturers may require:

1200 × 1000 mm
1000 × 1200 mm
Heavy-duty industrial pallets
Custom pallets

Retail

Retail distribution frequently uses standardized formats such as:

1200 × 800 mm
800 × 600 mm

Food and Beverage

Food and beverage logistics may use standard Euro pallets as well as specialized hygienic pallet systems depending on the operation.

Machinery

Machinery often requires:

Custom dimensions
Reinforced construction
Heavy-duty timber
Additional support blocks
Special securing arrangements

Export

Exporters may use:

Euro pallets
Industrial pallets
One-way pallets
Custom export pallets
ISPM 15-compliant wooden pallets
wooden pallet sizes

Wooden Pallet Size Specification Table

When requesting a quotation, provide as many of the following specifications as possible.

Specification	Example
Length	1200 mm
Width	800 mm
Height	144 mm
Type	Euro / industrial / custom
Condition	New / used
Load	1,000 kg / 1,500 kg / specified requirement
Entry	2-way / 4-way
Deck	Open / closed / specific board configuration
Treatment	ISPM 15 / heat treated where required
Application	Warehouse / transport / export
Quantity	100 / 500 / 1,000+ units
Destination	Portugal / Europe / export destination

Providing these details makes it easier for a pallet supplier to recommend an appropriate construction.

How Pallet Dimensions Affect Pallet Weight

The dimensions of a pallet can influence its weight, but footprint alone does not determine it.

Pallet weight also depends on:

Timber density
Moisture content
Board dimensions
Number of components
Nail quantity
Block design
Construction method

For example, EPAL lists the standard EPAL Euro pallet at approximately 25 kg.

A generic 1200 × 800 mm pallet may weigh more or less depending on its construction.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Pallet Sizes

Mistake 1: Choosing Only by Price

The cheapest pallet may not be suitable for the actual load.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Height

Pallet height matters for:

Truck loading
Container loading
Warehouse storage
Racking
Automated systems
wooden pallet sizes

Mistake 3: Confusing Footprint With Certification

1200 × 800 mm does not automatically mean EPAL.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Racking Requirements

A pallet suitable for floor storage may not be suitable for a particular rack system.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Export Requirements

Wooden pallets used internationally may need to comply with applicable phytosanitary rules.

Mistake 6: Using the Wrong Load Rating

Always specify the required load under the actual handling and storage conditions.

Wooden Pallet Sizes: Quick Reference

For a quick starting point:

1200 × 800 mm
Best known as the European Euro pallet footprint and widely used for general logistics.

1200 × 1000 mm
Common industrial footprint with a larger base area.

1000 × 1200 mm
Another major industrial configuration.

800 × 600 mm
Half-pallet format suitable for smaller loads and retail applications.

1140 × 1140 mm and larger formats
Used for specific industrial and sector applications.

Custom sizes
Useful for machinery, oversized products and specialized export requirements.

The final selection should always be based on the product, load, storage system and transport requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wooden Pallet Sizes

What is the standard wooden pallet size in Europe?

The 1200 × 800 mm Euro pallet is one of the most widely recognized wooden pallet formats in Europe. The official EPAL Euro pallet measures 1200 × 800 × 144 mm.

What is the most common industrial pallet size?

1200 × 1000 mm and 1000 × 1200 mm are widely used industrial configurations. The appropriate choice depends on the product, handling equipment and warehouse system.

What size is an EPAL Euro pallet?

The EPAL Euro pallet measures 1200 × 800 × 144 mm and has a stated safe working load of 1,500 kg under EPAL’s specified conditions.

Is 1200 × 800 the same as EPAL?

No. 1200 × 800 mm describes the pallet footprint. EPAL refers to a specific pallet system with defined construction, markings and technical requirements.

What size pallet should I use for heavy products?

There is no single answer. Heavy products may require an industrial or custom pallet with reinforced construction and a load capacity appropriate to the actual application.

Can I order custom wooden pallet dimensions?

Yes. Custom pallets can be designed for machinery, oversized products, unusual packaging and specialized transport requirements.

See our Custom Pallets page.

What pallet size is best for export?

The appropriate size depends on the product, transport mode, container or trailer, handling equipment and destination requirements. Export pallets may also need to comply with applicable ISPM 15 requirements. wooden pallet sizes

Are wooden pallet dimensions standardized worldwide?

No. Several standardized formats are widely used, but pallet dimensions vary by region, industry, logistics system and application.

Does a larger pallet carry more weight?

Not automatically. Load capacity depends on pallet construction, timber, board configuration, support conditions and the intended application. wooden pallet sizes

How do I choose between 1200 × 800 and 1200 × 1000 mm?

Compare the product footprint, weight, warehouse system, transport configuration and required load capacity. The larger footprint is not automatically better if it creates unused space.

Need the Right Wooden Pallet Size?

Choosing the correct pallet dimensions can improve:

Load stability
Warehouse utilization
Truck loading
Container utilization
Material handling
Product protection
Storage efficiency
wooden pallet sizes

At Palmal – Paletes de Madeira, we supply wooden pallets for logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, transport and export requirements.

Our pallet solutions include:

Euro / EPAL pallets
Industrial pallets
New wooden pallets
Used wooden pallets
Export pallets
Heat-treated pallets
ISPM 15 pallets
One-way pallets
Custom wooden pallets
wooden pallet sizes

Explore our Wooden Pallets range or see our Wooden Pallets Portugal page.

If you already know the required dimensions, send us the size, quantity, load requirement, pallet type and delivery destination and request a quotation.

Related Resources

Official Technical Reference

For current EPAL product dimensions and specifications, consult the EPAL official product overview. EPAL currently lists the Euro pallet at 800 × 1,200 × 144 mm and also provides specifications for EPAL 2, EPAL 3, half pallets and CP pallet formats. wooden pallet sizes