Grade A? Euro? Winged?
With so many different pallet sizes and specifications available, knowing which pallet you need can be confusing. Whether you’re looking for standard UK pallet sizes, comparing Euro pallet dimensions, or trying to work out how much weight a pallet can hold, we’re here to help.
In this guide, we break down the most common pallet sizes and dimensions and help you choose the right product for your needs.
The “standard” UK pallet sizes
Although there’s no singular global standard pallet size, 1200mm x 1000mm pallets are the most commonly used in the UK. Other regions have their own standard pallet dimensions, such as European standard pallets which typically measure 1200mm x 800mm.
Not all UK standard pallets are built the same way. They vary in the thickness and spacing of their boards, the size of their blocks, their base construction and their load-bearing capacity. The wording used to grade, name or describe them can also vary between pallet companies, adding another layer of complexity.
UK Standard Grade 1 (aka Grade A)
Grade 1 pallets are generally the strongest option and can support loads of up to approximately 1000kg. They typically have larger blocks and narrower gaps between the top boards. The top boards usually run across the shorter 1000mm side, although 1200mm boards may also be suitable when the timber is thick
enough and the blocks big enough.
At Universal Pallets®, we generally classify these as perimeter-based pallets, meaning they have additional boards around the base to improve support and stability.
UK Standard Grade 2 (aka Grade B)
Grade 2 pallets are available in a range of specifications and construction styles. They typically have less substantial construction than Grade 1 pallets, although the exact differences depend on the pallet. They may support loads of up to approximately 750kg, but capacity should always be confirmed for the specific pallet and its intended use. Grade 2 pallets may have a perimeter-based, Three-Legger or conversion base.
UK Standard Grade 3 (aka Grade C/Lightweight)
These pallets tend to be a mixture of perimeter-based, Three-Legger or conversion base, depending on what’s in stock. They may have wider gaps between boards, thinner timber or smaller blocks, which distinguish them from higher-grade pallets. Load-bearing capacity can be anything from 200kg up to approximately 500kg.
UK Standard Three-Legger
This pallet design has just the three legs underneath the top deck, without the additional boards that form a perimeter base. This pallet can fall into the Grade 2 or Grade 3 categories.
UK Standard Winged
Winged pallets are another design variation and may be available across different grades and base constructions.
A winged pallet has top boards that extend beyond the edges of the blocks, creating an overhang. This can help with shrink-wrapping and is also a feature of some pallets used in the chemical industry.
Euro pallet sizes and dimensions
The standard Euro pallet size is 1200mm x 800mm. Euro pallets are widely used across Europe and are common in the UK, particularly for transporting goods internationally.
There are different types of Euro-size pallets, including stamped Euro pallets, unstamped Euro pallets, and half-Euro pallets.
Stamped Euro pallets
Stamped Euro pallets are typically heavy-duty pallets marked EUR, which are all manufactured to a defined specification.
Second-hand stamped Euro pallets are often sold in different grades, such as Grade 1 (Grade A) or Grade 2 (Grade B), indicating the pallet’s condition and appearance.
There are several brands of EUR pallets which have their own logo stamp, e.g. EPAL, MAV or UIC. Read our Ultimate Guide To Pallet Markings blog to find out more.
Unstamped Euro pallets
Unstamped Euro pallets, also known as unlicensed Euro pallets, do not carry the EUR mark. They measure 1200mm x 800mm, but not all will be identical as their construction and specifications can vary between manufacturers.
They are likely to vary in load limits depending on the number of top boards, block heights, etc., so they tend to be classified into two categories – lightweight or medium.
Half-Euro pallets
Half-Euro pallets measure 800mm x 600mm, making them half the size of a standard Euro pallet. They are useful for smaller loads and applications where a full-size pallet would take up too much space.
These are sometimes known as Dusseldorf pallets, though a true Dusseldorf will have metal legs instead of timber blocks.
Other common pallet sizes
While pallet sizes vary around the world, ISO 6780 specifies six standard pallet dimensions used in international shipping and warehousing.
1200mm x 1000mm – UK standard pallet, also widely used across Europe and Asia.
1200mm x 800mm – Standard Euro pallet used across Europe.
1219mm x 1016mm (48 x 40 inches) – The standard pallet size in North America.
1165mm x 1165mm (45.9 x 45.9 inches) – Square pallet, typically the Australian standard pallet.
1100mm x 1100mm – Square pallet, commonly used across Asia.
1067mm x 1067mm (42 x 42 inches) – Square pallet used across North America, Europe and Asia.
If you’re shipping goods internationally, choosing a pallet size recognised in your destination region can avoid the need to transfer goods onto different pallets during transit.
CP pallet sizes and dimensions
CP stands for Chemical Pallet. CP pallets were developed in cooperation with the Chemical Industry Association, but they’re also used in other industries such as construction.
CP pallets are often winged as this helps to protect the blocks and therefore the integrity of the pallet should any product spill onto the wood. The winged edges also help with shrink-wrapping pallet loads, a method commonly used in the Chemical industry.
There are nine CP pallet types, numbered CP1 to CP9, each with its own dimensions and design. Some have the same footprint but differ in their construction, making it important to choose the right type for the intended load and handling requirements.
CP1
1200mm x 1000mm Winged pallet
CP2
A Euro-sized 1200mm x 800mm Winged, Three-Legger pallet
CP3
A 1140mm x 1140mm Square Winged, Three-Legger pallet designed to carry four drums
CP4
A less commonly sized 1300mm x 1100mm Winged, Three-Legger pallet
CP5
A smaller 1140mm x 760mm Winged, Three-Legger pallet, the smallest of the CP pallets
CP6
This is a 1200mm x 1000mm Winged pallet with a perimeter base
CP7
1300mm x 1100mm Winged pallet with a perimeter base
CP8
This is a more specialised pallet, 1140mm x 1140mm with a hole in the middle designed for bulk bag discharge
CP9
A 1140mm x 1140mm Winged pallet with a perimeter base
How to choose the right pallet for the job
The right pallet depends entirely on what you’re transporting or storing, where it’s going and a few other factors. It’s worth considering the following before buying a pallet.
Load dimensions and weight
Choose a pallet that provides enough space for your goods to sit securely without hanging over the edges. Consider the dimensions of the entire load, including packaging, as well as its total weight.
Pallet construction and load capacity
Pallets of the same size can have different load capacities depending on their construction, materials and condition. Check that the pallet can safely support your load, taking into account whether it will be stationary, moved by forklift or pallet truck, or stored on racking.
Handling requirements
Make sure the pallet dimensions are compatible with your warehouse racking, forklifts, pallet trucks and conveyor systems. You may also need a pallet with two-way or four-way entry, depending on how your equipment accesses it. Choosing a compatible pallet helps make storage and handling safer and more efficient.
Domestic use vs export
If your goods are staying in the UK, a standard UK pallet measuring 1200mm x 1000mm may be most suitable. For shipments to Europe, a Euro pallet measuring 1200mm x 800mm may be more appropriate. Always check the pallet requirements and handling equipment at the destination location before shipping.
For international shipments using wooden pallets, check whether ISPM 15 heat treatment is required. This helps prevent the spread of pests through international trade.
Universal Pallets is here to help
We hope this guide has helped you make sense of the different pallet sizes and dimensions available. Believe it or not, even with all this variation, the world’s pallet sizes are significantly more streamlined now than they used to be!
If you require a custom-sized pallet, get in touch with our friendly team and we’d be happy to assist and advise you. You can also browse our range of wooden and plastic pallets or find out more about our pallet collection service.
We’ve also put together a simple visual guide that explains pallet sizes and styles at a glance.