Pallet footprint
A pallet footprint is its length x width in plan view, with the length (the direction of the stringers or stringerboards) stated first. The 48x40 in (1219 x 1016 mm) footprint is the most common in North America, and 1200x800 mm (EUR) in Europe; ISO 6780 lists six standard footprints.
Also called pallet size, pallet dimensions, L x W
Reviewed
Length first
By convention the first number is the stringer length and the second is the deckboard length. A 48x40 has 48 in stringers and 40 in deckboards; a 40x48 is the same area turned 90 degrees, with different entry and racking behavior.
Common footprints
| Footprint | Metric | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 48 x 40 in | 1219 x 1016 mm | US grocery and consumer goods (GMA) |
| 42 x 42 in | 1067 x 1067 mm | telecom, paint |
| 48 x 48 in | 1219 x 1219 mm | drums |
| 1200 x 800 mm | 47.24 x 31.5 in | Europe (EUR/EPAL 1) |
| 1200 x 1000 mm | 47.24 x 39.37 in | Europe, Asia, UK |
| 1100 x 1100 mm | 43.3 x 43.3 in | Asia |
ISO 6780 lists 1200x800, 1200x1000, 1219x1016, 1165x1165, 1067x1067 and 1100x1100 mm. ANSI MH1 covers the North American sizes.
Why footprint matters
Footprint must match the product (to avoid load overhang), the trailer or container, the racks and any retailer or pool program. See choosing a pallet size and overall height.
Questions
- Is a 48x40 pallet the same as a 40x48?
- Same area, different orientation. In 48x40 the stringers run the 48 in side; in 40x48 they run the 40 in side, which changes fork entry and racking.
Related
- How to choose a pallet sizeHow to choose a pallet size: start from the product footprint, avoid overhang, then check trailer, rack, equipment and customer rules. 48x40 is the US default.
- Pallet dimensions explained: length, width and heightPallet dimensions are stated length x width, with length being the stringer direction. Learn how height, actual vs nominal sizes and metric sizes work.
- Pallet sizes and dimensionsStandard pallet sizes with drawings: 48x40, 42x42, 48x48, EUR 1200x800 and more. Weight, board feet, nail count and parts list for each build.
- ISO 6780: standard pallet sizes and footprintsISO 6780 lists six standard flat-pallet footprints: 1200x800, 1200x1000, 1219x1016 (48x40), 1165x1165, 1067x1067 (42x42) and 1100x1100 mm.
- Overall heightOverall height is the total height of a pallet from floor to top deck. A GMA-style 48x40 is 4.75 in: 5/8 in top deck + 3-1/2 in stringer + 5/8 in bottom deck.
- Panel deckA panel deck is a pallet deck of plywood or OSB instead of boards. The Uniform Standard requires face grain across the stringers and pieces 24 in wide or more.