Europe pallet dimensions: the complete guide (formats, weight, permissible load)
August 18, 2026 · 7 min read
The standard Europe pallet dimension is 1200 × 800 mm, with a height of 144 mm and an empty weight of around 25 kg. This EPAL pallet, governed by the UNE-EN 13698-1 standard, supports a dynamic load of 1,500 kg and a static load of up to 4,000 kg. This guide details every format used in France and Europe, their weights, permissible loads and marking.
Europe EPAL pallet dimension: the direct answer
The Europe pallet, also called an EPAL pallet or EUR pallet, measures 1200 mm long, 800 mm wide and 144 mm high. This size is set by the UNE-EN 13698-1 standard, the technical reference for the wood-packaging sector in Europe. It is the most widespread format on the continent: it structures almost all palletised goods flows, from the truck to the racking.
An empty Europe pallet weighs around 25 kg. It is made up of 9 blocks (the wood blocks that separate the two faces) and assembled with 78 nails, following a standardised manufacturing pattern that guarantees its strength and interchangeability from one supplier to another. It is precisely this dimensional standardisation that allows an EPAL pallet made in Poland to be handled with no adaptation by a French warehouse.
This dimension is not just a technical detail: it determines the number of pallets loaded into a semi-trailer (33 on the floor in a standard configuration), the aisle width of racking, and, increasingly, the ability of handling robots to identify and pick up a load autonomously.
Table of pallet formats used in France and Europe
While the Europe pallet dominates, several other formats coexist depending on use: international export, small loads, or single-use pallets. The table below summarises the dimensions and weights of the main formats found in France.
| Format | Dimensions (L × W) | Height | Empty weight | Main use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe pallet / EPAL | 1200 × 800 mm | 144 mm | ~25 kg | European standard, general-purpose flows |
| American / ISO pallet | 1200 × 1000 mm | ~144 mm | Variable | International export, large retail |
| Half pallet | 800 × 600 mm | 144 mm | Variable, lighter | Small volumes, in-store stacking |
| Quarter pallet | 600 × 400 mm | 144 mm | Variable, lighter | In-store displays, short runs |
| One-way pallet | Variable, unregulated dimensions | Variable | Lighter, lightweight construction | Single use, not collected or pooled |
The American pallet (also called the ISO 1200 × 1000 mm) is wider than the EPAL and offers a permissible load of around 1,500 to 2,000 kg: it dominates international flows and some large-retail circuits, while the EPAL remains the reference for intra-European flows. The half pallet (800 × 600 mm) and the quarter pallet (600 × 400 mm) reuse the EPAL's width by subdividing it, which keeps them compatible with the same racks and handling equipment.
The one-way pallet, for its part, stands out for having no single dimensional standard: built for single use at the lowest cost, it is neither collected nor pooled by fleet-management circuits, unlike the Europe pallet.
Permissible load: dynamic load and static load
Two indicators measure the strength of a Europe pallet, and it is essential not to confuse them when sizing storage.
Dynamic load is the maximum weight the pallet can carry while in motion, on a pallet truck, a forklift or a handling robot. For a compliant Europe EPAL pallet, it is set at 1,500 kg. This is the value to use for load calculations during any movement, whatever the equipment used.
Static load is the maximum weight the pallet can bear when stationary, typically when stacked or on racking, with the load evenly distributed. It reaches 4,000 kg for a Europe pallet in good condition, nearly three times the dynamic load, which illustrates the gap between stable storage and handling in motion, which places greater mechanical stress on the pallet.
In practice, these two values frame the sizing of storage projects: an operator stacking loaded pallets on racking must check the static load and the racking's load plate (required under the NF EN 15635 standard), while a logistics manager planning transport flows must think in terms of dynamic load.
EPAL standard and marking: how to recognise a Europe pallet
The reference technical standard for the Europe pallet is UNE-EN 13698-1, which governs dimensions, tolerances and manufacturing method (9 blocks, 78 nails). The EPAL label, issued by the organisation of the same name, certifies that a pallet meets this specification and can circulate within the European exchange system, on the principle of "one EPAL pallet delivered for one EPAL pallet collected."
EPAL marking is recognised by an oval mark burned into the pallet's blocks, generally accompanied by the approved manufacturer's licence number and the country of production. This marking is the most reliable way to distinguish a genuine pooled Europe pallet from a one-way pallet or a non-compliant imitation.
Another marking worth knowing: the ISPM 15 mark (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures), shaped like a wheat ear, certifies that a wood pallet has undergone mandatory heat treatment (56°C at the core for 30 minutes) before any export outside the European Union. Without this marking, a wood pallet can be turned back at customs on international flows.
Wood, plastic or cardboard pallet: which to choose?
Wood remains by far the dominant material: it accounts for around 94% of the pallet fleet in circulation. Its robustness, low cost and repairability make it the reference material for nearly all standard logistics flows.
The plastic pallet is nonetheless gaining ground for specific uses: it is washable, durable and exempt from the ISPM 15 treatment requirement (since it is not affected by wood pests), which simplifies export. Its downside: a cost 3 to 10 times higher than an equivalent wood pallet, and it cannot be repaired if damaged — it must be replaced entirely.
The cardboard pallet remains a niche format, reserved for light, one-off uses (trade shows, in-store promotions), with no standardised dimension or permissible load across the industry. For most warehouse and transport flows in France, the choice therefore remains between wood (the economical standard) and plastic (the durable, export-friendly option, at a higher budget).
Why standard dimensions matter for handling robotics
The dimensional standardisation of the Europe pallet is not just a matter of traditional logistics: it directly determines the ability of handling robots to operate reliably. An autonomous pallet truck has to recognise a pallet, assess its position and engage its forks with enough precision not to damage the goods or the rack.
This is the case with the autonomous pallet truck, a 2-tonne-capacity autonomous pallet truck distributed in France by Easy to Carry: its onboard AI recognises load supports, whether single- or double-face, standard or non-standard pallets, and corrects a position offset in real time with no manual intervention. The robot inserts its forks in around twenty seconds and can engage a pallet at 90° in a 2-metre aisle, a level of precision made possible precisely because the Europe pallet's dimension (1200 × 800 mm) is a stable reference known in advance by the navigation system.
For an operator considering automating pallet flows, knowing precisely the dimensions and weight of the supports being handled is therefore a technical prerequisite: it determines the choice of equipment, fork width (620 mm standard, 550 mm in the narrow version on the autonomous pallet truck), and the reliability of automated pick-up, with no need for additional infrastructure work.
FAQ — Europe pallet dimensions
What is the exact size of a Europe pallet?
A Europe pallet (EPAL) measures 1200 × 800 mm on the ground, with a height of 144 mm. This size is set by the UNE-EN 13698-1 standard and is the most widely used format in Europe, used for both transport and storage on standard racking.
How much does a Europe pallet weigh?
An empty Europe pallet weighs around 25 kg. This weight includes the 9 wood blocks and 78 nails that make up its standardised structure. It must be added to the weight of the goods to calculate the total weight transported or stored.
What is the difference between static load and dynamic load?
Static load (4,000 kg) is the maximum weight the pallet can bear when stationary, typically on racking. Dynamic load (1,500 kg) is the maximum weight while in motion, during transport on a pallet truck, forklift or autonomous robot. The two values must never be confused when sizing a project.
How do you recognise a genuine Europe EPAL pallet?
A genuine Europe pallet carries an oval EPAL mark burned into its blocks, along with the licence number of the approved manufacturer. This marking distinguishes a pooled pallet, exchanged on a "one delivered, one collected" basis, from an unregulated, non-pooled one-way pallet.
Wood or plastic pallet: which should you choose?
Wood dominates the market (94% of the fleet) thanks to its low cost and repairability. Plastic, 3 to 10 times more expensive, is attractive for its durability, easy washing and exemption from ISPM 15 treatment on export, a relevant choice for repeated hygienic or international flows.
Related reading
- Price of a Europe pallet: new, used, pooled
- How many pallets fit in a truck?
- Autonomous pallet truck: the complete 2026 guide
- Autonomous pallet truck: a complete overview
- The 10 types of warehouse racking
Automating the handling of your Europe pallets with Easy to Carry
Because the dimensions and weight of a Europe pallet are standardised, they are also what makes reliable robotic handling possible, with no infrastructure work. Easy to Carry distributes the robot in France, a 2-tonne autonomous pallet truck able to recognise and handle your standard and non-standard pallets alike. Request the free site pre-assessment to evaluate its fit for your flows.
Let's assess your aisles before everyone else does
Distribution opens soon in France. In the meantime, four questions are enough: your regional contact sends back a written verdict on your site, with no price and no date.