A UK standard pallet measures 1200mm × 1000mm. A Euro pallet measures 1200mm × 800mm. Those two sizes cover most pallets moving around the UK, but half pallets, quarter pallets and courier height limits cause most of the confusion when you book a collection. This guide puts all the common sizes in one place, then explains how each one changes the way you should wrap it.
Common pallet sizes at a glance
| Pallet | Footprint (L × W) | Typical base height | Where you’ll see it |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK standard | 1200 × 1000mm | about 150mm | Most UK road freight, warehouses and pallet delivery services |
| Euro pallet | 1200 × 800mm | 144mm | Goods going to or coming from mainland Europe, supermarket supply chains |
| Half Euro pallet | 800 × 600mm | about 144mm | Retail display, small shipments |
| Quarter Euro pallet | 600 × 400mm | varies | Shop-floor display units |
| North American | 48 × 40 inches (1219 × 1016mm) | varies | Imports and exports to the US and Canada |
Footprints are always given as length × width. The height of the empty pallet matters less day to day, but it counts towards the total height limit when you book a delivery.
UK standard pallet vs Euro pallet
Both pallets are 1200mm long. The difference is the width: 1000mm for a UK standard pallet and 800mm for a Euro pallet, which makes the Euro pallet’s footprint 20% smaller.
- UK standard (1200 × 1000mm) is the default for domestic freight. If a UK courier or pallet delivery service says “a pallet” without a size, this is usually what they mean.
- Euro (1200 × 800mm) is the default across mainland Europe. It fits more neatly into European trailers and many retail distribution centres, so you’ll receive a lot of stock on Euro pallets even if you only ship within the UK.
An empty wooden pallet usually weighs somewhere between 20 and 30kg, depending on the timber and how it was built. Remember to include it when you work out the total weight of a load.
Full, half and quarter pallets: what couriers mean
This is where most people get caught out. When a UK pallet delivery service talks about a “half pallet” or “quarter pallet”, it usually doesn’t mean a smaller base. It means a standard-footprint pallet loaded to a lower height and weight, which is charged at a lower rate.
| Service size | Typical maximum height (including pallet) | Typical maximum weight (including pallet) |
|---|---|---|
| Full pallet | about 2.2m | about 1000 to 1200kg |
| Half pallet | about 1.1 to 1.2m | about 500 to 600kg |
| Quarter pallet | about 0.8m | about 250 to 300kg |
| Mini or micro pallet | about 0.6m | about 150kg |
These are typical figures, not fixed rules. Every carrier and network sets its own limits, so always check the booking terms before you build the load. A pallet that is 5cm too tall or a few kilos too heavy can be refused at collection or re-charged at the next size up.
How many pallets fit in a lorry or container?
| Vehicle or container | UK standard pallets (1200 × 1000mm) | Euro pallets (1200 × 800mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 13.6m articulated trailer | 26 | 33 |
| 40ft shipping container | 20 to 21 | 23 to 24 |
| 20ft shipping container | 10 | 11 |
Figures assume single-stacked pallets on the floor. Real numbers depend on the loading pattern, the load’s weight and whether pallets overhang, so treat them as a planning guide.
Shipping pallets abroad: the heat treatment mark
Wooden pallets crossing international borders usually have to meet the ISPM 15 standard, which means the timber has been heat treated to kill pests. Compliant pallets carry a stamped mark that includes the letters HT. If you’re exporting, check the stamp before you load. A non-compliant pallet can hold up a whole shipment at the border. Plastic and pressed-wood pallets are generally exempt.
How pallet size changes the way you wrap it
The bigger the footprint, the more film each wrap uses. One lap around a pallet uses film roughly equal to its perimeter:
| Pallet | Perimeter per lap | Suggested film |
|---|---|---|
| UK standard, full height, heavy or mixed load | 4.4m | 23 micron |
| UK standard, half or quarter height, stable boxes | 4.4m | 17 micron |
| Euro pallet, light and even cartons | 4.0m | 17 micron |
| Any size with sharp edges or high value | depends on size | 23 micron, black if you want contents hidden |
A few rules hold whatever the size:
- Tie the load to the pallet. Put three or four wraps around the base so the film grips the pallet itself, not just the boxes above it.
- Overlap by about half the film width as you spiral up.
- Finish with two or three wraps at the top to lock in the top layer.
- Taller loads need more film, not tighter film. Pulling harder on a tall, narrow load can tip it. Add wraps instead.
Want exact numbers for your own pallets? Our pallet wrap calculator works out rolls and cost per pallet from your pallet size and load height, and our step-by-step guide shows how to wrap a pallet properly.
Pallet sizes: quick answers
What is the standard pallet size in the UK?
1200mm × 1000mm, with a base about 150mm high.
What size is a Euro pallet?
1200mm × 800mm × 144mm high.
Is a half pallet half the size?
Not usually, when you’re booking a UK pallet delivery. A “half pallet” normally means a standard 1200 × 1000mm pallet loaded to about half the height and weight of a full one. A physical half Euro pallet does exist, and measures 800 × 600mm.
How tall can a pallet be?
For a full pallet on most UK delivery services, around 2.2m including the pallet itself. Always check your carrier’s limit before loading.
Which pallet wrap should I use for a standard pallet?
For a full-height, heavy or mixed load, 23 micron. For lighter, even cartons, 17 micron is usually enough. See our 17 vs 23 micron guide, or browse the range.