The euro pallet is Europe's standard load carrier – and a regular in search queries: How big? How heavy? How much deposit? Here are all the answers in one place, including the dimensions of every EPAL pallet, load capacities, and how many pallets fit into which van.
The euro pallet (EPAL 1) at a glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Length × width | 1,200 × 800 mm |
| Height | 144 mm |
| Tare weight | approx. 25 kg (20–27 kg depending on wood moisture) |
| Load capacity (static) | up to 4,000 kg |
| Load capacity (dynamic, in transit) | 1,500 kg |
| Stacking load (bottom pallet) | up to 5,500 kg |
| Construction | 11 boards, 9 blocks, 78 nails |
| Marking | EPAL in an oval on the corner blocks |
The dimensions are defined in UIC 435-2 and the EPAL specifications. Only pallets with the EPAL brand are exchangeable "real" euro pallets – unbranded single-use pallets in the same footprint do not belong in the exchange pool.
All EPAL pallet types with dimensions
| Pallet | Dimensions (L × W × H) | Tare weight | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPAL 1 (euro pallet) | 1,200 × 800 × 144 mm | approx. 25 kg | Universal standard |
| EPAL 2 (industrial pallet) | 1,200 × 1,000 × 162 mm | approx. 35 kg | Industry, beverages, export |
| EPAL 3 | 1,000 × 1,200 × 144 mm | approx. 30 kg | Chemicals, industry |
| EPAL 6 (half pallet) | 800 × 600 × 144 mm | approx. 9.5 kg | Retail, displays |
| EPAL 7 (half pallet, low) | 800 × 600 × 135 mm | approx. 8 kg | Retail displays |
| Düsseldorf pallet | 800 × 600 × 155 mm | approx. 9 kg | Beverage trade |
| Single-use pallet (typical) | 1,200 × 800 mm | 10–15 kg | Export, no exchange |
Why these numbers: the euro pallet footprint (0.96 m²) is chosen so it combines without waste in truck widths of 2.40–2.48 m – two lengthwise or three crosswise.
What does a loaded euro pallet weigh?
The 25 kg tare weight is just the start. In practice:
- Light goods (cardboard, textiles): 100–300 kg per pallet
- Mixed goods (retail): 300–700 kg
- Heavy goods (beverages, building materials, machine parts): 700–1,500 kg
For transport, the dynamic capacity of 1,500 kg is what counts – a euro pallet should not carry more in transit, even if it can bear more statically.
Deposit and exchange: what does a euro pallet cost?
Euro pallets usually run in an exchange system: the recipient hands back an empty, exchangeable pallet. Where exchange is not possible, a deposit or purchase price applies – typically €10–25 per pallet depending on condition and market (more for new, less for used class B/C). Prices track the timber market; there is no statutory deposit.
Exchangeability depends on condition: no missing boards, no broken blocks, a legible EPAL mark. Damaged pallets are repaired by EPAL-licensed shops and stay in the pool.
How many euro pallets fit into which van?
For everyone who wants to move pallets rather than store them – the capacities of common vehicle classes:
| Vehicle | Load area (approx. L × W) | Euro pallet slots | Payload (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car / estate | 1.0 × 1.0 m | 0–1 (half pallet only) | 400–500 kg |
| Compact van (e.g. Caddy) | 1.8 × 1.2 m | 1–2 | 600–700 kg |
| Mid-size van (e.g. Sprinter L2) | 3.2 × 1.7 m | 3–4 | 900–1,200 kg |
| Sprinter L3 (long wheelbase) | 4.3 × 1.7 m | 4–5 | 800–1,100 kg |
| 3.5-tonne box van | 4.2 × 2.1 m | 8 | 900–1,400 kg |
| 7.5-tonne truck | 6.1 × 2.45 m | 15 | approx. 2,500–3,000 kg |
| Semi-trailer (standard) | 13.6 × 2.45 m | 33 | approx. 24,000 kg |
Important: slots ≠ payload. A Sprinter has room for 4 euro pallets but carries only about a tonne – four fully loaded beverage pallets overload it clearly. Details on load areas and weights are in our guide Sprinter & 3.5-tonner: dimensions, load area, payload.
Ship the pallet instead of driving yourself?
Once the pallet is packed, the question is how it reaches its destination. For single or urgent pallets, a direct transport is often the fastest option – no depot, no transshipment, with an instant online price. The transport cost calculator shows the price in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a euro pallet? 1,200 × 800 mm footprint at 144 mm height – 0.96 m² of floor space.
What does a euro pallet weigh? Empty, around 25 kg; between 20 and 27 kg depending on wood moisture.
How high can a euro pallet be loaded? Common practice is a maximum packing height of 1.80–2.05 m (incl. pallet) so loads fit standard trucks and racking. Load securing and stability of the goods are decisive.
How many boards does a euro pallet have? Eleven boards (five deck, three bottom, three cross), plus nine blocks and 78 nails.
How much deposit does a euro pallet cost? There is no statutory deposit – €10–25 depending on condition is common when no exchange takes place.
Euro pallet vs. single-use pallet? The euro pallet (EPAL) is standardized, exchangeable, and repairable; single-use pallets are built lighter, not certified, and meant for one-way shipping.
