Standard UK Pallet Sizes and Weight Limits Explained

Getting the pallet size right is one of the most important parts of arranging a delivery. Choose correctly and your consignment moves smoothly and at the right price. Get it wrong and you could face surcharges, delays or a refused collection. Yet the terms used, from quarter and half pallets to full and oversized, are not always clearly explained.

This guide sets out the standard UK pallet sizes and weight limits, how pallets are classified, and how to choose the right one for your goods.

What is the standard UK pallet size?

The standard UK pallet measures 1200mm x 1000mm. This is the most widely used footprint for freight across Great Britain. The other common size is the Euro pallet, which measures 1200mm x 800mm and is used extensively across Europe. Both share the same 1200mm length, differing only in width.

Importantly, terms like quarter, half and full pallet do not describe different footprints. They refer to the height of the loaded goods on that standard base, and each height band comes with its own weight limit.

UK pallet sizes and weight limits

Pallets are grouped by how high the loaded goods stand, with the footprint staying the same. The table below shows typical UK figures, though limits vary between pallet networks and carriers, so always check your chosen provider’s specifications before booking.

Pallet type	Typical maximum height	Typical maximum weight	Best for
Micro pallet	around 0.6m	up to around 150kg	Very small consignments
Quarter pallet	around 0.8m	up to around 250kg	Small shipments, eCommerce stock
Half pallet	around 1.2m	up to around 500kg	Medium business deliveries
Light pallet	around 2.2m	up to around 750kg	Bulky but lightweight goods
Full pallet	around 2.2m	up to around 1,000–1,200kg	Standard commercial freight
Oversized pallet	exceeds standard limits	varies by carrier	Large, heavy or bulky loads

How pallets are classified

The key thing to understand is that pallet categories are based on the height of the load, not the size of the base. A quarter, half and full pallet all sit on the same 1200mm x 1000mm footprint; the difference is how high the goods are stacked and how much they weigh.

This matters because pallet networks price and handle consignments according to these bands. A pallet loaded to just over a category’s height limit may be bumped into the next band, and charged accordingly, so it pays to load within the limits of the size you have booked.

Pallet weight limits explained

Each height band carries its own maximum weight, roughly 250kg for a quarter pallet, 500kg for a half and up to around 1,000 to 1,200kg for a full pallet. The light pallet is a useful in-between option: the same height as a full pallet but with a lower weight limit, ideal for goods that are bulky but not especially heavy.

Staying within the weight limit matters for two reasons. First, exceeding it can push your consignment into a higher, more expensive category or lead to it being reclassified on collection. Second, and just as important, an overloaded or poorly balanced pallet is a safety risk during handling. Distributing weight evenly, with the heaviest items at the bottom, keeps the load stable and within its limit.

Euro pallet versus UK standard pallet

The two are easy to tell apart once you know the dimensions. The UK standard pallet is 1200mm x 1000mm and is the default for most domestic freight, while the Euro pallet is 1200mm x 800mm and is common on goods moving to and from mainland Europe. For most UK deliveries the standard pallet is what you will use, but if your goods arrive on Euro pallets, it is worth confirming how your carrier handles them.

How to measure and choose the right pallet size

Choosing correctly comes down to measuring properly. Once your pallet is fully loaded and wrapped, measure its total height including the pallet base itself, and weigh it complete. Round up rather than down, and if your consignment falls between two sizes, book the larger one to avoid delays or surcharges on collection.

Keep the load within the footprint too. Anything that overhangs the edges of the pallet counts as oversized, even if the height and weight are within limits, because it takes up extra space on the vehicle. A neat, well-secured load that sits squarely on the base is easier to handle, safer in transit and cheaper to send.

What about oversized pallets?

A consignment is classed as oversized when it exceeds the standard footprint, height or weight for a full pallet. Oversized pallets take up additional vehicle space and are usually subject to a surcharge, and some networks may not offer certain services for them. Long, tall or unusually heavy items often fall into this category, so it is best to flag them with your carrier when booking so the right arrangements can be made.

Sending pallets with Hacklings

Understanding pallet sizes and weight limits takes much of the guesswork out of arranging a delivery, and getting it right first time keeps your freight moving smoothly. If you are ever unsure which size suits your goods, a quick conversation with your carrier will point you in the right direction.

At Hacklings, we handle half a million pallets a year through the Palletline network, delivering across the UK with real-time tracking and experienced support. For a fuller picture of how pallet freight works, see our complete guide to UK pallet delivery services, or if speed is a factor, our guide to same day versus next day pallet delivery. Get in touch for a quote tailored to your consignment.