Half pallets are not just smaller—they’re harder to get right. Choose the wrong size, and it won’t fit your rack, won’t match your conveyor, or leaves dead space in your container.
The two most common standards—800×600 mm (Euro) and 48×24 inches (US)—look similar, but behave very differently in real operations. Many buyers underestimate the impact of just a few centimeters.
As a plastic pallet manufacturer, we help clients avoid costly mismatches every day—whether it’s fitting AGV lanes, maximizing truck space, or customizing load-bearing specs.
This guide breaks down standard half pallet dimensions, compares real-world use cases, and shows how to pick the right one for your system, your space, and your budget.
No guesswork. Just clear answers.
What Are the Standard Half Pallet Dimensions?
A half pallet, also called a display pallet or fractional pallet, is about half the size of a standard pallet. Made of wood or plastic, it comes in block or stringer styles and is used in retail, warehouses, and small stores for space-saving, fast handling, and easy display.
In North America, the most used half pallet dimensions are:
- 48×24 inches
- 40×24 inches
- 48×20 inches
These are designed as half of the standard 48×40 full pallet. Each size fits different needs—for example, 48×20 inches is preferred in end-cap displays, while 48×24 inches is common in transport and storage.
In Europe, the standard half pallet follows the EPAL 6 specification, which measures 800×600 mm (or 80×60 cm). This matches half the footprint of a EUR 1 pallet (1200×800 mm), making it a modular fit for continental logistics setups and retail networks.
Why Do Standard Half Pallet Dimensions Matter in Daily Operations?
Here’s why these exact half pallet dimensions make a real difference:
- 48×24 inch pallets fit retail aisles and double display use without taking more floor space.
- 800×600 mm sizes match European racks and conveyors, saving layout redesign time.
- 48×20 inch pallets fill leftover truck space where full pallets won’t fit.
- Compact sizes move easily through man doors or tight store corridors.
- Standardized footprints reduce repalletization and save warehouse labor.
- Consistent specs improve stacking and reduce automation errors.
Use each half pallet size where it fits best—48×24 for displays, 800×600 for European systems, and 48×20 to maximize tight shipping space.
What Is the Typical Weight Capacity of Half Pallets?
The weight and load capacity of half pallets depend on their material, structure, and usage scenario. Below is a quick look at the typical pallet weight for common formats:
- Wooden Half Pallets
800×600 mm: 9–15 kg
48×24 in: 13–20 kg - Plastic Half Pallets
800×600 mm: 10–16 kg
48×24 in: 12–18 kg
Before choosing a half pallet, think about how it will be used:
- For floor displays or light goods, choose a unit rated for 250–400 kg.
- For warehouse stacking or forklift handling, go for models rated 600–1000 kg.
- For long-haul or export use, pick reinforced designs with anti-slip surfaces.
Plastic pallets are a smart long-term choice. They’re durable, clean, and reusable—ideal for industries where hygiene, weight consistency, and ease of handling matter.
Where Are Half Pallets Commonly Used and Why?
Half pallets are designed for speed, flexibility, and space-saving. Here’s where they fit best—and how businesses put them to work.
- Retail Displays and Quick Promotions
Half pallets are perfect for end-aisle promotions, seasonal displays, or launch campaigns. You can place two half pallets where one full pallet stands, doubling visual exposure without expanding your floor plan. - Compact Storefronts and Narrow Access
In convenience stores or urban retail spaces, full pallets don’t always fit through man doors. Half pallets move through tight spaces and can go directly from truck to shelf with no repacking needed. - Warehouses and Racking Systems
Their smaller footprint fits compact racking layouts and narrow aisles. Block-style designs allow four-way forklift access, while lighter loads reduce handling time. - Urban Logistics and Last-Mile Delivery
Micro fulfillment centers, cold chain hubs, and last-mile sorting stations often prefer fractional pallets to simplify mixed-load handling and fast turnaround. - Export and Mixed-SKU Shipping
When full pallets leave gaps in containers, 48×20 or 800×600 mm pallets fill space efficiently. They’re also ideal for grouping small batches of multiple SKUs. - FMCG and Visual Merchandising
Beverage brands, snack suppliers, and consumer goods use half pallets for in-store branding. Custom printing and color options support strong retail presence.
What Is the Difference Between a Half Pallet and a Full Pallet?
A half pallet is roughly half the size of a full pallet in both footprint and load height.
A standard full pallet measures 48×40 inches (the ISO standardized pallet size) and can hold loads up to 2,200 mm tall, while a half pallet is typically 48×24 or 800×600 mm with a load height of around 1,200 mm.
Half pallets are lighter, easier to handle, and ideal for in-store displays, narrow aisles, and mixed-load transport, while full pallets are better for bulk shipping and high-volume warehouse storage.
Half Pallet vs Full Pallet Comparison
| Característica | Half Pallet | Full Pallet |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Footprint | 48×24 in / 800×600 mm | 48×40 in / 1200×1000 mm |
| Load Height | ~1,200 mm | ~2,200 mm |
| Handling | Manual or forklift; 4-way possible | Forklift; optimized for full loads |
| Use Cases | Retail display, small store access, truck space filler | Bulk warehouse storage, export shipping |
| Apilamiento | Often nestable or modular | Usually stackable but less modular |
| Peso | Lighter, easier to reposition | Heavier, more stable for long haul |
| Cost Efficiency | Better for split deliveries or fast-moving goods | Lower cost per unit for bulk freight |
What’s the Difference Between Half, Quarter, and One-Third Pallets?
Half pallets, quarter pallets, and one-third pallets all belong to the fractional pallet system—a category designed for space-saving and flexible distribution.
Half pallets, usually 48×24 inches or 800×600 mm, offer mid-size capacity and are widely used for retail displays or fast turnover goods.
Quarter pallets, commonly 600×400 mm, are ideal for pre-packed promotions and easy floor placement.
One-third pallets, often around 400×400 mm, fit narrow shelf displays or small retail spaces with limited access.
Most fractional pallets are made of plastic or wood, depending on their weight capacity and returnability needs.
Their size and format directly affect how products move through shelves, trucks, and automated systems.
Comparison Table: Half vs Quarter vs One-Third Pallets
| Característica | Half Pallet | Quarter Pallet | One-Third Pallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Size | 48×24 in / 800×600 mm | 600×400 mm / 24×16 in | ~400×400 mm / ~16×16 in |
| Load Height | ~1,200 mm | ~800 mm | ~600–800 mm |
| Capacidad de carga | Moderate (up to 500–1000 kg) | Light (usually <400 kg) | Light (<300 kg) |
| Main Use Cases | Retail displays, mixed-load shipping | End-aisle promos, small POS displays | Shelf-top displays, narrow aisles |
| Common Regions | North America, EU | Europe (EPAL 8), supermarket chains | Mainly in EU & Japan (custom use) |
| Movilidad | Forklift or pallet jack | Manual, wheeled base optional | Often manual handling |
Can Half Pallets Be Mixed with Standard Pallets in Logistics Systems?
Yes—they can, and they often are. But mixing pallet sizes requires careful planning to keep operations smooth and cargo secure.
Key considerations when mixing pallet sizes:
- Stack evenly: Always pair two half pallets to match one full pallet footprint. Misalignment can cause instability.
- Distribute weight properly: Heavier pallets go at the bottom. Avoid stacking light half pallets over heavy full pallets.
- Use space efficiently: Half pallets are great for filling small gaps in trailers or containers—just make sure they’re secured tightly.
- Label clearly: When loads are mixed by SKU or order, proper labeling avoids sorting mistakes and speeds up unloading.
- Watch stacking limits: Keep overall height within safe limits, typically under 60 inches per unit, to avoid shifting in transit.
- Secure everything: Use straps, corner boards, or anti-slip sheets if you’re combining fragile or irregular goods.
Mixing pallet sizes works well—but only when handled with structure, consistency, and safety in mind.
Are Half Pallets Compatible with Automation and Narrow-Aisle Systems?
Most automated systems like AGVs, conveyors, and AS/RS units are built to recognize and operate with standardized pallet sizes. These sizes are designed to ensure smooth movement, stable stacking, and predictable load handling within narrow tolerances—typically within ±5 mm.
Common automation-compatible pallet dimensions include:
- 1200×1000 mm — widely used in Australia and parts of Asia
- 1200×800 mm (EUR 1) — standard Euro pallet size for AS/RS systems
- 1000×1000 mm — common in heavy industrial automation setups
- 800×600 mm (EPAL 6) — half-size Euro pallet, frequently accepted by automated palletizers
- 600×400 mm (quarter pallet) — used in retail automation and shelf-ready handling
- 48×40 inches (North American GMA standard) — primary size for U.S. automation lines
- 48×24 inches — North American half pallet for floor picking or trolley replenishment
Standard half pallet dimensions like 800×600 mm and 48×24 inches are fully within this automation-compatible range. Their smaller footprint reduces turning radius, speeds up system cycle time, and allows denser rack configurations—especially in narrow-aisle operations or robotic depalletizing systems.
Plastic half pallets further improve compatibility. They offer tighter dimensional consistency, no splinters or moisture warping, and smoother surfaces—ideal for sensor-based positioning, lift tables, and automated replenishment trolleys in micro-fulfillment centers.
What to Consider When Choosing the Right Half Pallet for Your Business?
Not all half pallets are the same—and not every business needs the same features. Before you place an order, take a moment to match the pallet type with your actual workflow.
Here’s what to look at:
- Size compatibility
Will the pallet fit your racks, shelves, or forklifts without extra adjustment? - Load type and stacking
Are you moving light retail packs or heavy boxes? Will you stack pallets two-high or more? - Return logistics
If you’re reusing pallets, think about how they’ll be returned, cleaned, or stored in bulk. - Custom features
Branded printing, color coding, or RFID tags can make your retail or warehouse system more efficient. - Storage and nesting
Do you need nestable pallets to save space when empty?
The right half pallet should fit your product, your space, and your supply chain—not just your budget.
Finding the Right Half Pallet Size Starts with the Right Manufacturer
Understanding standard half pallet dimensions is only the first step. Choosing the right one for your business—whether for export loads, retail display, automation, or narrow-aisle handling—depends on far more than size charts. It takes experience, reliable structure, and a supplier who understands how you operate.
Enlightening Pallet as a dedicated plastic pallet and material handling manufacturer, we don’t offer one-size-fits-all. We help you match pallet type, load capacity, and system compatibility based on how you store, move, or export your goods—without overspending on unnecessary features.
If you’re unsure about stacking strength, floor space, or regional standards, our team can recommend the best solution within your budget. And if you need color-coded systems, custom printing, or exact height adjustments, we’re ready to deliver—fast, consistently, and globally.
Let’s simplify your pallet planning.
Tell us your product, space, and process—we’ll take care of the rest.
Reach out now to get a tailored quote and expert advice from a factory that ships worldwide.
