Pallet sizes and dimensions: the most common sizes in Finland

When a company buys pallets, one of the most important questions is surprisingly practical: what size of pallet should you choose? The right pallet size affects storage, transport, racking, load handling and ultimately costs too. The most common pallet sizes in Finland are, above all, the FIN pallet and the EUR pallet, but display pallets, half pallets, one-way pallets and custom-size pallets are also widely used alongside them. Suomen Lavacenter’s range includes exactly these most common options, both new and used.

The size of a pallet is not just a technical detail but a practical decision that affects the whole logistics chain. When the pallet size suits the product, the warehouse, the transport and the handling, work runs more efficiently and goods move without unnecessary intermediate handling. That is why the right pallet should be chosen according to its intended use, not on price alone.

Why does pallet size really matter?

The pallet size determines how efficiently products fit into the warehouse, how loads move by forklift, how goods fit into transport and how well everything works at the customer’s goods reception. When the pallet size is chosen correctly, day-to-day work runs faster and there is less unnecessary manual work. That is why a pallet should not be chosen on price alone but also according to where it will be used.

For a company, a pallet of the wrong size can in practice mean that the load is unstable, warehouse space is not used efficiently or goods have to be moved more often than necessary. A pallet of the right size, on the other hand, brings order, makes handling easier and helps keep logistics running smoothly even on busy days.

The most common pallet sizes in Finland

In Finland, you will most often come across the following sizes:

• FIN pallet: 1000 x 1200 mm
• EUR pallet / euro pallet: 800 x 1200 mm
• Half pallet / display pallet: 600 x 800 mm
• Display pallets: for example 600 x 800, 400 x 800, 400 x 600 and 300 x 200
• Half and quarter pallets: typically 600 x 800 (half) or 400 x 600 (quarter)
• One-way pallets: commonly for example 800 x 1200 or 1000 x 1200, but other sizes are also used as needed
• Custom-size pallets: dimensions according to the application and the product

This alone shows that a pallet is not one single product. Different applications require solutions of different sizes, so the choice of pallet should always be related to how goods are stored, moved, stacked and delivered onwards.

FIN pallet: the standard size of Finnish logistics

The FIN pallet is a standardised pallet used in Finland, measuring 1000 x 1200 mm. A FIN pallet weighs about 27 kg and has a load capacity of about 1800 kg. This makes the FIN pallet a sturdy and practical option, especially for domestic logistics, storage and heavier loads.

The strength of the FIN pallet is its larger surface area. When the load is wider or there are many products, a 1000 x 1200 mm pallet gives more leeway than a EUR pallet. For this reason, the FIN pallet is a very natural basic solution for many Finnish companies. It is well suited, for example, to situations where the load is larger, the load is handled repeatedly or the warehouse needs as stable a base as possible.

In many companies the FIN pallet is the practical choice precisely because it fits well with Finnish warehousing and transport routines. When goods are handled mainly within Finland, the larger pallet surface can bring clear benefits both for building loads and for storing goods.

EUR pallet: the basic solution for international logistics

The EUR pallet, or EPAL 1, measures 800 x 1200 mm, is 144 mm high and weighs about 25 kg. According to EPAL’s official data, its safe working load is 1500 kg. The EUR pallet is an internationally recognised standard, which makes it a very strong choice for supply chains where goods move outside Finland or between several different operators.

If goods travel from Finland to elsewhere in Europe, the EUR pallet is often the easiest and safest solution. It fits well into systems where standardisation, exchangeability and compatibility are important. This makes the EUR pallet particularly useful when a company wants to minimise uncertainty and use the most widely recognised pallet type possible.

The EUR pallet is also a good option when you want a solution that is as widely compatible as possible, for example for customer deliveries, warehouse systems and international transport. Although its surface area is smaller than that of the FIN pallet, it works very efficiently in many supply chains precisely because of its established size.

How does pallet size affect storage and transport?

The size of the pallet directly affects how much fits on one pallet, how products can be stacked and how efficiently space can be used in the warehouse. If the pallet is too small, goods may overhang or the load becomes unstable. If the pallet is unnecessarily large, wasted space easily builds up in the warehouse and in transport.

For storage, the right pallet size makes racking, picking and positioning pallets easier. In transport, the right size affects how safely loads can be built and how smoothly they move through the whole supply chain. When the pallet matches the product’s actual needs, the whole chain works better: goods are easier to handle, move, unload and store.

Stackability is also an important part of the picture. Pallets can be stacked, which allows space-efficient storage in different environments. This matters especially when there are many repeat deliveries, seasonal storage or frequently circulating loads.

FIN pallet or EUR pallet: which should you choose?

Many people start by comparing the FIN and EUR pallets, and for good reason. These are the most common pallet sizes in Finland, but they serve slightly different needs.

The FIN pallet is usually a good choice when you need more surface area, a sturdy structure and a basic solution well suited to domestic logistics. It works very well in many Finnish warehouses and transport environments.

The EUR pallet, on the other hand, is often the right option when you want the most widely known standard size, which is also familiar in international supply chains. If goods move between several operators or outside Finland, the EUR pallet is often the easiest choice.

So the choice does not depend on which one is generally ”better”, but on which one better suits the way goods are handled, transported and received. That is why many companies use both FIN and EUR pallets for different purposes.

Pallet dimensions alone do not decide: load capacity, structure and condition matter too

The size of a pallet is an important starting point, but on its own it does not tell you whether a pallet suits a particular use. The pallet’s structure, load capacity, intended use and condition also affect how well it works in practice.

Pallets of the same size can behave differently depending on the kind of load placed on them, how the load is distributed and how often the pallet is handled. That is why dimensions alone do not guarantee that a pallet will work. Especially with used pallets, it is important that the pallet has been inspected and suits the application.

If the load is heavy, unevenly distributed or otherwise demanding, the pallet’s structure and condition are very important. That is why the most sensible solution often comes from choosing the pallet according to its intended use and not on the basis of the standard size alone.

Half pallet and display pallet: when space is limited

Not every application needs a full-size pallet. Retail, promotional displays and in-store merchandising often call for more compact solutions. EPAL’s official EPAL 6 half pallet measures 600 x 800 mm and is used specifically as a display pallet on the sales floor.

Display pallets in Suomen Lavacenter’s range come in sizes such as 600 x 800, 400 x 800, 400 x 600 and 300 x 200. In practice, this means that in shop and display solutions the size can be adapted much more flexibly than with traditional FIN or EUR pallets.

A display pallet is a good solution when the goal is good presentation, easy handling and the most efficient use of space possible. Thanks to its smaller size, it works well in situations where a full-size pallet would be too large or awkward to use directly on the shop floor.

When is a half pallet or display pallet the best option?

A half pallet or display pallet is often the best solution when the product is not only meant to be transported but also displayed directly. This is particularly important in shops, promotions, seasonal products and solutions where goods must be easily accessible to customers without heavy rearranging.

A smaller pallet size also makes positioning easier in tighter spaces. If the available space is limited or products need to be moved quickly between different points, a smaller display pallet can in practice work much better than a full-size pallet.

Smaller pallets can also make sense when the load itself is light or limited in quantity. The whole delivery and display then stay more manageable, and no extra space is wasted.

Half and quarter pallets: small but practical for many needs

Half pallets are also among the pallet solutions where the size is often chosen according to the practical situation. The half and quarter pallets Suomen Lavacenter has in stock typically measure 600 x 800 or 400 x 600 (a quarter pallet size). These sizes are used especially when a compact and efficient solution is needed, for example for display, lighter deliveries or limited space.

A half pallet can be a good option when the aim is not maximum pallet surface but flexible handling, small size and practicality. In many situations, this is exactly what makes it a more suitable choice than a full-size FIN or EUR pallet.

One-way and custom-size pallets: when a standard size is not enough

Not all loads are suitable for exchange pallets. In that case, the option is often a one-way pallet or a custom-size pallet. Standard-size one-way pallets are available, for example, in 800 x 1200 and 1000 x 1200, but the whole idea of a one-way pallet is flexibility: the structure and dimensions can be adapted to the need.

A one-way pallet is a sensible choice when the pallet does not circulate in an exchange system, the load is a one-off or the goods require non-standard dimensions. A custom-size pallet, on the other hand, suits situations where the size, shape or handling of the product makes an ordinary pallet a poor option.

So a standard size is not always the best solution. In some cases, a one-way or custom-size pallet that suits the application makes handling goods safer, more sensible and more cost-effective. That is why a flexible pallet range is an important part of efficient logistics for many companies.

When should you choose a one-way or custom-size pallet?

A one-way pallet is worth choosing especially when goods are delivered as a one-off and the pallet is not meant to be returned. It is also often a practical solution when the price of the pallet matters a lot and a fully standardised solution is not essential.

A custom-size pallet makes sense when the load differs from the usual in shape, size or structure. If the products are, for example, especially long, wide or otherwise awkward to handle, a made-to-measure pallet can work much better than a traditional standard-size option.

In many companies, this is exactly what separates a truly effective pallet solution from a mediocre one: choosing a solution that suits the application instead of trying to fit every load into the same model.

How to choose the right pallet size for different purposes

A good rule of thumb is simple:

Choose a FIN pallet when you need more surface area and a sturdy solution for domestic transport and storage.
Choose a EUR pallet when you want an internationally recognised standard size and good compatibility with other operators.
Choose a display or half pallet when goods need to go straight on display or when the available space is limited.
Choose a half or quarter pallet when you need a small, practical pallet for lighter use or a shop environment.
Choose a one-way or custom-size pallet when the load differs from the standard or the pallet does not need to be used in an exchange cycle.

In practice, the right size is always chosen according to how goods are moved, stored and unloaded. That is why the best result often comes when the pallet is chosen together with the supplier rather than based on assumptions.

How to choose the right pallet size for different industries

Different industries emphasise slightly different things. In manufacturing and with heavier loads, stability, load capacity and sufficient surface area are key. In that case, a FIN pallet or another sturdy solution can be a very good choice.

In warehousing and distribution, what often matters is how well the pallet fits the company’s own handling method, warehouse space and delivery rhythm. If pallets move a lot between different operators, the EUR pallet can be a natural option. If the solution is for domestic use and the loads are wider, the FIN pallet may serve better.

In retail, promotional displays and deliveries where presentation matters, smaller display and half pallets often work best. On construction sites, you can benefit from either standard-size pallets or one-way pallets, depending on how many pallets need to be moved, stored or left on site.

What should you check on a used pallet before buying?

If you are considering buying used pallets, the right size alone is not enough. It is also important to make sure the pallet’s condition suits the intended use. When choosing a used pallet, pay attention at least to whether the structure is intact, whether the pallet is straight, what the deck boards and blocks look like and whether the pallet suits the planned handling.

Not every application requires the same quality level. In some situations a used pallet is a very sensible and cost-effective solution, while in other applications cleaner or more uniform pallets are needed. That is why, with used pallets, it is important to assess the condition in relation to the actual use.

When used pallets are inspected and chosen for the right purpose, they can be a very effective option for both storage and transport. This makes a used pallet a sensible combination of cost-effectiveness and practicality for many companies.

What are pallets used for?

Pallets are suitable for a wide range of transport, storage and display solutions. They are used, for example, in manufacturing and logistics, warehousing and distribution, shop and display solutions, on construction sites and for many other practical business needs.

• Manufacturing and logistics
• Warehousing and distribution
• Shop and display solutions
• Construction sites and renovation projects
• Garden and yard solutions with pallet collars
• Storing split logs and firewood
• Workbenches for the garage or warehouse

Versatility is what stands out in how pallets are used. The same basic solution can serve completely different purposes depending on the size of pallet chosen and the environment in which it is used.

Pallet dimensions and weights

The most common pallet sizes and weights can be summarised as follows:

• FIN pallet: 1000 x 1200 mm, weight about 27 kg
• EUR pallet: 800 x 1200 mm, height 144 mm, weight about 25 kg
• Half pallet: 600 x 800 mm, height 144 mm
• Load capacity: varies with pallet type, structure and intended use

The weight of a pallet can vary slightly depending on the wood species, moisture, structure and condition. This is worth remembering especially with used pallets. That is why, when choosing the right pallet type, it is worth looking at the whole picture rather than a single measurement.

We sell and buy pallets

Suomen Lavacenter does not only sell pallets but also buys them. We can buy used FIN pallets, EUR pallets, one-way pallets and other pallets from companies at a competitive price. If needed, the pallets can also be collected by arrangement.

This makes working together practical, especially for companies whose need for pallets varies or that build up surplus pallets. From the same company you can get both new or used pallets for your own use and a smooth way to sell the pallets you no longer need.

Why choose Suomen Lavacenter?

Suomen Lavacenter’s strengths are practical service, a large stock and the ability to supply pallets for different needs quickly. The range includes new and used pallets, pallet collars, display pallets, half pallets, one-way pallets and custom-size solutions.

• A reliable Finnish company
• Quality-checked pallets
• Fast and flexible deliveries
• Our own warehouse and our own transport fleet
• Professional, customer-focused service

When the right pallet size and the right pallet type are chosen to match the actual need, the result is a solution that works in daily operations and not just on paper. This is often the main reason why a company wants to buy its pallets from an expert supplier.

Summary: the most common pallet sizes in Finland

When it comes to the most common pallet sizes in Finland, the key dimensions are in practice these:

• FIN pallet: 1000 x 1200 mm
• EUR pallet: 800 x 1200 mm
• Half pallet / display pallet: 600 x 800 mm
• Display pallets: several smaller sizes, such as 600 x 800 and 400 x 600
• Half and quarter pallets: typically 600 x 800 (half) or 400 x 600 (quarter)
• One-way and custom-size pallets: as needed, often for example 800 x 1200 or 1000 x 1200

When the pallet size is right, storage, transport and product handling also work better. That is why a pallet should be chosen on the basis of the actual need, the handling and the supply chain. The right size makes daily work easier, reduces unnecessary work and supports smooth logistics in the long term too.

From Suomen Lavacenter you can get both new and used pallets for different purposes quickly from stock. The range includes EUR pallets, FIN pallets, one-way pallets, half pallets, display pallets and custom-size solutions.

Need help choosing the right pallet size? Suomen Lavacenter helps you find a solution that suits your use quickly and practically.