How much does a pallet weigh? The question sounds simple, but the answer depends on the pallet type, size, material and even the moisture content of the wood. Pallet weight directly affects freight costs, handling safety and the total weight of a shipment, so it is worth being able to estimate it correctly.
In this article, we have put together a pallet weight comparison chart covering the most common pallet types, from the EUR pallet to the plastic pallet. We also go through what affects the weight, how weight shows up in transport costs and what the difference is between the weight of an empty pallet and its load capacity. Suomen Lavacenter supplies all the pallet types mentioned below, so we can help you choose the one best suited to your use if needed.
Why does pallet weight matter?
A pallet’s own weight affects many things:
- Freight costs. The total weight of a shipment often determines the price: the lighter the pallet, the more payload fits within the weight limit.
- Handling and occupational safety. Lifting a 5 kg pallet by hand is a very different matter from lifting a 30 kg one.
- Total weight and load capacity. When you calculate the total weight of a load, the pallets’ own weight must also be taken into account.
- Air freight and export. Weight matters particularly when freight is priced by the kilo.
Pallet weight chart
The weights below are indicative and apply to an empty, dry pallet. The actual weight varies with the model, the manufacturer and the moisture content of the wood.
| Pallet type | Dimensions (mm) | Weight (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| EUR pallet (EPAL) | 800 × 1200 | 22-25 kg |
| FIN pallet | 1000 × 1200 | 28-35 kg |
| One-way pallet (light) | 800 × 1200 | 9-17 kg |
| Half pallet | 600 × 800 | 8-10 kg |
| Quarter pallet | 400 × 600 | 4-6 kg |
| Display pallet | varies | 5-10 kg |
| Plastic pallet | varies | 3.5-25 kg |
| Pallet collar (wooden) | 800 × 1200 | 4-6 kg |
EUR pallet weight
A EUR pallet, also known as an EPAL pallet or euro pallet (800 × 1200 mm), weighs about 22-25 kg. The weight varies slightly with the moisture content and condition of the wood: a fresh or damp pallet weighs more than a dry one. The EUR pallet is standardised, so pallets from the same production batch are very consistent with each other. You will find more details on the EUR pallet product page: EUR pallets.
FIN pallet weight
A FIN pallet (1000 × 1200 mm) weighs about 28-35 kg, which is clearly more than a EUR pallet. The difference comes from the larger surface area and sturdier construction: a FIN pallet simply contains more wood. This makes it strong and able to carry heavy loads, but also heavier to handle. Read more: FIN pallets.
Weight of one-way pallets and other light pallets
A one-way pallet is designed to be light and affordable, so it typically weighs only about 9-17 kg depending on the model. The low weight is an advantage in one-way shipments where the pallet does not come back and the total weight needs to be kept low. Because of its lighter construction, a one-way pallet has a lower load capacity than a sturdy EUR or FIN pallet. Take a look: one-way pallets.
Weight of half, display and quarter pallets
Smaller pallets are naturally lighter. A half pallet (600 × 800 mm) weighs about 8-10 kg and the smaller quarter pallet (400 × 600 mm) only about 4-6 kg. A display pallet usually comes in at around 5-10 kg. The low weight makes these pallets easy to handle and handy for displays, for example in shops and for smaller batches. Read more: half pallets and display pallets.
Plastic pallet weight
The weight of a plastic pallet varies a lot, from about 3.5 kg to 25 kg. Light export and one-way models are extremely light, while heavy industrial and racking pallets can weigh as much as a wooden pallet. Low weight combined with good hygiene makes the plastic pallet popular for certain uses. Compare the materials: plastic vs wooden pallets.
Pallet collar weight
The pallet collar should also be included in the total weight. A wooden 800 × 1200 mm folding collar weighs about 4-6 kg. If several collars are stacked on a pallet, their combined weight quickly adds up. More information: pallet collars.
What affects pallet weight?
The weight of the same pallet type can vary surprisingly widely. The most important factors are:
- Moisture content of the wood. This is the biggest single factor. A damp or fresh pallet can weigh several kilos more than a dry one. A heat-treated and dried pallet is lighter.
- Size. The bigger the pallet, the more wood it contains and the greater its weight (compare EUR and FIN).
- Construction and strength. A sturdy pallet designed for heavy loads weighs more than a light one-way pallet.
- Material. Wood, plastic and their different grades all weigh differently.
- New or used. A used pallet may have absorbed moisture during storage, in which case it weighs more than a dry new pallet.
Weight and freight: how does the pallet affect transport costs?
The pallet’s own weight is part of the total weight of the shipment. For example, if 33 EUR pallets are loaded onto a truck, the pallets alone already weigh about 800 kg (33 × ~25 kg). This takes up a significant part of the payload if the transport is close to the weight limit. A lighter pallet leaves more capacity for the goods themselves.
In practice, it is worth considering whether the transport is weight-limited or space-limited. In weight-limited transport, a light pallet (for example a light one-way pallet or a plastic pallet) saves on freight, whereas in space-limited transport, what matters more is the pallet’s footprint and how many pallets fit in the load space.
Empty pallet weight vs load capacity
It is important to distinguish between two things: the pallet’s own weight (how much the empty pallet weighs) and load capacity (how heavy a load the pallet can withstand). For example, a EUR pallet itself weighs about 25 kg, but it carries up to 1,500 kg dynamically and even more statically. So do not confuse the two: a light pallet can still carry a lot, and a heavy pallet does not automatically carry more. Read more about load capacity: pallet load capacity.
Pallet weight in brief
The most common weights are: EUR pallet about 22-25 kg, FIN pallet about 28-35 kg, one-way pallet 9-17 kg, half pallet 8-10 kg, the smaller quarter pallet 4-6 kg and plastic pallet 3.5-25 kg. The biggest single cause of variation is the moisture content of the wood. When you estimate the total weight, remember to include the pallets and any pallet collars too.
Why get your pallets from Suomen Lavacenter?
Suomen Lavacenter supplies all the common pallet types: EUR and FIN pallets, one-way pallets, half pallets and plastic pallets, new and used, in different sizes and for different uses. We help you choose the one best suited to your use and can give you exact weights and dimensions when needed. Deliveries are handled quickly throughout Finland, and for larger orders, deliveries outside Finland can be arranged case by case. We also buy your surplus pallets. Browse our pallet range or request a quote.
Summary
Pallet weight varies from a few kilos to over 30 kilos depending on the pallet type and size, and the moisture content of the wood can change the figure further. Knowing the weight matters particularly for freight, handling and the total weight of a shipment. Also remember that a pallet’s own weight tells you nothing about its load capacity: they are two different things. If you need help choosing the right pallet or exact weight data, we are happy to help.
Do you need pallets quickly? Suomen Lavacenter helps you choose the right solution and delivers pallets to suit your needs. Call +358 29 170 3899, send an email to info@suomenlavacenter.fi or submit a quote request.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a EUR pallet weigh?
A EUR pallet, also known as an EPAL pallet (800 × 1200 mm), weighs about 22-25 kg. The weight varies slightly with the moisture content and condition of the wood: a dry pallet is lighter than a damp one.
How much does a FIN pallet weigh?
A FIN pallet (1000 × 1200 mm) weighs about 28-35 kg, which is more than a EUR pallet. The larger size and sturdier construction add weight.
How much does an empty pallet weigh?
It depends on the type: a light quarter pallet or plastic pallet can weigh only 4-6 kg, whereas a FIN pallet weighs up to 35 kg. The most common type, the EUR pallet, weighs about 22-25 kg.
What is the lightest pallet?
The lightest are small quarter pallets (about 4-6 kg) and light plastic pallets (from about 3.5 kg). They suit small batches and uses where low weight is important.
How much does a plastic pallet weigh?
The weight of a plastic pallet varies from about 3.5 kg to 25 kg. Light export and one-way models are the lightest, heavy industrial pallets the heaviest.
Does a used pallet weigh more than a new one?
It can. A used pallet may have absorbed moisture during storage, in which case it weighs more than a dry new pallet. When dry, pallets of the same type weigh roughly the same.
How much does a pallet collar weigh?
A wooden 800 × 1200 mm folding collar weighs about 4-6 kg. When several collars are stacked, the combined weight increases accordingly.
Does pallet weight affect freight?
Yes. The pallet’s own weight is part of the total weight of the shipment, so a light pallet leaves more room for payload in weight-limited transport. In space-limited transport, the size and number of pallets matter more.
