Understanding Pallet Weight | How Much Does a Pallet Weigh

The weight of a wooden pallet largely depends on three key factors: pallet size, type of lumber used, and moisture content.

On average, a wooden pallet will weigh anywhere from 30 to 65 lbs. The ranges varies drastically because there are hundreds of thousands of variables that can occur when considering a mix of pallet size, lumber used, and moisture content.

A standard 48×40 GMA pallet (the most prevalent pallet in the country) manufactured out of softwood will weigh around 44 lbs newly manufactured, while a hardwood 48×40 GMA pallet will weigh around 59 lbs new.

Click here to learn more about GMA pallet standards.

Within this article, you will find the best chart available online that outlines the pallet weight for the most commonly utilized wooden pallets on the market. Below we have also included an interactive calculator that will be able to get you average pallet weights based on the key factors outlined.

Click here to jump directly to our pallet weight chart.

Interactive Pallet Weight Calculator

Key Factors That Determine the Weight of a Pallet

Pallet Size

Pallet size will yield the greatest impact on pallet weight as it determines the overall amount of material used. For example, a standard wide-lead 48×40 GMA pallet will utilize 13.1 board feet (bd ft) of lumber. Meanwhile, a 36×36 pallet will utilize only 8.2 board feet (bd ft) of lumber. That’s a 37% decrease in material used.

Every single board foot added or subtracted will play a role in the overall weight of a pallet.

Click here to learn more about all the different standard pallet sizes.

Lumber Used

The type of wood used in pallet construction significantly influences its weight and overall performance.

• Hardwoods:
  • Typically, denser and stronger than softwoods.
  • Examples: Oak, maple, hickory.
  • Result in heavier pallets.
  • Offer greater durability and load-bearing capacity.
  • Often more expensive.

• Softwoods:
  • Generally lighter and less expensive than hardwood.
  • Examples: Pine, spruce, fir.
  • Result in lighter pallets.
  • May have lower load-bearing capacity compared to hardwoods.
  • May be less durable for demanding applications.

The choice of hardwood vs. softwood will depend on the specific requirements of your application, considering factors like load capacity, durability, and budget.

Moisture Content

The weight of a wooden pallet is significantly influenced by its moisture content. Wood is a hygroscopic material, meaning it readily absorbs and releases moisture from the surrounding air. When a pallet is freshly manufactured, it contains a high amount of moisture. As the pallet dries, either naturally or through kiln drying, this moisture evaporates, reducing the overall weight of the pallet. This weight difference can be substantial, as water is relatively heavy. Therefore, a pallet with a higher moisture content will weigh more than a pallet with a lower moisture content.

Click here to learn more about moisture properties of organic wooden materials.

Pallet Style and Composition

While not as significant as size, lumber, and moisture content – pallet composition and style can still play a role in the overall weight of a pallet. For example, the average wooden pallet stringer weighs around two pounds. A same size wooden pallet using three stringers compared to a pallet using four or five will always weigh less. The same is true comparing block pallets to stringer pallets.

Wooden Pallet Weight Chart

Pallet Type	Condition	H W Avg Weight	SF Weight
48×40 Wide-Lead GMA	New	59 lbs	44 lbs
	25% MC	46 lbs	36 lbs
	19% MC	44 lbs	35 lbs
	15% MC	42 lbs	34 lbs
	12% MC	41 lbs	33 lbs
48×40 9-Block Pallet	New	123 lbs	57 lbs
	25% MC	96 lbs	N/A
	19% MC	91 lbs	N/A
	15% MC	88 lbs	56 lbs
	12% MC	86 lbs	54 lbs
44×56 Can Pallet (Block)	New	64 lbs	55 lbs
	25% MC	N/A	N/A
	19% MC	61 lbs	N/A
	15% MC	59 lbs	54 lbs
	12% MC	58 lbs	52 lbs
36×36 4-Way, Three Stringer	New	36 lbs	22 lbs
	25% MC	28 lbs	N/A
	19% MC	27 lbs	N/A
	15% MC	26 lbs	21 lbs
	12% MC	25 lbs	21 lbs
40×48 4-Way, Three Stringer	New	45 lbs	28 lbs
	25% MC	35 lbs	N/A
	19% MC	34 lbs	N/A
	15% MC	32 lbs	27 lbs
	12% MC	32 lbs	26 lbs
40×40 4-Way, Three Stringer	New	43 lbs	27 lbs
	25% MC	34 lbs	N/A
	19% MC	32 lbs	N/A
	15% MC	31 lbs	26 lbs
	12% MC	30 lbs	25 lbs
40×40 2-Way, Three Stringer	New	43 lbs	27 lbs
	25% MC	34 lbs	N/A
	19% MC	32 lbs	N/A
	15% MC	31 lbs	26 lbs
	12% MC	30 lbs	25 lbs
42×42 2-Way, Three Stringer	New	49 lbs	30 lbs
	25% MC	38 lbs	N/A
	19% MC	36 lbs	N/A
	15% MC	35 lbs	29 lbs
	12% MC	34 lbs	28 lbs
48×36 4-Way, Three Stringer	New	44 lbs	27 lbs
	25% MC	34 lbs	N/A
	19% MC	32 lbs	N/A
	15% MC	31 lbs	26 lbs
	12% MC	30 lbs	25 lbs
48×42 4-Way, Three Stringer	New	48 lbs	29 lbs
	25% MC	37 lbs	N/A
	19% MC	36 lbs	N/A
	15% MC	34 lbs	28 lbs
	12% MC	33 lbs	28 lbs
56×44 Glass Pallet (Block)	New	93 lbs	N/A
	25% MC	N/A	N/A
	19% MC	N/A	N/A
	15% MC	89 lbs	N/A
	12% MC	87 lbs	N/A

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Disclaimer: The results provided by this chart are intended to serve as an estimate of the average weight of a pallet based on key contributors to pallet weight. While the chart considers the primary components of a pallet, it does not account for all variables that can influence the final weight slightly. These variables include, but are not limited to, the number of top and bottom deck boards, board thickness, and any additional components added during the repair process. For the most accurate weight determination, it is recommended to speak with our pallet experts.

Chart Key

MC = Moisture Content. (can be reduced through a kiln-drying process or occur naturally as the pallet ages)

HW = Hardwood

SF = Softwood

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Why Pallet Weight Matters

Pallet weight is a critical factor that significantly impacts various aspects of your supply chain.

Here’s how:

• Load Capacity:
  • Heavier pallets generally offer higher static and dynamic load capacities, enabling them to safely support heavier loads during storage and transportation.
  • Lighter pallets may have limitations in terms of load capacity, potentially restricting the types and weights of goods they can handle.
• Personal Handling & Safety:
  • Lighter pallets are easier to handle manually, reducing the risk of injuries to workers during loading, unloading, and moving pallets.
  • Heavier pallets can pose ergonomic challenges and increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
• Shipping Costs:
  • Lighter pallets usually translate to lower shipping costs due to reduced overall weight of the shipment.
  • Heavier pallets can increase transportation expenses, impacting your bottom line.
• Cost of Pallets:
  • Lighter pallets may have a lower initial purchase cost due to less raw material input.
  • Heavier, more durable pallets may have a higher upfront cost but can offer long-term cost savings through increased longevity, reduced repair/replacement needs, and the ability to handle heavier loads.