This guide explains pallet jack sizes in plain terms. It shows the measurements that matter and how they match common pallets worldwide. Every size appears with dual units for easy reading. Native unit first and the conversion in brackets.
Example 27 in width [685 mm] and 1150 mm fork length [45.3 in] and 3 in lowered height [76 mm]
Manufacturers publish these on data sheets in inch and millimetre.
The common pallet size is 48 by 40 in [1219 by 1016 mm]. The everyday hand jack to match uses 27 in overall width [685 mm] and 48 in forks [1219 mm]. Lowered height is usually about 2.9 to 3.3 in [74 to 84 mm]. Raised height is usually about 7 to 8 in [178 to 203 mm]. Capacity is often 5000 to 5500 lb.
Shorter forks of 36 or 42 in [914 or 1067 mm] exist for short loads and tight turns.
The EPAL Euro pallet measures 1200 by 800 mm [47.2 by 31.5 in]. The matching hand jack is typically 520 or 540 mm overall width [20.5 or 21.3 in] with 1150 mm forks [45.3 in].
The UK standard pallet is 1200 by 1000 mm [47.2 by 39.4 in]. Many sites use 540 or 680 mm jacks [21.3 or 26.8 in] with 1150 mm forks [45.3 in].
The Australian Standard pallet is 1165 by 1165 mm [45.9 by 45.9 in]. Common jack choices include 685 mm width [27 in] and 520 mm width [20.5 in] with 1150 mm forks [45.3 in].
ISO 6780 lists preferred sizes used worldwide. Common examples include 1200 by 1000 mm and 1100 by 1100 mm [43.3 by 43.3 in]. These sizes influence jack widths and fork lengths in many regions.
| Pallet type | Pallet size | Typical pallet jack width | Typical fork length |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMA or CBA North America | 48 by 40 in [1219 by 1016 mm] | 27 in [685 mm] | 36 or 42 or 48 in [914 or 1067 or 1219 mm] |
| EPAL Euro | 1200 by 800 mm [47.2 by 31.5 in] | 520 to 540 mm [20.5 to 21.3 in] | 1150 mm [45.3 in] |
| UK standard | 1200 by 1000 mm [47.2 by 39.4 in] | 540 or 680 mm [21.3 or 26.8 in] | 1150 mm [45.3 in] |
| Australia standard | 1165 by 1165 mm [45.9 by 45.9 in] | 685 mm [27 in] | 1150 mm [45.3 in] |
| Asia common | 1100 by 1100 mm [43.3 by 43.3 in] | 540 or 680 mm [21.3 or 26.8 in] | 1150 mm [45.3 in] |
Low profile hand jacks drop the minimum fork height to about 51 mm [2.0 in]. These solve thin skids and low deck boards. Raised height on these models is lower than a standard jack.
Ultra low models reach about 35 mm [1.4 in] minimum. These serve very thin export skids and one way pallets.
Narrow frames increase maneuverability and fit small skids. Common narrow sizes include 16 in width [406 mm] and 20.5 in width [521 mm] with fork lengths from 36 to 48 in [914 to 1219 mm].
Wide frames appear in food and beverage and display work. A 33 in frame [838 mm] is one example in current catalogs.
When loads are longer than a standard pallet you can use 54 in or 60 in or 72 in forks [1372 or 1524 or 1829 mm]. These sizes are common from many makers.
Standard hand jacks in the 27 by 48 in class often list about 2.9 to 3.3 in lowered height [74 to 84 mm] and about 7 to 8 in raised height [178 to 203 mm].
Wheel sizes affect entry and crossing thresholds. A typical setup uses 7 in steer wheels [178 mm] and 3 in load rollers [76 mm].
A typical 27 in frame uses fork blades about 6.3 in wide [160 mm] with a gap near 14.4 in [366 mm] between forks. This spacing gives a clean fit on a 48 by 40 in pallet.
Most hand jacks in common widths carry about 2300 kg in Europe or about 5000 to 5500 lb in North America. Heavy duty versions reach about 8000 lb. Capacity does not change fork width or fork length. It can change truck weight and wheel materials.
