How many 55-gallon drums fit on a pallet?

A US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40) holds 2 55-gallon drums (2 per layer x 1 layers), based on a typical drum sized 572 x 572 x 851mm at 250kg. A standard 55-gallon (208L) steel drum, modeled by its bounding square footprint. Drums are almost always shipped a single layer high per pallet unless using specialized stacking rings or a drum pallet.

2 55-gallon drums on a US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40)

By pallet type

Pallet	Per layer (Ti)	Layers (Hi)	Total 55-gallon drums	Total weight
US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40)	2	1	2	500 kg
Euro Pallet (EUR/EPAL)	2	1	2	500 kg
CHEP Block Pallet (48x40)	2	1	2	500 kg

Use your own dimensions

Standard drum sizes vary. Enter your exact dimensions for a precise count.

Pallet type

Box length (mm)

Box width (mm)

Box height (mm)

Box weight (kg)

Container (optional)

Boxes per layer (Ti)–

Layers high (Hi)–

Boxes per pallet–

Limited by–

Pallet weight–

Footprint utilization–

Volume utilization–

CBM per pallet–

Frequently asked questions

How many 55-gallon drums fit on a pallet?

Using a typical drum sized 572 x 572 x 851mm at 250kg, a US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40) holds 2 55-gallon drums — 2 per layer across 1 layers, stopped by the pallet's stacking height.

Does the pallet size change how many 55-gallon drums fit?

Yes. A US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40) fits 2; A Euro Pallet (EUR/EPAL) fits 2; A CHEP Block Pallet (48x40) fits 2. Larger footprints and higher weight limits both increase the count.

How much does a full pallet of 55-gallon drums weigh?

At this example size, a full pallet of 55-gallon drums weighs approximately 500kg (2 x 250kg), plus the empty pallet's own weight.