Plastic Crate Dimensions and Standard Sizes: Full Lookup Table

The most common base footprint in Vietnam is 610 x 420 mm - compatible with a 1200 x 1000 mm pallet at 6 crates per layer. Crate height runs from 100 mm (1-tac shallow tray) to 510 mm (220 L lidded crate), classified by “tac” (T) or rib count. Volume formula: L x W x H (cm) / 1,000 = litres; actual usable volume is 85-90% of the theoretical figure. ICD Vietnam stocks over 200 plastic crate models covering every size from small parts trays to 220 L containers.

Two standard size systems used in Vietnam

Industrial plastic crates in Vietnam follow two main size systems.

The first is the 610 x 420 mm base - the most widely used standard, accounting for over 70% of the market, compatible with a 1200 x 1000 mm pallet.

The second is the EU (European Standard) system - bases of 600 x 400 mm, 400 x 300 mm, and 300 x 200 mm - common in European FDI factories in Vietnam, compatible with EUR 1200 x 800 mm pallets.

Choosing the wrong system wastes pallet space. For example, placing 610 x 420 mm crates on a EUR 1200 x 800 mm pallet fits only 4 crates per layer with gaps on both sides, while EU 600 x 400 mm crates fill the same pallet with zero wasted space.

Full size lookup table

Vietnamese standard series (610 x 420 mm base)

Wheeled crate series

EU (European Standard) series

Lidded crates - large volume

Parts trays (tapered front)

How to calculate plastic crate volume

Theoretical volume uses a simple formula: L (cm) x W (cm) x H (cm) = cm3, then divide by 1,000 to get litres. Example: a 610 x 420 x 310 mm crate = 61 x 42 x 31 = 79,422 cm3 / 1,000 = approximately 79 litres.

Actual usable volume is always 10-15% less than the theoretical figure because the base has reinforcing ribs, corners are rounded, and walls are 3-5 mm thick. This means the 610 x 420 x 310 mm crate holds about 65-70 litres of goods in practice - consistent with the approximately 70 L figure in the table above. When calculating how many crates you need for a warehouse, always use the actual volume (85-90% of theoretical) to avoid running short.

How to choose the right size for your application

Selecting the right crate size requires balancing three factors at the same time: the goods inside, the existing racking and pallets, and the operating workflow.

• By goods type: Small parts (screws, chips, buttons) need A4-A8 parts trays or shallow solid 1T-1T5 crates. Medium semi-finished goods (auto parts, garments) suit 1T9-2T5 crates. Bulky items (roll fabric, large raw materials) need 3T1-3T9 crates or lidded containers from 55 L upward.
• By racking and pallet: Measure the rack bay width (typically 600 mm or 800 mm) and the pallet size in use. The 610 x 420 mm crate suits a 1200 x 1000 mm pallet. EU 600 x 400 mm crates suit a EUR 1200 x 800 mm pallet. Never buy crates wider than the rack bay - this is an obvious rule but a mistake seen at no fewer than five businesses every year.
• By operating workflow: If workers carry crates by hand, the combined weight of crate plus contents should not exceed 15-20 kg - corresponding to small or medium crate sizes. For push carts or wheeled baskets, larger sizes are practical. When using pallet trucks, only pallet area optimisation matters; weight is no longer a constraint.

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