Slip Sheet Sizes and Specifications: Tab, Thickness and Footprint

A slip sheet only works when it is specified correctly: the sheet must match the footprint of the load, the tab (gripping lip) must be wide enough for the push-pull attachment, and the thickness must suit the load weight. Get it wrong and the tab cannot be gripped, or the sheet overhangs and tears when pulled. This guide shows how to determine slip sheet size from the load footprint, how many tabs you need (one or multiple sides), what thickness to choose by load, and a table of common specifications so you order correctly the first time.

Three parameters that define a slip sheet specification

Determining sheet size from the load footprint

Base it on the load base dimensions

Take the slip sheet size from the base dimensions of the load, which usually match a familiar pallet footprint: 1100 x 1100 mm for domestic and intra-Asia exports, 1200 x 1000 mm for heavy loads, and 1200 x 800 mm for EU exports. The sheet should never be smaller than the load base, so it supports the whole block.

Add the tab to the total size

The total sheet size equals the load base dimensions plus the tab overhang. For example, with a 1100 x 1100 mm load base and a single 70 mm tab, the ordered sheet is 1170 x 1100 mm. State the base dimensions and the number of tabs clearly when ordering so the supplier calculates the total correctly.

Choosing the number of tabs: one side or multiple

Single tab: the most common

A single tab on one side is enough for most processes that pull from one direction. It is simple, saves material, and suits a fixed loading and unloading line.

Two to four tabs: flexible pull direction

Multiple tabs allow pulling from several directions, useful when turning space is limited or when you need to push out on a different side from where you pull in. This uses more material, so specify it only when the process genuinely requires it.

Choosing thickness by load weight

Figures are reference values based on industry standards. The heavier the load and the more frequent the pulls, the more you should increase thickness and favour plastic to avoid tearing the tab.

Common slip sheet specification table

Slip sheets can be cut to the specific size of your load. Send the load base dimensions and weight, and ICD cuts to the correct specification with tabs suited to your push-pull attachment.

Slip sheet sizing: overall size versus inner size

This is the most common mix-up when ordering: the overall size (the whole sheet, including the tab) is different from the inner size (the part that supports the load base). Confusing these two figures leads to a wrongly sized sheet. The table below converts the common specifications for you.

When ordering, state the load base dimensions (inner size) and the number of tabs, and the supplier adds the tab to reach the overall size. The overall size is always larger than the load base by exactly the tab.

Converting thickness to paper grammage and points

Paper slip sheets are bought and sold by grammage (gsm) and number of kraft plies, while many people are used to talking in terms of thickness in mm. This conversion table aligns common terminology with import standards.

Conversion: 1 point = 0.0254 mm. The heavier the load, the higher the grammage and ply count you should choose. PP/HDPE plastic slip sheets are rated by thickness in mm, not by gsm.

Tolerances and packing to know when raising a PO

Export customers often need tolerances to include in the purchase order and for quality inspection. Reference figures based on industry standards: thickness tolerance of about plus/minus 0.03 mm, length and width tolerance of about plus/minus 5 mm, and common packing of 500-1,000 sheets per pallet. State your tolerance requirements clearly when ordering so the supplier can confirm them.

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Frequently asked questions about slip sheet sizing

1. What determines slip sheet size?

Base it on the load base dimensions, which usually match a familiar pallet footprint (1100 x 1100, 1200 x 1000, 1200 x 800 mm), then add the tab overhang for the push-pull attachment to grip.

2. How wide should a slip sheet tab be?

Commonly 50-100 mm per tab. The tab must be wide and strong enough for the push-pull attachment to grip firmly while pulling. A tab that is too small slips or tears.

3. How many tabs does a slip sheet need?

A single tab on one side is the most common and is enough for pulling from one direction. Two to four tabs are used when you need to pull from several directions or when turning space is tight.

4. How do I choose slip sheet thickness?

By load weight: light loads use paper 0.7-0.9 mm or plastic 0.6-0.8 mm; medium and heavy loads call for greater thickness and favour plastic 0.8-1.2 mm for better pull resistance.

5. Can I order slip sheets in a custom size?

Yes. Slip sheets are cut to the specific dimensions of your load base. Send the dimensions and weight, and the supplier cuts to the correct specification with tabs suited to your push-pull equipment.

6. How does overall size differ from the load base?

The overall size is the whole sheet including the tab; the inner size is the part supporting the load base. The overall size is larger than the load base by exactly the tab. For example, with a 1100 x 1100 mm base and an 80 mm tab on one side, the overall size is 1180 x 1100 mm.

7. What paper grammage in gsm is enough for a slip sheet?

Light loads use paper around 600-700 gsm (3 plies, ~0.76 mm); medium and heavy loads go up to 800-1,200 gsm (4-5 plies, 1.0-1.27 mm). The heavier the load, the higher the grammage and ply count to choose.

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