Shipping containers are built to international ISO standards, so their dimensions are the same all over the world. That is what lets them travel on ships, trains and trucks - and it is also why a shipping container works so well as storage, a home or an office. In this guide we bring together the main shipping container dimensions, volumes and weights, plus tips on choosing the right size.
Standard shipping container dimensions
All standard containers are 2438 mm wide outside and 2591 mm tall. What differs is the length: 10, 20, 40 or 45 ft.
| Size | External length, mm | Internal dimensions (L × W × H), mm | Door opening (W × H), mm | Volume, m³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 2991 | 2843 × 2352 × 2393 | 2335 × 2292 | 15.9 |
| 20 ft | 6058 | 5898 × 2352 × 2393 | 2336 × 2291 | 33.2 |
| 40 ft | 12 192 | 12 032 × 2352 × 2393 | 2335 × 2292 | 67.3 - 67.8 |
| 45 ft | 13 716 | 13 540 × 2350 × 2389 | 2340 × 2280 | 76 - 86 |
Each size is described in detail on its own page, for example the new 20ft container and the new 40ft container.
Why containers are measured in feet
The container industry uses imperial units: 1 foot is 30.48 cm. A 20ft container is about 6.1 m long and a 40ft container about 12.2 m. That is why people simply talk about a "twenty" or a "forty", and documents use 20' and 40'.
High cube containers
A high cube (HC) container is about 30 cm taller than a standard one: around 2896 mm outside. Length and width stay the same. High cube is chosen for tall cargo, and for container homes and offices - after the walls and ceiling are insulated, the room keeps a comfortable height.
Reefer container dimensions
A reefer has the same external dimensions as a dry container, but it is smaller inside: the walls carry a thick layer of insulation and the refrigeration unit sits at one end.
| Reefer | Internal dimensions (L × W × H), mm | Volume, m³ | Euro pallets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 2790 × 2286 × 2269 | 15.8 | 5 |
| 20 ft | 5513 × 2286 × 2269 | 28 | 10 |
| 40 ft | 11 638 × 2286 × 2269 | 59.81 | 23 |
| 40 ft high cube | 11 638 × 2286 × 2285 | 68.03 | 23 |
| 45 ft | 13 113 × 2438 × 2585 | 80.9 | 32 |
How many pallets fit in a container
- a 20ft container holds up to 11 euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm);
- a 40ft container holds 23-24 euro pallets;
- a 45ft container holds up to 27 euro pallets.
Read more in how many pallets fit in a container.
Weight: tare, payload and gross weight
A container's documents and doors show three weights:
- tare weight - the weight of the empty container;
- payload - how much cargo it may carry;
- maximum gross weight - the container plus its cargo.
| Size | Tare, kg | Payload, kg | Max. gross weight, kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 1 300 | 8 800 - 12 700 | 10 160 - 14 000 |
| 20 ft | 2 150 - 2 370 | 21 630 - 28 335 | 24 000 - 30 480 |
| 40 ft | 3 700 - 3 800 | 26 680 - 26 780 | 30 480 |
| 45 ft | 4 800 - 5 000 | 25 480 - 25 680 | 30 480 |
Tare weight matters for delivery too: it decides which crane truck is needed.
How to choose the right size
- Measure your largest items. They must fit through the door opening - 2336 × 2291 mm on a 20ft container.
- Think about the space. A 40ft container needs a spot more than 12 m long and access for a large truck.
- Plan ahead. If you will have more to store later, a bigger container is often the better buy from the start.
- Choose high cube for conversions. For a home, office or sauna, a higher ceiling really matters.
Torn between two sizes? Read 20ft or 40ft container: which to choose or contact us - we will help. All available containers are listed under Shipping containers for sale.