Shipping container sizes
What are the dimensions of a 20ft and 40ft shipping container?
Shipping containers are essential for international transport by sea, road and rail, but also widely used for (temporary) storage. Choosing the right shipping container size is crucial to optimise transport efficiency, storage capacity and overall costs.
On this page, you can compare standard shipping container sizes, including internal and external dimensions, volume and weight. This helps you determine which container best fits your application.
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What are the standard shipping container sizes?
Shipping container sizes are typically defined in feet (10ft, 20ft, 40ft), but in practice each container can slightly differ depending on manufacturer and type. Below is a clear overview of the most common container dimensions, including internal and external sizes, volume and weight.
| 20ft | 40ft | 40ft High Cube | |
|---|---|---|---|
| External length | 6,06 m | 12,19 m | 12,19 m |
| External width | 2,44 m | 2,44 m | 2,44 m |
| External height | 2,59 m | 2,59 m | 2,89 m |
| Internal length | 5,90 m | 12,03 m | 12,03 m |
| Internal width | 2,35 m | 2,35 m | 2,35 m |
| Internal height | 2,39 m | 2,39 m | 2,69 m |
| Volume | 33 m³ | 67 m³ | 76 m³ |
| Tare weight | 2.180 kg | 3.620 kg | 3.820 kg |
External dimensions are important for transport and placement, while internal dimensions determine how much cargo fits inside the container. Volume (m³) indicates the total storage capacity.
How big is a 10ft container?
A 10ft container is mainly used for storage and compact applications where space is limited. It is not commonly used for international shipping due to standardisation in logistics.
- Dimensions: 10ft (3,0 m) length
- Volume: approx. 16 m³
- Tare weight: approx. 1,300 kg – see container weight
- Applications: construction sites, events, temporary storage, tools
10ft containers are ideal for on-site storage, emergency capacity and customised solutions.
What are the dimensions of a 20ft container?
The 20ft container is the global standard for transport and storage.
- Dimensions: 20ft (6,06 m) length
- Volume: approx. 33 m³
- Tare weight: 2.180 kg – see container weight
- Applications: international shipping, storage, modular solutions
This container is frequently used for transporting general cargo and is also popular for on-site storage.
How much space does a 40ft container offer?
The 40ft container provides double the length of a 20ft container, making it suitable for larger volumes of cargo.
- Dimensions: 40ft (12,19 m) length
- Volume: approx. 67 m³
- Tare weight: 3.620 kg – see container weight
- Applications: bulk transport, large storage, export
How much extra capacity does a 40ft high cube container offer?
A high cube container is approximately 30 cm taller than a standard container, offering additional volume.
- Dimensions: 40ft x 9ft 6in height
- Volume: approx. 76 m³
- Tare weight: 3.820 kg – see container weight
- Applications: high-volume cargo, conversions, storage
This makes high cube containers ideal when extra height or capacity is required.
Capacity of a shipping container
The capacity of a container is expressed in cubic meters (m³), also referred to as CU. CAP or CU.M. A standard 20ft container has a capacity of approximately 33 m³, while a 40ft container offers around 67 m³.
Exact capacity may vary slightly depending on the container type and manufacturer.
Why choose Alconet Containers?
Alconet Containers offers a wide range of container sizes with fast availability from depots covering 90,000 m² in the Port of Rotterdam. We deliver throughout the Netherlands, Europe and worldwide.
- Fast quotations
- Global delivery
- Container sales, rental and modification
FAQ about shipping container sizes
What is the difference between internal and external dimensions?
External dimensions refer to the outer size of the container, while internal dimensions indicate usable space inside.
How much fits in a 20ft container?
A 20ft container holds approximately 33 cubic meters of cargo.
Can I modify a shipping container?
Yes, containers can be modified for storage, offices or technical applications.
Is a high cube container more expensive?
High cube containers can be slightly more expensive but offer more volume.