The world of containers can be surprisingly daunting at times; Considering shipping container dimensions we are met with such a variety of containers: 20ft, 40ft, high cube, refrigerated, open-top, platform, tank …So today we’ve decided to simplify this and document the most common shipping containers and their dimensions so you can make a decision about which type and size of containers you will use.
By far the two most popular containers you will come across are the regular 20 foot shipping container and the regular 40 foot shipping container; the majority of this article will focus on these two containers.
20 Foot Shipping Container Dimensions
The standard 20ft shipping container is a popular pick for many people who decide to build a home out of shipping containers. They are easier to manoeuvre.
We can see the size of this shipping container below:
External Length: 19′ 10″ | 6.06m
Width: 8′ 0″ | 2.44m
Height: 8′ 6″ | 2.60m
Internal Length: 19′ 2″ | 5.84m
Width: 7′ 8″ | 2.35m
Height: 7′ 9 ″ | 2.39m
Internal Area of Container: 144 Square Foot | 13.3 Square Meters
Door Opening Width: 7′ 8″ | 2.34m
Door Opening Height: 7′ 5″ | 2.28m
Internal Volume: 1,169ft³ | 33.1m³
Weight: 4,840lb | 2,200kg
Max .Payload: 48325lb | 21920kg
40 Foot Shipping Container Dimensions
The most common shipping container is the 40ft container. They offer exceptional value for money and considerable internal space. We have detailed the dimensions of the container below for your reference.
External Length: 40′ 0″ | 12.2m
Width: 8′ 0″ | 2.44m
Height: 8′ 6″ | 2.60m
Internal Length: 39′ 5″ | 12.03m
Width: 7′ 8″ | 2.35m
Height: 7′ 9 ″ | 2.39m
Internal Area of Container: 300 Square Foot | 28 Square Meters
Door Opening Width: 7′ 8″ | 2.34m
Door Opening Height: 7′ 5″ | 2.28m
Internal Volume: 2,385ft³ | 67.5m³
Weight: 8,360lb | 3,800kg
Max .Payload: 58600lb | 26580kg
High Cube Containers
High cube containers have the same width and length dimensions as the regular containers listed above, except they are an extra foot (0.3m) taller. However high cube containers aren’t as common as the regular containers so you tend to pay a higher price-tag for them.
20ft High Cube Container Dimensions:
Internal Length: 19′ 2″ | 5.84m
Width: 7′ 8″ | 2.35m
Height: 8′ 8″ | 2.64m
Door Opening Width: 7′ 8″ | 2.34m
Door Opening Height: 8′ 4″ | 2.54m
Max .Payload: 48325lb | 21920kg
40ft High Cube Container Dimensions:
Internal Length: 39′ 5″ | 12.03m
Width: 7′ 8″ | 2.35m
Height: 8′ 8″ | 2.64m
Door Opening Width: 7′ 8″ | 2.34m
Door Opening Height: 8′ 4″ | 2.54m
Max .Payload: 58050lb | 26330kg
Open Top Containers
Open top containers are pretty self-explanatory, they are essentially the exact same as the containers mentioned above except they don’t have a roof on them. You can get open top containers in both the regular 20ft or 40ft size and also 20ft high cube and the 40ft high cube sizes.
