Need to know exactly how big a container is before you buy or hire? This guide covers standard shipping container dimensions for 10 ft, 20 ft and 40 ft containers, including high cube sizes, internal measurements, door openings, weights and capacity. Every figure below is based on international ISO container standards, which is why a 20 ft container from our Brisbane yard is the same size as one anywhere in the world.
All measurements are approximate. Exact sizes can vary slightly between manufacturers and container grades, so check the data plate or ask our team before you plan a tight fit-out.
Shipping Container Dimensions at a Glance
All standard shipping containers share the same external width of 2.44 m (8 ft). What changes is the length and height. Standard containers are 2.59 m (8 ft 6 in) tall, while high cube containers are 2.90 m (9 ft 6 in) tall.
| Container | External (L × W × H) | Internal (L × W × H) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft standard | 3.05 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 2.83 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | approx. 16 m³ |
| 20 ft standard | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | approx. 33 m³ |
| 20 ft high cube | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.90 m | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | approx. 37 m³ |
| 40 ft standard | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | approx. 67 m³ |
| 40 ft high cube | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 m | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | approx. 76 m³ |
10 ft Shipping Container Dimensions
A 10 ft shipping container is the smallest standard size. It fits where a larger container cannot, such as a driveway, a small commercial yard or the back of a tight building site.
- External: 3.05 m long × 2.44 m wide × 2.59 m high (10 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in)
- Internal: about 2.83 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m
- Door opening: about 2.34 m wide × 2.28 m high
- Tare (empty) weight: about 1,300 kg
- Capacity: about 16 m³
Popular uses include tool and equipment storage, garden sheds, small site stores and archive storage for businesses.
20 ft Shipping Container Dimensions
The 20 ft container is the most popular size in Australia. It holds the contents of a typical two to three bedroom house and fits on a standard tilt-tray truck.
- External: 6.06 m long × 2.44 m wide × 2.59 m high (20 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in)
- Internal: about 5.90 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m
- Door opening: about 2.34 m wide × 2.28 m high
- Tare (empty) weight: about 2,200 kg
- Maximum gross weight: typically up to 30,480 kg
- Capacity: about 33 m³, or around 10 standard pallets
A 20 ft high cube adds about 30 cm of height (2.90 m external, 2.69 m internal), which is useful for tall machinery or fit-outs that need insulation and a ceiling.
40 ft Shipping Container Dimensions
A 40 ft container gives you double the floor space of a 20 ft, making it ideal for bulk stock, large equipment, site offices and conversions.
- External: 12.19 m long × 2.44 m wide × 2.59 m high (40 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in)
- Internal: about 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m
- Door opening: about 2.34 m wide × 2.28 m high
- Tare (empty) weight: about 3,700 kg
- Capacity: about 67 m³, or around 20 to 24 standard pallets
The 40 ft high cube is 2.90 m tall externally (2.69 m inside) with about 76 m³ of space. It is the go-to choice for container homes, offices and workshops.
Standard vs High Cube Containers
The only difference between a standard and a high cube container is height. High cubes are 30 cm taller, which adds roughly 10 to 12 percent more volume. Choose a high cube if you are storing tall items, stacking pallets, or converting the container into an office, workshop or living space where you need room for lining and insulation.
Specialty Container Sizes
Specialty containers follow the same external footprint but have different openings:
- Side opening containers open along almost the full length of one side for easy forklift access.
- Open top containers have a removable tarpaulin roof so tall cargo can be crane loaded.
- Flat rack containers have no sides or roof for vehicles, boats and oversized loads.
- Refrigerated containers have slightly smaller internal dimensions because of their insulated walls and refrigeration unit.
How to Choose the Right Container Size
Start with what you need to store and how much space you have on site. As a rough guide:
- 10 ft: tools, garden equipment, small business stock or a one-bedroom move.
- 20 ft: household contents, farm equipment, renovation storage or a small site office.
- 40 ft: commercial stock, machinery, large site offices and conversions.
Also allow room for delivery. A tilt-tray truck delivering a 20 ft container typically needs around 30 m of straight, clear access, and a 40 ft container needs more. Firm, level ground and overhead clearance for the tilt are essential. If space is tight, a 10 ft container or a side-loader delivery may be the answer.
Shipping Container Dimensions FAQs
What are the standard shipping container dimensions?
Standard shipping container dimensions are 2.44 m wide and 2.59 m high, with lengths of 3.05 m (10 ft), 6.06 m (20 ft) and 12.19 m (40 ft). High cube containers are 2.90 m high.
How many pallets fit in a shipping container?
A 20 ft container holds around 10 standard Australian pallets on the floor, and a 40 ft container holds around 20 to 22, depending on pallet size and loading pattern.
How much does an empty shipping container weigh?
An empty 10 ft container weighs about 1,300 kg, a 20 ft about 2,200 kg and a 40 ft about 3,700 kg. High cubes weigh slightly more.
Are all shipping containers the same width?
Yes. Almost all ISO shipping containers are 2.44 m (8 ft) wide externally, which is why they stack and transport so easily. The main exception is pallet-wide containers, which are slightly wider inside.
Buy or Hire the Right Size in Brisbane
Shipping Containers Brisbane stocks 10 ft, 20 ft and 40 ft containers in standard and high cube heights, new and used, to buy or hire. Not sure which size you need? Call our team on (07) 3185 2170 or request a free quote and we will help you pick the right container and delivery option. For more on the international standards behind these sizes, see this overview of intermodal containers.
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