20′ standard
Fits where space is tight. About the footprint of one parking space.
- Inside (L × W × H)
- 19′ 4″ × 7′ 8″ × 7′ 10″
- Floor area
- 149 sq ft
- Capacity
- 1,172 cu ft
- Door opening
- 7′ 8″ × 7′ 6″
Container dimensions
How big is a shipping container?
Compare 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot high cube containers: outside size, usable inside space, door openings, and weights.
At a glance
Same width. Different length and height.
Every size here is 8 feet wide. A 40′ is twice as long as a 20′, and a high cube adds a foot of height, which matters for tall equipment, shelving, or an office with a finished ceiling.
Specifications
40′ standard
Twice the floor space of a 20′ for inventory, equipment, or a workspace.
- Inside (L × W × H)
- 39′ 6″ × 7′ 8″ × 7′ 10″
- Floor area
- 304 sq ft
- Capacity
- 2,390 cu ft
- Door opening
- 7′ 8″ × 7′ 6″
40′ high cube
A foot taller than standard. Popular for offices and tall equipment.
- Inside (L × W × H)
- 39′ 5″ × 7′ 8″ × 8′ 10″
- Floor area
- 304 sq ft
- Capacity
- 2,694 cu ft
- Door opening
- 7′ 8″ × 8′ 6″
| Measurement | 20′ standard | 40′ standard | 40′ high cube |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior | |||
| Length | 20′ | 40′ | 40′ |
| Width | 8′ | 8′ | 8′ |
| Height | 8′ 6″ | 8′ 6″ | 9′ 6″ |
| Interior | |||
| Length | 19′ 4″ | 39′ 6″ | 39′ 5″ |
| Width | 7′ 8″ | 7′ 8″ | 7′ 8″ |
| Height | 7′ 10″ | 7′ 10″ | 8′ 10″ |
| Door opening | |||
| Width | 7′ 8″ | 7′ 8″ | 7′ 8″ |
| Height | 7′ 6″ | 7′ 6″ | 8′ 6″ |
| Space | |||
| Interior floor area | 149 sq ft | 304 sq ft | 304 sq ft |
| Cubic capacity | 1,172 cu ft | 2,390 cu ft | 2,694 cu ft |
| Weight | |||
| Empty (tare) weight | 4,960 lb | 8,330 lb | 8,600 lb |
| Maximum gross weight | 67,200 lb | 67,200 lb | 67,200 lb |
| Maximum payload | 62,240 lb | 58,870 lb | 58,600 lb |
Figures are typical for standard steel dry containers. Exact measurements and weights vary a little by manufacturer and condition, so confirm the specific container before planning a build or a tight fit.
Choosing a size
Start with what goes inside.
20′ standard: tools, equipment, and supplies on a smaller property or jobsite.
40′ standard: inventory, larger equipment, or a workspace that needs room to spread out.
40′ high cube: tall items, high shelving, or an office or workshop where headroom matters after insulation and a finished ceiling.
Not sure? Ask us →Plan the delivery space
- Leave extra room around the footprint: 20′ × 8′ or 40′ × 8′, plus space to open the doors fully.
- The delivery truck needs a long, straight, clear approach, often around 100 feet for a 20′ and more for a 40′.
- Check for overhead wires and branches; a tilt-bed truck raises the container high as it unloads.
- Choose firm, level ground or a prepared pad under the corners.
Found your size?