Shipping Container Sizes: 10ft, 20ft, 40ft and High-Cube Dimensions Compared
Outside and inside dimensions, door openings, cubic feet and weight of standard and high-cube shipping containers — and which size fits your job.
Updated October 25, 2026 · 5 min read
Container dimensions compared
Typical figures for steel ISO dry containers. Exact sizes vary a little by maker — check the data plate on the door.
| Size | Outside (L × W × H) | Inside (approx.) | Volume | Empty weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft | 10' × 8' × 8'6" | 9'2" × 7'8" × 7'10" | ~560 cu ft | ~2,900 lb |
| 20ft standard | 20' × 8' × 8'6" | 19'4" × 7'8" × 7'10" | ~1,170 cu ft | ~4,900 lb |
| 40ft standard | 40' × 8' × 8'6" | 39'5" × 7'8" × 7'10" | ~2,390 cu ft | ~8,200 lb |
| 40ft high-cube | 40' × 8' × 9'6" | 39'5" × 7'8" × 8'10" | ~2,700 cu ft | ~8,700 lb |
The door opening is about 7'8" wide and 7'5" tall on a standard box (about 8'5" tall on a high-cube).
20ft container
The most popular size for home and business storage. It fits on most driveways and is easier to deliver. Good for a garden shed, tool store, small workshop or pop-up shop.
40ft and 40ft high-cube
Twice the floor space for usually much less than twice the price. Best for farms, job sites, large inventories and container homes. The high-cube’s extra foot makes it the first choice for offices and homes once you add insulation and a ceiling.
Other sizes and types
- 10ft — often cut down from a 20ft; handy where space is tight.
- 45ft and 53ft — longer boxes used in domestic rail and trucking.
- Open-side, double-door and refrigerated (reefer) — special types that cost more.
Not sure? Try the container size calculator, then see prices.
Find container companies near you
Browse container sellers, rental companies and depots by state and city, then contact them directly. Read our size, grade and price guides first.
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Sellers, rental companies and depots by state and city.
Frequently asked questions
How much fits in a 20ft container?
Roughly the contents of a 1–2 bedroom home, or 10 standard pallets on the floor. A 40ft fits about 20–21 pallets or a 3–4 bedroom home.
What is a high-cube container?
A container that is 9ft 6in tall instead of 8ft 6in. The extra foot helps with tall shelving, lofts, insulation and container homes.
What does TEU mean?
TEU means “twenty-foot equivalent unit”. A 20ft container is 1 TEU and a 40ft is 2 TEU. Shipping lines use it to measure capacity.
Related guides
- How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost? 2026 Price Estimates by Size and Grade
- Shipping Container Grades Explained: New, One-Trip, Cargo-Worthy, WWT and As-Is
- Rent vs Buy a Storage Container: Which Costs Less?
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and rates change — confirm permits with your city or county and get written quotes before you buy.