Shipping
Container Sizes

Shipping Container Dimensions & Glossary of Terms

20 foot shipping container shipping container dimensions

A lot of people are curious how much a container weighs and just how long, high and wide they are. Simple box sells a wide variety of shipping container sizes – 20 foot and 40 foot containers are the most common shipping container sizes and typically offer the best price per square foot of storage space.

20 foot shipping container shipping container dimensions

Shipping Container Dimensions

Small Containers

10 ft Shipping Container Dimensions

medium Containers

20 Foot Shipping Container Dimensions

Large Containers

40 & 45 ft Shipping Container Dimensions

Typical Shipping Container Dimensions and Weights

ISO Shipping Containers used in North America are typically made in the standard ISO container dimensions of 8’ wide, 8’6” high, and either 20’ or 40’ long.

40 foot containers are the most common shipping container size for people who want to buy a container. Many times when you see a stack of Containers on cargo ships in port, container depots, or being transported on a semi-truck chassis, it is a 40 footer.

20 foot containers are the most popular for renting. A 20 foot Shipping Container is most popular because it is easy to deliver and fits in a wide variety of locations.

Some custom-sized shipping containers are manufactured in lengths as short as 8 feet or as long as 45’, 48’ and even 53’ long. High-cube (Hi Cube) containers are one foot taller in height at 9 feet, 6 inches tall.

Sunset with different shipping containers shipping container dimensions

Shipping Container Size Chart

Here is a handy chart that shows the standard weights and dimensions of shipping containers. Because there are a variety of shipping container sizes and manufacturers around the world, keep in mind that the exact dimensions of your container may vary from this list. Visit us at any one of our Simple Box locations and we can get more precise measurements for the container you choose.

SHIPPING CONTAINER SIZES AND DIMENSIONS
DIMENSIONS10 foot Standard Container20 foot Standard Container20 foot Double-Door Container20 foot High Cube Container40 foot Standard Container40 foot Double-Door Container40 foot High Cube Container45 foot High Cube Container
External Length10′20′20′20′40′40′40′45′
External Width8’8’8’8’8’8’8’8’
External Height8’-6”8’-6”8’-6”9’-6”8’-6”8’-6”9’-6”9’-6”
Door Opening Width7’-7”7’-7”7’-7”7’-7”7’-7”7’-7”7’-7”7’-7”
Door Opening Height7’-4”7’-4”7’-4”8’-4”7’-4”7’-4”8’-4”8’-4”
Interior Length19’-5”19’-5”19’-5”19’-5”39’-5”39’-5”39’-5”44’-5”
Interior Width7’-8”7’-8”7’-8”7’-8”7’-8”7’-8”7’-8”7’-8”
Interior Height7’-10”7’-10”7’-10”8’-10”7’-10”7’-10”8’-10”8’-10”
Weight2,900 lbs.4,900 lbs.5,200 lbs.5,300 lbs.8,200 lbs.8,500 lbs.8,750 lbs.10,500 lbs.
*Container Dimensions and Weights may vary depending on several factors such as age, manufacturer, and components used. Check CSC plate to confirm exact details. 

Shipping Container Sizing

Shipping Container Sizes & Dimensions

External Length: 10′
External width: 8′
External Height: 8′ 6″
Door Opening Width: 7′ 7″
Door Opening Height: 7′ 4″
Interior Length: 9′ 5″
Interior Width: 7′ 8″
Interior Height: 7′ 10″
Weight: 2,900 lbs

More About 10′ Containers

* Shipping Container Dimensions and Weights may vary depending on several factors such as age, manufacturer, and components used. Check CSC plate to confirm exact details.

External Length: 20′
External width: 8′
External Height: 8′ 6″
Door Opening Width: 7′ 7″
Door Opening Height: 7′ 4″
Interior Length: 19′ 5″
Interior Width: 7′ 8″
Interior Height: 7′ 10″
Weight: 4,900 lbs

More About 20′ Containers

* Shipping Container Dimensions and Weights may vary depending on several factors such as age, manufacturer, and components used. Check CSC plate to confirm exact details.

External Length: 20′
External width: 8′
External Height: 8′ 6″
Door Opening Width: 7′ 7″
Door Opening Height: 7′ 4″
Interior Length: 19′ 5″
Interior Width: 7′ 8″
Interior Height: 7′ 10″
Weight: 5,200 lbs

More About 20′ Double Door Containers

* Shipping Container Dimensions and Weights may vary depending on several factors such as age, manufacturer, and components used. Check CSC plate to confirm exact details.

External Length: 20′
External width: 8′
External Height: 9′ 6″
Door Opening Width: 7′ 7″
Door Opening Height: 7′ 4″
Interior Length: 19′ 5″
Interior Width: 7′ 8″
Interior Height: 8′ 10″
Weight: 5,300 lbs

More About 20′ High Cube Containers

*Shipping Container Dimensions and Weights may vary depending on several factors such as age, manufacturer, and components used. Check CSC plate to confirm exact details.

External Length: 40′
External width: 8′
External Height: 8′ 6″
Door Opening Width: 7′ 7″
Door Opening Height: 7′ 4″
Interior Length: 39′ 5″
Interior Width: 7′ 8″
Interior Height: 7′ 10″
Weight: 8,200 lbs

More About 40′ Standard Containers

* Shipping Container Dimensions and Weights may vary depending on several factors such as age, manufacturer, and components used. Check CSC plate to confirm exact details.

External Length: 40′
External width: 8′
External Height: 8′ 6″
Door Opening Width: 7′ 7″
Door Opening Height: 7′ 4″
Interior Length: 39′ 5″
Interior Width: 7′ 8″
Interior Height: 7′ 10″
Weight: 8,500 lbs

More About 40′ Double Door Containers

*Shipping Container Dimensions and Weights may vary depending on several factors such as age, manufacturer, and components used. Check CSC plate to confirm exact details.

External Length: 40′
External width: 8′
External Height: 9′ 6″
Door Opening Width: 7′ 7″
Door Opening Height: 8′ 4″
Interior Length: 39′ 5″
Interior Width: 7′ 8″
Interior Height: 8′ 10″
Weight: 8,750 lbs

More About 40′ High Cube Containers

*Shipping Container Dimensions and Weights may vary depending on several factors such as age, manufacturer, and components used. Check CSC plate to confirm exact details.

External Length: 45′
External width: 8′
External Height: 9′ 6″
Door Opening Width: 7′ 7″
Door Opening Height: 8′ 4″
Interior Length: 44′ 5″
Interior Width: 7′ 8″
Interior Height: 8′ 10″
Weight: 10,500 lbs

*Shipping Container Dimensions and Weights may vary depending on several factors such as age, manufacturer, and components used. Check CSC plate to confirm exact details.

What are Shipping Containers Made of?

Container Certification plate
Shipping Container Parts and Terms

What Condition or Grades of Shipping Containers are there?

Containers go by many names. ISO, cargo container and shipping container are the terms generally used. Connex or conex is a military term meaning the same.

Container Roof Corrugation

An example of the Steel Corrugated Panels of a 40 foot High Cube Shipping Container

What are the Differences between Shipping Containers?

40 foot Shipping Container with doors open

Frequently Asked Questions on Container Dimensions & Sizes

What are the standard container sizes available?

Common standard container sizes include 20 feet (6.1 meters), 40 feet (12.2 meters), and sometimes 45 feet (13.7 meters) in length. Heights are usually standard at 8 feet 6 inches (2.6 meters), with high cube options offering extra height at 9 feet 6 inches (2.9 meters).

Consider both the internal and external dimensions. For instance, a standard 20 foot shipping container typically has internal dimensions of about 19 feet 4 inches (5.9 meters) in length, 7 feet 8 inches (2.3 meters) in width, and 7 feet 10 inches (2.4 meters) in height.

Yes, containers can be modified to include features like doors, windows, shelving, insulation, electrical wiring, and climate control. These modifications can tailor the container to fit various storage, office, or living space requirements.

Container capacity varies based on size and type. A standard 20 foot shipping container can typically hold around 1,170 cubic feet (33 cubic meters), while a 40-foot container can hold about 2,350 cubic feet (67 cubic meters). Weight capacity depends on the container’s structural strength and varies by model and manufacturer specifications.

Regulations vary by location. It’s advisable to check with local authorities regarding zoning laws, permits, and any restrictions related to placing a container on your property, especially for residential areas.
Apart from standard containers, there are high cube containers (taller than standard), open-top containers (with a removable top for easy loading of oversized items), flat rack containers (for cargo that doesn’t fit within standard dimensions), and refrigerated containers (for temperature-sensitive goods).
Yes, containers are designed to be stackable, which maximizes space efficiency for storage yards and shipping purposes. Special stacking cone mechanisms ensure stability and safety when containers are stacked multiple units high.
How do I choose between new and used containers?
Choosing between new and used containers depends on budget, aesthetic preferences, and intended use. New containers offer pristine condition and longer lifespan, while used containers are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Standard container doors typically have dimensions of approximately 7 feet 8 inches (2.3 meters) in width and 7 feet 6 inches (2.3 meters) in height. This allows for easy access and loading/unloading of goods.
Yes, containers are built to withstand various weather conditions. They are typically made of corten steel, which is corrosion-resistant and durable. Proper maintenance and occasional inspections ensure longevity and weatherproofing.

Yes, containers are designed for international shipping and meet ISO containers dimensions and structural integrity. They are used for transporting goods via ships, trains, and trucks worldwide.

With proper maintenance, containers can last for decades. New containers can have a lifespan of 20-25 years or more, while used containers can still offer many years of service with routine upkeep and repairs as needed.
Weight limits for containers vary based on their size, type, and structural integrity. Standard containers can typically hold up to 30-32 metric tons (66,000-70,500 pounds) of cargo, while high cube containers may have slightly lower weight limits due to their taller design.

Shipping containers come in various sizes. Most common shipping container sizes are 10 foot, 20 foot and 40 foot long. ISO container dimensions for a 20 foot shipping container are 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high. There are also high cube containers, wich offer an extra foot of height, making them 9.5 feet high.

Stands for “Free On Board” and typically designates that no freight or delivery fees have been calculated into the agreement. For example “FOB Seattle” would mean that the price is considered complete at the seller’s loading dock. Any additional trucking or handling fees would be the buyer’s responsibility to arrange and pay for.
International Organization for Standardisation – all of our containers are designed and built according to ISO standards for everything, from the exact dimensions and weights, to the location of the door handles, the type of paint and flooring, the type of steel, and even the numbering system to identify the containers.
SOC is a Shipper’s Own Container i.e. you as the shipper own the container rather than using one of the shipping company’s containers. It is very important that the Shipping Container is CSC plated. MTC stands for “Move Their Container,” i.e. we relocate a container that is owned by the customer to a new location.