Shipping container dimensions
Complete reference table: all standardised ISO measurements, exterior and interior, for each format (10, 20, 40, 45 feet, standard and high cube). To bookmark and consult before any order.
External dimensions (ISO 668 standard)
| Format | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 feet | 2,991 m | 2,438 m | 2,591 m |
| Standard 20 feet | 6,058 m | 2,438 m | 2,591 m |
| 20 feet high cube | 6,058 m | 2,438 m | 2,896 m |
| 40 feet standard | 12,192 m | 2,438 m | 2,591 m |
| 40 ft high cube | 12,192 m | 2,438 m | 2,896 m |
| 45 ft high cube | 13,716 m | 2,438 m | 2,896 m |
Useful internal dimensions
| Format | Internal length | Internal width | Internal height | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 feet | 2,831 m | 2,352 m | 2,390 m | 16 m³ |
| Standard 20 feet | 5,867 m | 2,352 m | 2,390 m | 33 m³ |
| 20 ft HC | 5,867 m | 2,352 m | 2,697 m | 37 m³ |
| 40 feet standard | 12,032 m | 2,352 m | 2,390 m | 67 m³ |
| 40 feet HC | 12,032 m | 2,352 m | 2,697 m | 76 m³ |
| 45 feet HC | 13,556 m | 2,352 m | 2,697 m | 86 m³ |
Weight and capacities
| Format | Tare weight | Maximum gross weight | Payload capacity | EUR pallets (floor) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 feet | 1 200 kg | 10 160 kg | 8 960 kg | 5 |
| Standard 20 feet | 2 200 kg | 30 480 kg | 28 100 kg | 11 |
| 40 feet standard | 3 700 kg | 30 480 kg | 26 680 kg | 22 |
| 40 feet HC | 3 900 kg | 30 480 kg | 26 480 kg | 22 |
| 45 feet HC | 4 900 kg | 30 480 kg | 25 500 kg | 24-25 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are container dimensions really standardised?+
Yes, rigorously. The ISO 668 standard defines the external dimensions precisely (to the millimetre). All shipping containers in the world adhere to these specifications — this is exactly what enables global interoperability of ports, ships, trucks and trains. Internal dimensions may vary slightly (a few millimetres) depending on manufacturers and wall thickness.
What is the maximum height inside a container?+
Standard : 2,390 m (20 feet, 40 feet). High cube : 2,697 m (40 and 45 feet HC). Note : after internal insulation (80-100 mm + finish), you lose 15-20 cm in height. A standard insulated container drops to ~2,20 m, a high cube insulated one remains at ~2,50 m — hence the systematic preference for HC in habitable conversions.
How many EUR pallets fit in different formats?+
20 feet : 11 EUR pallets on the floor (22 on two levels). 40 feet : 22 on the floor (44 on two levels). 45 feet : 24-25 on the floor (48-50 on two levels). For industrial pallets (1,20 × 1,00 m) : respectively 10, 20 and 22. These figures assume dense loading without internal handling space.
What is the tare weight of a container?+
20 feet : 2,2 to 2,3 tonnes. 40 feet standard : 3,6 to 3,8 tonnes. 40 feet high cube : 3,8 to 4,0 tonnes. 45 feet HC : 4,8 to 5,0 tonnes. Reefer (with refrigeration unit) : +500 to +800 kg vs equivalent dry container. The maximum gross weight allowed (MGW / Maximum Gross Weight) is 30 480 kg for all standard ISO formats.
What is the truly usable interior width?+
2.352 m for all standard formats. The exterior width is 2.438 m (exactly 8 feet). There are no standard ISO high-width variants. For bulky loads (machines, Euro pallets 1.20 m × 1.20 m), this constrained width often limits capacity — hence the choice sometimes of a flat rack or open top.
Need a specific format?
Specify it on our form, get 5 targeted quotes within 48 hours.