Shipping container dimensions are standardised, which is what makes containers stack on ships, sit on trucks and move between countries. This guide sets out the external and internal dimensions of the common sizes, the door openings, the weights, and the differences that catch people out when a container has to fit a specific space or carry a specific load.
Standard container dimensions at a glance
Figures below are the widely used nominal dimensions. Internal measurements and tare weights vary slightly between manufacturers and build years, so confirm the numbers for a specific unit before ordering if a tight fit matters.
| Size | External L × W × H | Internal L × W × H | Internal volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft | 2.99 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 2.83 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ≈ 16 m³ |
| 20ft standard | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ≈ 33 m³ |
| 20ft high cube | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.90 m | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | ≈ 37 m³ |
| 40ft standard | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ≈ 67 m³ |
| 40ft high cube | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 m | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | ≈ 76 m³ |
| 45ft high cube | 13.72 × 2.44 × 2.90 m | 13.56 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | ≈ 86 m³ |
External versus internal: the gap that matters
A container’s external length is what determines whether it fits on your block. The internal length is what determines whether your goods fit inside it. The difference is the corrugated steel wall and the door structure — roughly 160 mm off the length and 85 mm off the width on a standard unit.
That gap is why a 20ft container will not take six standard Australian pallets in a single row along its length without careful loading, and why measuring your goods against the external figure leads to an unpleasant surprise on delivery day.
Door openings
The door opening is always smaller than the internal cross-section, because the door frame intrudes. On a standard-height container the opening is typically about 2.34 m wide by 2.28 m high; on a high cube it is the same width but about 2.58 m high.
If you are loading machinery, a vehicle or anything on a forklift, the door opening — not the internal height — is the number that decides whether it goes in. Check the tallest and widest point of the load against the opening, and allow clearance for the forklift mast if the load is being driven in.
High cube: 300 mm that changes the job
A high cube is 2.90 m externally instead of 2.59 m — about 300 mm (one foot) of extra height. It sounds marginal and it often is not:
- It is the difference between standing racking upright inside and not
- It allows an insulated lining and internal ceiling while keeping usable headroom, which is why most container conversions start with a high cube
- It adds roughly 9 m³ of volume on a 40ft unit at the same footprint
- It changes transport height, so confirm access clearances and any height limits on the delivery route
Weights: tare, payload and gross
Three weights appear on every container’s data plate:
- Tare — the empty container. Roughly 1.3 t for a 10ft, 2.2 t for a 20ft, and 3.8–4.0 t for a 40ft.
- Payload — the maximum weight of goods it may carry.
- Max gross — tare plus payload, commonly 30,480 kg for both 20ft and 40ft units.
Because max gross is similar for both sizes while the 40ft is heavier when empty, a 20ft container actually takes more weight than a 40ft. For dense cargo such as tiles, stone or machinery, two 20ft containers often beat one 40ft. For bulky, light goods the 40ft wins on volume.
Weight also governs delivery: the combined weight determines the truck and lifting method needed, and whether your ground can take it.
Which size fits your site?
As a rule of thumb for delivery access, allow roughly three times the container’s length in clear, straight approach for a tilt-tray delivery, plus room for the truck. A 40ft container needs considerably more manoeuvring space than two 20ft units carrying the same goods.
If the space is tight, that trade-off is usually the deciding factor — see our guide to choosing a container size and the delivery preparation guide before ordering.
Browse by size
BWContainers stocks each of these sizes in new one-trip and used condition, delivered Australia-wide:
- 10ft shipping containers — compact storage for tight sites
- 20ft shipping containers — the most common size in Australia
- 40ft shipping containers — bulk storage and site use
- 45ft high cube containers — maximum volume in one unit
- 8ft and 10ft containers — smallest units and bunded stores
If you are weighing a specific load or a difficult site against a size, tell us what you need to store and we can work through it with you.
Common questions
What are the dimensions of a 20ft shipping container?
A standard 20ft shipping container measures 6.06 m long, 2.44 m wide and 2.59 m high externally. Internally it is about 5.90 m long, 2.35 m wide and 2.39 m high, giving roughly 33 cubic metres of space. The door opening is about 2.34 m wide and 2.28 m high.
What are the dimensions of a 40ft shipping container?
A standard 40ft container is 12.19 m long, 2.44 m wide and 2.59 m high externally, with about 67 cubic metres of internal volume. A 40ft high cube is the same length and width but 2.90 m high externally, giving roughly 76 cubic metres.
How much taller is a high cube container?
A high cube is about 300 mm (one foot) taller than a standard container: 2.90 m external height instead of 2.59 m, and roughly 2.70 m internal height instead of 2.39 m. That extra height is what makes upright racking and insulated linings practical.
How much weight can a shipping container hold?
Maximum gross weight is commonly 30,480 kg for both 20ft and 40ft containers. Because a 40ft container is heavier when empty (about 3.8 tonnes versus 2.2 tonnes), a 20ft container can actually carry more payload. For dense loads such as stone or machinery, two 20ft containers often beat one 40ft.
How much space do I need to deliver a shipping container?
As a rule of thumb, allow roughly three times the container’s length in clear, straight approach for a tilt-tray delivery, plus room for the truck to manoeuvre. Where that space is not available, a crane lift may be required, or two smaller containers may suit the site better.
Are all shipping containers the same width?
Nearly all standard shipping containers are 2.44 m (8ft) wide externally, regardless of length. Length and height vary; width is the constant, which is why containers stack and travel interchangeably.