Shipping container dimensions are standardised so units stack on ships, sit on trucks and move between countries. The common sizes sold in Australia are 10ft, 20ft, 40ft and 45ft: a standard 20ft is about 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m externally (~33 m³ inside), and a standard 40ft is about 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m (~67 m³). This guide covers external and internal measurements, door openings, high-cube height, and tare / payload / gross weight, then points you to stock by size.
Standard container dimensions at a glance
Figures below are the widely used nominal dimensions already published on this page. 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 | Door opening (W × H) | Internal volume | Tare (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft | 2.99 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 2.83 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ≈ 2.34 × 2.28 m | ≈ 16 m³ | ≈ 1.3 t |
| 20ft standard | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ≈ 2.34 × 2.28 m | ≈ 33 m³ | ≈ 2.2 t |
| 20ft high cube | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.90 m | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | ≈ 2.34 × 2.58 m | ≈ 37 m³ | ≈ 2.2 t |
| 40ft standard | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ≈ 2.34 × 2.28 m | ≈ 67 m³ | ≈ 3.8-4.0 t |
| 40ft high cube | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 m | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | ≈ 2.34 × 2.58 m | ≈ 76 m³ | ≈ 3.8-4.0 t |
| 45ft high cube | 13.72 × 2.44 × 2.90 m | 13.56 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | ≈ 2.34 × 2.58 m | ≈ 86 m³ | – |
Door openings and tare values above are the same nominal figures already stated in the door and weights sections of this guide (high-cube doors use the taller opening). Max gross weight is commonly 30,480 kg for both 20ft and 40ft units. A dash means that figure is not listed on this page for that size.
Exact dimensions of the containers we sell (mm)
These figures are copied from our own product pages, so they match the specification published for each unit. Internal sizes can differ by a few millimetres between builds.
20ft standard container (mm)
| Measurement | Millimetres / value |
|---|---|
| External length | 6,058 mm |
| External width | 2,438 mm |
| External height | 2,591 mm |
| Internal length | 5,898 mm |
| Internal width | 2,352 mm |
| Internal height | 2,385 mm |
| Internal volume | 33.2 m³ |
| Tare weight | 2,230 kg |
| Max payload | 28,250 kg |
| Max gross weight | 30,480 kg |
40ft standard container (mm)
| Measurement | Millimetres / value |
|---|---|
| External length | 12,192 mm |
| External width | 2,438 mm |
| External height | 2,591 mm |
| Internal length | 12,032 mm |
| Internal width | 2,352 mm |
| Internal height | 2,385 mm |
| Internal volume | 67.7 m³ |
| Tare weight | 3,750 kg |
| Max payload | 26,730 kg |
| Max gross weight | 30,480 kg |
40ft high cube container (mm)
| Measurement | Millimetres / value |
|---|---|
| External length | 12,192 mm |
| External width | 2,438 mm |
| External height | 2,896 mm |
| Internal length | 12,032 mm |
| Internal width | 2,352 mm |
| Internal height | 2,698 mm |
| Internal volume | 76.4 m³ |
| Tare weight | 3,900 kg |
| Max payload | 26,580 kg |
| Max gross weight | 30,480 kg |
45ft high cube container (mm)
| Measurement | Millimetres / value |
|---|---|
| External length | 13,716 mm |
| External width | 2,438 mm |
| External height | 2,896 mm |
| Internal length | 13,556 mm |
| Internal width | 2,294 mm |
| Internal height | 2,698 mm |
| Door opening | 2,294 mm wide × 2,585 mm high |
| Internal volume | 86 m³ |
| Tare weight | 4,800 kg |
| Max payload | 25,680 kg |
| Max gross weight | 30,480 kg |
10ft shipping container dimensions
A 10ft container is the compact option for tight sites. Externally it is about 2.99 × 2.44 × 2.59 m; internally about 2.83 × 2.35 × 2.39 m (~16 m³). Empty weight is roughly 1.3 tonnes. It suits small storage yards, tools and equipment where a 20ft would not fit the approach or the pad. Browse 10ft shipping containers and the smaller 8ft and 10ft range.
10ft container weight: tare, payload and gross
On a 10ft shipping container, the weight figures published for this size are:
- Tare: roughly 1.3 t (1,300 kg) empty, as on this guide and on linked 10ft product specs.
- Payload: the maximum weight of goods it may carry (data-plate figure). A standalone numeric payload for 10ft is not listed on this dimensions guide; confirm on the unit plate.
- Max gross: 10,100 kg (CSC plated) on linked BWContainers 10ft one-trip product specs. This is not the 30,480 kg figure used for 20ft and 40ft on this page.
In short: a 10ft container tare is about 1.3 tonnes; max gross on linked 10ft product specs is 10,100 kg; numeric payload is omitted here rather than invented. Those three labels (tare, payload, gross) are what appear on the container data plate.
20ft shipping container dimensions
The 20ft is the most common size in Australia. A standard unit measures 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m externally and about 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m internally (~33 m³). The door opening is about 2.34 × 2.28 m. A 20ft high cube keeps the same footprint but stands 2.90 m tall externally (~37 m³ inside, door about 2.34 × 2.58 m). Tare is about 2.2 tonnes. See 20ft shipping containers.
40ft shipping container dimensions
A standard 40ft is 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m externally with about 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m inside (~67 m³). A 40ft high cube is the same length and width at 2.90 m external height (~76 m³). Door openings match the standard / high-cube figures above. Tare is about 3.8-4.0 tonnes. Because max gross is similar to a 20ft while the empty 40ft is heavier, a 20ft can carry more payload for dense cargo. Browse 40ft shipping containers.
45ft high cube container dimensions
A 45ft high cube is about 13.72 × 2.44 × 2.90 m externally and 13.56 × 2.35 × 2.70 m internally (~86 m³). It is the largest volume in one unit on this chart. Confirm delivery access and route height before ordering. See 45ft high cube containers.
Shipping container dimensions in metres and CBM
Nominal foot sizes convert to the metre and cubic-metre (CBM) figures already used in the glance table above. Width is constant at 2.44 m (8ft) externally for these standard units.
20ft container in metres and CBM
A standard 20ft shipping container is about 6.06 m long, 2.44 m wide and 2.59 m high externally (~33 m³ / CBM inside). A 20ft high cube keeps the same length and width at 2.90 m external height (~37 m³ / CBM).
40ft container in metres and CBM
A standard 40ft shipping container is about 12.19 m long, 2.44 m wide and 2.59 m high externally (~67 m³ / CBM inside). A 40ft high cube is the same length and width at 2.90 m external height (~76 m³ / CBM).
Other sizes on this page follow the same metre and volume figures in the glance table (10ft ≈ 16 m³; 45ft high cube ≈ 86 m³). Cubic metres here are the internal volume already listed; no separate CBM figure is invented beyond those published volumes.
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:
- High-cube internal height (~2.70 m vs ~2.39 m) is often the difference between standing racking upright inside and not
- A high cube allows an insulated lining and internal ceiling while keeping usable headroom, which is why most container conversions start with a high cube
- A 40ft high cube adds roughly 9 m³ of volume versus a standard 40ft at the same footprint (~76 m³ vs ~67 m³)
- High-cube external height (2.90 m) changes transport height, so confirm access clearances and any height limits on the delivery route
20ft high cube container dimensions
A 20ft high cube shipping container measures 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.90 m externally and about 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.70 m internally (~37 m³). The door opening is about 2.34 × 2.58 m. Compared with a standard 20ft (2.59 m external / 2.39 m internal height), the high cube adds about 300 mm (one foot) of height at the same 6.06 × 2.44 m footprint; tare is about 2.2 tonnes.
That extra internal height (~2.70 m versus ~2.39 m) is what makes upright racking and insulated linings practical on a 20ft footprint. Confirm access clearances and any height limits on the delivery route, because the 2.90 m external height changes transport height versus a standard unit.
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, the buyers guide, and the delivery preparation guide before ordering. For current stock across sizes, start at the shop or compare what drives cost in our shipping container prices guide.
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 high cube shipping container?
A 20ft high cube shipping container measures 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.90 m externally and about 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.70 m internally (~37 m³). The door opening is about 2.34 × 2.58 m. Compared with a standard 20ft (2.59 m external / 2.39 m internal height), the high cube adds about 300 mm (one foot) of height at the same 6.06 × 2.44 m footprint; tare is about 2.2 tonnes.
What are 20ft and 40ft shipping container dimensions in metres?
A standard 20ft shipping container is about 6.06 m long, 2.44 m wide and 2.59 m high externally (~33 m³ / CBM inside). A standard 40ft shipping container is about 12.19 m long, 2.44 m wide and 2.59 m high externally (~67 m³ / CBM inside).
How much does a 10ft shipping container weigh?
A 10ft container tare is about 1.3 tonnes; max gross on linked 10ft product specs is 10,100 kg; numeric payload is omitted here rather than invented. Those three labels (tare, payload, gross) are what appear on the container data plate.
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.
What do tare, payload and gross weight mean?
Tare is the empty container (about 1.3 t for a 10ft, 2.2 t for a 20ft, 3.8-4.0 t for a 40ft). Payload is the maximum weight of goods it may carry. Max gross is tare plus payload, commonly 30,480 kg for 20ft and 40ft units. Those three figures are what appear on the container data plate.
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.