Shipping container sizes & dimensions guide
The internal dimensions, volume and weight limits of the most common shipping containers. All dimensions are internal — usable cargo space — to ISO 668 and IICL specifications.
A standard 20ft shipping container has internal dimensions of 589 × 235 × 239 cm. To turn those dimensions into a fill rate for your own cargo, use our free CBM calculator.
| Container | Length | Width | Height | Volume | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 589 cm | 235 cm | 239 cm | 33.1 m³ | 28,080 kg |
| 40ft Standard | 1,203 cm | 235 cm | 239 cm | 67.6 m³ | 26,580 kg |
| 40ft High Cube | 1,203 cm | 235 cm | 269 cm | 76.0 m³ | 26,300 kg |
| 45ft High Cube | 1,355 cm | 235 cm | 269 cm | 86.0 m³ | 27,600 kg |
| Reefer (20ft) | 543 cm | 228 cm | 226 cm | 28.0 m³ | 27,400 kg |
| Open Top (20ft) | 589 cm | 235 cm | 232 cm | 32.1 m³ | 28,180 kg |
| Flat Rack (20ft) | 589 cm | 244 cm | N/A (no roof) | — | 27,500 kg |
Standard 20ft, 40ft and 40ft High Cube figures follow ISO 668 / IICL specifications. Reefer, open top and flat rack dimensions vary slightly by manufacturer — confirm against your carrier's spec sheet before booking.
Shipping container weight limits
Every shipping container has two weight limits you must stay within:
- Maximum gross weight (MGW): the total weight of the container plus its contents. A 20ft Standard container has a typical MGW of 30,480 kg.
- Maximum payload: the weight of cargo only, excluding the container's own tare weight — 26,580 kg for a 40ft Standard.
Exceeding these limits is illegal for maritime transport (SOLAS VGM regulations require a verified gross mass for every packed container) and creates serious safety risks when containers are stacked on a vessel.
Which container should I use?
Choose a 40ft Standard for the best cost per cubic metre on general cargo. Step up to a 40ft High Cube — 30 cm taller, ~12% more volume — for tall or lightweight bulky cargo. Use a 20ft when your cargo is dense and you hit the weight limit before filling the space. Once you know the container, see how to calculate container space utilisation to make sure you are not shipping air.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a shipping container?
A standard 20ft shipping container has internal dimensions of 589 × 235 × 239 cm (length × width × height), giving roughly 33.1 m³ of usable space. A 40ft Standard is 1,203 × 235 × 239 cm (~67.6 m³), and a 40ft High Cube is 1,203 × 235 × 269 cm (~76.0 m³). External dimensions are slightly larger because they include the steel walls, corner castings and corrugation.
What is the difference between a 20ft and a 40ft container?
A 40ft container is twice the length of a 20ft (1,203 cm vs 589 cm internal) with the same width and height, so it holds roughly double the volume — about 67.6 m³ versus 33.1 m³. However, the maximum payload is similar (around 26,000–28,000 kg) because both share comparable axle and structural limits, so a 20ft is the better choice for dense, heavy cargo that hits the weight limit before filling the space.
What is a high cube container?
A High Cube container is 30 cm (about 1 ft) taller than a standard container — 269 cm internal height versus 239 cm. The extra height adds roughly 12% more volume, making High Cubes ideal for tall, lightweight or bulky cargo. They are available in 40ft and 45ft lengths and are identifiable by the black-and-yellow striping along the top rail.
What is a reefer container?
A reefer (refrigerated container) is an insulated container with a built-in refrigeration unit for temperature-controlled cargo such as food, pharmaceuticals and flowers. Because the insulation and machinery take up space, a 20ft reefer has smaller internal dimensions (about 543 × 228 × 226 cm) and less usable volume than a standard 20ft dry container.
How much weight can a shipping container hold?
A 20ft Standard container has a maximum payload of around 28,080 kg and a maximum gross weight (cargo plus the container itself) of about 30,480 kg. A 40ft Standard carries up to roughly 26,580 kg of payload. Under SOLAS VGM rules, the verified gross mass of every packed container must be declared before it can be loaded onto a vessel.
What is the difference between internal and external container dimensions?
Internal dimensions are the usable cargo space inside the container — these are the figures you use for load planning and CBM calculations. External dimensions describe the outside footprint (a 20ft is 6.06 m long externally) and matter for transport, stacking and storage. The difference comes from the wall thickness, corrugation and corner fittings; this guide lists internal dimensions throughout.