Shipping containers are built to ISO standards, so a 20ft container in Tallinn is the same size as one in Hamburg or Shanghai. This article puts all the main shipping container dimensions in one place: external and internal dimensions, volume, weight and how many euro pallets fit inside.
Why are containers measured in feet?
Container lengths have always been given in feet: one foot is 0.3048 metres. In Estonia people often use metres too - a 20ft container is called a 6-metre container and a 40ft one a 12-metre container. All standard containers are 2438 mm wide outside. A standard container is 2591 mm high, a high cube 2895 mm.
Shipping container dimensions at a glance
| Container | External (L × W × H), mm | Internal (L × W × H), mm | Volume, m³ | Tare, kg | Euro pallets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 2991 × 2438 × 2591 | 2843 × 2352 × 2393 | 15.9 | about 1300 | - |
| 20 ft (6 m) | 6058 × 2438 × 2591 | 5898 × 2352 × 2393 | 33-33.2 | 2145-2370 | up to 11 |
| 20 ft high cube | 6058 × 2438 × 2895 | 5898 × 2352 × 2698 | 37.5 | 2340 | up to 11 |
| 40 ft (12 m) | 12 192 × 2438 × 2591 | 12 032 × 2352 × 2393 | 67.3-67.8 | 3640-4000 | 23-24 |
| 40 ft high cube | 12 192 × 2438 × 2895 | 12 032 × 2352 × 2698 | 75.6-76.5 | 3740-4200 | 23-24 |
| 45 ft high cube | 13 716 × 2438 × 2895 | 13 540 × 2350 × 2689 | 86 | 4470 | up to 27 |
Dimensions can differ by a few millimetres between manufacturers. Exact figures for each container are on its size page in our shipping container catalogue.
10ft shipping container (about 3 m)
The 10ft container is the smallest standard size. Inside it is 2843 mm long with a volume of 15.9 m³ - about the size of a small shed. It fits on a small plot, beside a garage or in a corner of a building site, and is handy for tools, tyres, garden machinery and seasonal goods. Being small, it is delivered by a small crane truck.
20ft shipping container (the 6-metre container)
The 20ft, or 6-metre, container is the most popular size in Estonia. Inside it measures 5898 mm long, 2352 mm wide and 2393 mm high, with a volume of about 33 m³. The door opening is 2336 × 2291 mm, wide enough for a pallet truck. An empty container weighs 2145-2370 kg.
It takes up to 11 euro pallets or, for example, the furniture of one flat. A 6-metre container works as storage, a workshop, a garage or the base of a small container home or sauna. See the used 20ft and new 20ft container.
40ft shipping container (the 12-metre container)
The 40ft, or 12-metre, container is twice as long: 12 032 mm inside and about 67 m³. Width and height are the same as the 20ft. An empty one weighs 3640-4000 kg and takes about 23-24 euro pallets.
A 40ft container suits large amounts of goods, business storage, farm machinery or boats, and larger container homes. Delivery needs a large crane truck or a side loader and a clear spot about 13 m long. See the used 40ft and new 40ft container.
45ft shipping container
The 45ft container is 13 716 mm long and usually high cube. It holds up to 86 m³ and up to 27 euro pallets, and is chosen for large volumes and long items.
High cube and pallet wide - what is the difference?
- High cube (HC) is about 30 cm taller than a standard container: 2895 mm outside, 2698 mm inside. It takes taller cargo and is the best choice for a container home or office, because the ceiling stays high enough after insulation.
- Pallet wide (PW) is wider inside (for example 2452 or 2460 mm), so euro pallets fit two side by side with no wasted space. A 40ft pallet wide container takes up to 30 euro pallets.
Reefer container dimensions
A reefer container is the same size outside as a dry one but smaller inside, because the wall insulation and the refrigeration unit take up space. A 20ft reefer measures 5513 × 2286 × 2269 mm inside (28 m³), a 40ft reefer 11 638 × 2286 × 2269 mm (59.81 m³). All sizes are on the Reefer containers page.
How to choose the right size
- List what you want to store or ship and estimate the volume in cubic metres or pallets.
- Measure your site: add at least a metre to the container length so the doors can open and the crane truck can set it down.
- Think about height: for a living or working space, choose high cube.
- Torn between two sizes? Read 20ft or 40ft container - which one to pick.
We are happy to help you choose. Containers in stock are under Containers in stock. For a quote, call +372 505 46 14 or email sales@cway.ee.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a 20ft container in metres?
6.058 m outside and 5.898 m inside, which is why it is often called a 6-metre container.
How much does a 40ft container weigh?
An empty standard 40ft container weighs 3640-4000 kg, a high cube 3740-4200 kg.
How many cubic metres are in a 40ft container?
About 67-68 m³ in a standard 40ft and about 76 m³ in a high cube.