Knowing exact shipping container dimensions is the key to choosing the right size and preparing your site. Standard containers share the same 8-foot width and 8'6" height, while “high cube” units add a foot of headroom. Here are the standard sizes.
Standard Container Sizes
- 10ft: 10' L × 8' W × 8'6" H exterior; about 9'4" × 7'8" × 7'10" inside.
- 20ft: 20' L × 8' W × 8'6" H exterior; about 19'4" × 7'8" × 7'10" inside (~1,170 cu ft).
- 40ft: 40' L × 8' W × 8'6" H exterior; about 39'5" × 7'8" × 7'10" inside (~2,390 cu ft).
High Cube Containers
A high cube container is 9'6" tall — a full foot taller than a standard unit — giving roughly 8'10" of interior height. High cube is standard on 45ft and 53ft units and a popular option on 40ft containers, perfect for tall cargo, shelving, and conversions.
45ft & 53ft Containers
- 45ft High Cube: 45' L × 8' W × 9'6" H — extra length with high-cube height.
- 53ft High Cube: 53' L × 8'6" W × 9'6" H — the largest standard size, slightly wider for maximum capacity.
Door Openings & Weight
Standard door openings are about 7'8" wide and 7'5" tall — wide enough for forklifts and pallets. Remember that exact figures vary slightly by manufacturer. Need help matching a size to your project? Read our buyers guide or browse containers by size.