Choosing the wrong container size is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes buyers make. At Shipping Container Depot, we’ve been supplying ISO-certified containers across Los Angeles and California since 2010, and we’ve helped thousands of customers match the right dimensions to their exact needs.
This guide covers every standard container size — exterior dimensions, interior dimensions, door openings, and weight capacity — so you can make the right call before you buy.
Standard Shipping Container Sizes at a Glance
All containers sold and leased by Shipping Container Depot are ISO-certified units. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) sets the global standard for container dimensions, ensuring every unit is interchangeable across ships, trains, and trucks worldwide.
| Size | Exterior Length | Exterior Width | Exterior Height | Interior Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft Standard | 10’0″ (3.05m) | 8’0″ (2.44m) | 8’6″ (2.59m) | ~565 cu ft |
| 20ft Standard | 20’0″ (6.06m) | 8’0″ (2.44m) | 8’6″ (2.59m) | ~1,169 cu ft |
| 40ft Standard | 40’0″ (12.19m) | 8’0″ (2.44m) | 8’6″ (2.59m) | ~2,385 cu ft |
| 40ft High Cube | 40’0″ (12.19m) | 8’0″ (2.44m) | 9’6″ (2.90m) | ~2,694 cu ft |
| 45ft High Cube | 45’0″ (13.72m) | 8’0″ (2.44m) | 9’6″ (2.90m) | ~3,040 cu ft |
10ft Shipping Container Dimensions
The 10ft container is our most compact option — ideal for tight spaces, urban properties, or when you only need a small amount of secure storage.
Exterior Dimensions
- Length: 10’0″ (3.05m)
- Width: 8’0″ (2.44m)
- Height: 8’6″ (2.59m)
Interior Dimensions
- Length: 9’4″ (2.84m)
- Width: 7’8″ (2.35m)
- Height: 7’10” (2.39m)
- Floor area: ~72 sq ft
- Volume: ~565 cu ft
Door Opening
- Width: 7’8″ (2.34m)
- Height: 7’5″ (2.27m)
Weight
- Tare weight: ~2,300 kg (5,070 lbs)
- Max payload: ~10,000 kg (22,046 lbs)
Best for: Backyard storage, small job sites, urban lots with limited space.
20ft Shipping Container Dimensions
The 20ft container is the industry’s most popular size. It’s the benchmark for pricing, shipping, and logistics worldwide — and for good reason. It’s versatile, widely available, and fits on a standard tilt-bed truck for easy delivery.
Exterior Dimensions
- Length: 20’0″ (6.06m)
- Width: 8’0″ (2.44m)
- Height: 8’6″ (2.59m)
Interior Dimensions
- Length: 19’4″ (5.90m)
- Width: 7’8″ (2.35m)
- Height: 7’10” (2.39m)
- Floor area: ~148 sq ft
- Volume: ~1,169 cu ft
Door Opening
- Width: 7’8″ (2.34m)
- Height: 7’5″ (2.27m)
Weight
- Tare weight: ~2,300 kg (5,071 lbs)
- Max payload: ~28,200 kg (62,170 lbs)
- Max gross weight: ~30,480 kg (67,200 lbs)
Best for: Home storage, small business inventory, job site offices, container modifications.
From our 14+ years of experience: The 20ft is the most requested size by homeowners and small businesses in the Los Angeles area. It fits in most residential driveways and standard parking spaces.
40ft Shipping Container Dimensions
The 40ft container gives you exactly twice the floor space of a 20ft for only 30–50% more in price — making it the best value per square foot of any standard container size.
Exterior Dimensions
- Length: 40’0″ (12.19m)
- Width: 8’0″ (2.44m)
- Height: 8’6″ (2.59m)
Interior Dimensions
- Length: 39’5″ (12.02m)
- Width: 7’8″ (2.35m)
- Height: 7’10” (2.39m)
- Floor area: ~302 sq ft
- Volume: ~2,385 cu ft
Door Opening
- Width: 7’8″ (2.34m)
- Height: 7’5″ (2.27m)
Weight
- Tare weight: ~3,750 kg (8,268 lbs)
- Max payload: ~26,750 kg (58,973 lbs)
- Max gross weight: ~30,480 kg (67,200 lbs)
Best for: Large storage, retail pop-ups, container homes, commercial use, workshop conversions.
40ft High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions
The High Cube is identical to the standard 40ft in length and width — but adds a full extra foot of height (9’6″ vs 8’6″). That extra headroom makes a significant difference for container homes, offices, walk-in storage, and any application where people are spending time inside.
Exterior Dimensions
- Length: 40’0″ (12.19m)
- Width: 8’0″ (2.44m)
- Height: 9’6″ (2.90m) — 1 foot taller than standard
Interior Dimensions
- Length: 39’5″ (12.02m)
- Width: 7’8″ (2.35m)
- Height: 8’10” (2.70m)
- Floor area: ~302 sq ft
- Volume: ~2,694 cu ft
Door Opening
- Width: 7’8″ (2.34m)
- Height: 8’5″ (2.58m) — taller door than standard
Weight
- Tare weight: ~3,900 kg (8,598 lbs)
- Max payload: ~26,580 kg (58,598 lbs)
Our recommendation: If you’re doing a container home or office conversion, always choose the High Cube. The extra foot of height is worth every dollar — it’s the difference between a space that feels cramped and one that feels comfortable.
45ft High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions
The 45ft High Cube is the largest standard ISO container — 5 feet longer than a 40ft, with the same 9’6″ height as the High Cube.
- Exterior Length: 45’0″ (13.72m)
- Exterior Width: 8’0″ (2.44m)
- Exterior Height: 9’6″ (2.90m)
- Interior Floor area: ~340 sq ft
- Volume: ~3,040 cu ft
Best for: Large-scale commercial projects, retail, multi-unit container builds.
How to Choose the Right Container Size
| Use Case | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Backyard / residential storage | 10ft or 20ft |
| Job site storage | 20ft |
| Business inventory | 20ft or 40ft |
| Container home (1 person) | 20ft or 40ft HC |
| Container home (family) | 40ft HC or two 20ft |
| Retail pop-up shop | 20ft or 40ft |
| Workshop or office | 40ft High Cube |
| Large commercial storage | 40ft or 45ft HC |
Key Measurements to Know Before Delivery
- Clearance space needed: A 20ft container needs ~35ft of clear approach; a 40ft needs ~65ft
- Overhead clearance: Minimum 14ft for delivery truck + container
- Ground levelness: Containers can be shimmed up to 4 inches
- Access width: Delivery truck needs at least 10ft of width to maneuver
Container Conditions and What They Mean for Dimensions
All ISO containers — regardless of condition — share the same standard dimensions. The grade affects cosmetic and structural condition, not size. At Shipping Container Depot, every container we sell is ISO certified, inspected before delivery, and backed by our exclusive 3-year weather-tight guarantee — the only such guarantee offered by any container supplier in California.
FAQ
What are the dimensions of a standard 20ft shipping container?
A standard 20ft shipping container has exterior dimensions of 20’0″ long × 8’0″ wide × 8’6″ tall. Interior dimensions are 19’4″ × 7’8″ × 7’10”, giving approximately 148 sq ft of floor space and 1,169 cubic feet of volume.
What is the difference between a standard and High Cube container?
A High Cube container is 1 foot taller — 9’6″ exterior height vs 8’6″. Interior height increases from 7’10” to 8’10”. Length and width are identical. High Cube containers are recommended for container homes, offices, and any project where people spend time inside.
How wide is a shipping container door opening?
All standard ISO container doors open to 7’8″ wide × 7’5″ tall (standard height) or 8’5″ tall (High Cube). Wide enough to drive a standard forklift through.
Do all shipping containers have the same width?
Yes — all standard ISO shipping containers are 8’0″ wide exterior (7’8″ interior), regardless of length.
How much weight can a 20ft shipping container hold?
A standard 20ft ISO container has a maximum payload of approximately 28,200 kg (62,170 lbs) and a maximum gross weight of 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs).
The Bottom Line
At Shipping Container Depot, established in Los Angeles in 2010, we carry all standard sizes — 10ft, 20ft, 40ft, and High Cube — in new one-trip, used wind & watertight, and cargo worthy conditions. Every container is ISO certified and backed by our exclusive 3-year weather-tight guarantee.
Call us at (626) 765-9446 or request a free quote and we’ll help you find the right size for your project today.