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Understanding Shipping Container Sizes
A shipping container's advertised length is a convenient description rather than its exact physical measurement. For example, a standard 20ft container measures 6,058 mm externally, not 6,096 mm.
Internal dimensions can also vary between manufacturers because of differences in wall construction, flooring and additional equipment. Refrigerated containers have insulation and cooling machinery that reduce usable storage space.
The standardised external measurements in this guide are based on ISO 668:2020 . Typical internal dimensions are drawn from published manufacturer and container supplier specifications.
2,438 mm
Standard external width of ISO Series 1 freight containers.
2,591 mm
External height of a standard 8ft 6in container.
2,896 mm
External height of a high cube shipping container.
Always confirm the exact dimensions of the container you intend to purchase, particularly if it will be installed in a restricted space.
External Shipping Container Dimensions
The external dimensions determine how much ground space a container occupies and the clearance required for transport and installation.
The following table uses the ISO Series 1 container classifications and dimensions described in ISO 668:2020 .
Scroll horizontally to see all columns on smaller screens.
| ISO Code | Container | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Gross Rating (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1D | 10ft ISO | 2,991 | 2,438 | 2,438 | 10,160 |
| 1CC | 20ft Standard | 6,058 | 2,438 | 2,591 | 30,480 |
| 1CCC | 20ft High Cube | 6,058 | 2,438 | 2,896 | 30,480 |
| 1BB | 30ft Standard | 9,125 | 2,438 | 2,591 | 30,480 |
| 1BBB | 30ft High Cube | 9,125 | 2,438 | 2,896 | 30,480 |
| 1AA | 40ft Standard | 12,192 | 2,438 | 2,591 | 30,480 |
| 1AAA | 40ft High Cube | 12,192 | 2,438 | 2,896 | 30,480 |
| 1EE | 45ft Standard | 13,716 | 2,438 | 2,591 | 30,480 |
| 1EEE | 45ft High Cube | 13,716 | 2,438 | 2,896 | 30,480 |
Important: Maximum gross mass
is the combined weight of the container
and its contents, not its cargo payload.
Actual rated capacity must be verified
against the individual container's compliance
or CSC plate.
Why Is a 20ft Container Only 6,058 mm Long?
Twenty feet converts to approximately 6,096 mm, but the standard external length is 6,058 mm. This difference provides the clearance needed for two 20ft containers to fit within a standard 40ft shipping position.
Are All 10ft Containers the Same Height?
No. The ISO 1D designation specifies an external height of 2,438 mm, while many commercially available 10ft storage containers measure approximately 2,591 mm in height.
The CBOX Australia 10ft Container Dimensions Guide provides an additional Australian reference for typical 10ft container measurements.
Internal Dimensions, Door Openings and Weights
Internal dimensions are essential when calculating usable storage capacity. Door opening dimensions can be even more important, because an item may fit inside a container but still be too large to pass through its doors.
The specifications below are typical published figures drawn from the Hapag-Lloyd Container Specification (PDF) and Containers Direct Dimensions and Weights Guide , together with ISO minimum dimensions.
The table scrolls horizontally on smaller screens.
| Container | Internal L × W × H (mm) | Door W × H (mm) | Volume (m³) | Floor (m²) | Tare (kg) | Gross Rating (kg) | Payload (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft ISO 1D | 2,802 × 2,330 × 2,197 minimum | Approx. 2,280 × 2,260 | 14.3 | 6.5 | 1,300–1,540 | 10,160 | Approx. 8,600–8,860 |
| 20ft Standard | 5,900 × 2,352 × 2,393 | 2,340 × 2,292 | 33.2 | 13.9 | 2,230–2,300 | 30,480–32,500 | 28,180–30,200 |
| 20ft High Cube | 5,900 × 2,352 × 2,700 | Approx. 2,280–2,340 × 2,560–2,597 | 37.5 | 13.9 | 2,350–2,500 | 30,480–32,500 | Check CSC plate |
| 30ft Standard | 8,931 × 2,330 × 2,350 minimum reference | Approx. 2,280 × 2,260 | 49 | 20.8 | Approx. 2,840 | 30,480 | Approx. 27,600 |
| 40ft Standard | 12,032 × 2,352 × 2,395 | 2,340 × 2,292 | 67.7 | 28.3 | 3,700–3,950 | 30,480–32,500 | 26,700–28,800 |
| 40ft High Cube | 12,032 × 2,352 × 2,700 | 2,340 × 2,597 | 76.3 | 28.3 | 3,850–4,300 | 32,500 | 28,200–28,650 |
| 20ft Refrigerated | 5,450 × 2,284 × 2,267 | 2,290 × 2,264 | 28.2 | 12.4 | 2,905 | 30,480 | 27,575 |
| 40ft HC Refrigerated | 11,578 × 2,280 × 2,525 | 2,276 × 2,535 | 66.7 | 26.4 | 4,300 | 34,000 | 29,700 |
Specification note: These are typical
measurements and ratings, not Palliat-specific
product certifications. Different manufacturers,
modifications and production years can result
in different internal dimensions, weights
and payload capacities.
For additional size-specific measurements, refer to the Containers Direct reference or contact Palliat Pty Containers to enquire about a particular unit.
Refrigerated Container Dimensions
Refrigerated shipping containers, also called reefers, have less internal capacity than equivalent dry containers because of insulated walls, flooring, ceilings and refrigeration machinery.
As an example, a typical 20ft standard dry container offers approximately 33.2 m³ of internal capacity, compared with around 28.2 m³ for a 20ft refrigerated unit.
The Hapag-Lloyd Container Specification provides examples of refrigerated container dimensions and loading restrictions.
Reefers also require suitable airflow around their contents. Cargo must remain below the applicable load line to allow air to circulate properly.
Browse our refrigerated shipping containers and review the technical specifications of individual products.
Which Container Size Do You Need?
Choosing the right container starts with how you intend to use it. Internal floor area, door clearance, usable volume and the available installation space are all important considerations.
10ft Shipping Containers
A 10ft container can provide roughly 6.5 m² of floor area, depending on its construction. It may be suitable for compact storage, smaller workshops and restricted sites.
Browse 10ft Shipping Containers
20ft Shipping Containers
A standard 20ft container typically provides approximately 13.9 m² of floor space and 33.2 m³ of internal volume. It is widely used for residential, agricultural and commercial storage.
Browse 20ft Shipping Containers
30ft Shipping Containers
A 30ft container offers an intermediate footprint between a 20ft and a 40ft unit. It can be useful when additional storage is required but a 40ft container would occupy too much space.
Browse 30ft Shipping Containers
40ft Shipping Containers
A standard 40ft container typically offers around 28.3 m² of floor area and approximately 67.7 m³ of internal storage capacity.
These larger units are commonly used for commercial storage, machinery, inventory and bulky equipment.
Browse 40ft Shipping Containers
When Should You Choose a High Cube?
A high cube container is approximately 305 mm taller externally than a standard 8ft 6in shipping container.
That additional height may be useful for taller storage equipment, shelving, container offices and accommodation conversions.
However, high cube units also need more vertical clearance during transport and installation.
How Many Pallets Fit in a Shipping Container?
Pallet capacity depends on pallet dimensions, the loading arrangement, cargo height and weight restrictions.
Australian standard pallets measure approximately 1,165 × 1,165 mm, as described by AusPallets .
Euro pallets commonly measure 1,200 × 800 mm.
- 20ft container: Approximately 10 Australian standard pallets or 11 Euro pallets in a typical single-tier arrangement.
- 40ft container: Approximately 20 to 21 Australian standard pallets in a single tier, depending on layout.
- Double stacking: May be possible where the cargo, container height and permitted weight allow it.
For additional information about international pallet loading configurations, consult the iContainers 20 Foot Container Guide .
Important: Pallet quantities are
estimates, not guaranteed loading capacities.
Cargo weight, load restraint, ventilation,
pallet overhang and door clearance
can reduce the number that will fit.
Measurements to Take Before Ordering
Before buying a shipping container, measure both the area where it will be placed and the route the delivery vehicle must take.
- Installation area: Allow enough space for the container's full external length and width.
- Door clearance: Check that container doors can open fully without hitting a building, fence or other obstruction.
- Vehicle access: Confirm that the delivery truck can reach the site and has enough room to unload safely.
- Overhead clearance: Check for powerlines, tree branches, building projections and other hazards.
- Ground conditions: Ensure the installation surface can safely support the container and its intended contents.
- Local approvals: Confirm whether council permission or other approvals are required for your proposed use.
For more information, read our Site Preparation Guide and Australian Council Approval Guide .
Customers in Australia and New Zealand can also review Palliat's Shipping & Delivery Policy for delivery information.
Technical References & Sources
The information in this guide is based on established shipping container standards and published technical specifications.
These references were identified in the supplied July 2026 source guide. They are reproduced for technical transparency; the linked resources have not been independently reverified for updates or continued availability.
01
ISO 668:2020 — Series 1 Freight Containers
The international standard for container classification, external dimensions, tolerances, gross ratings and minimum internal dimensions.
02
Hapag-Lloyd — Container Specification (PDF)
Published technical specifications for general purpose, high cube and refrigerated containers, including internal dimensions, door openings, tare weights and capacities.
03
Containers Direct — Shipping Container Dimensions & Weights
Reference dimensions and weights for several container types, including smaller and less common sizes. Also explains variations between manufacturers and configurations.
04
CBOX Containers Australia — 10ft Container Dimensions
Australian reference for typical 10ft shipping container dimensions, internal measurements and weights.
05
AusPallets — Australian Standard Pallet
Reference for the Australian standard pallet footprint of 1,165 × 1,165 mm and pallet suitability considerations.
06
iContainers — 20 Foot Container Guide
Reference information for 20ft container capacity and international pallet loading configurations.
Accuracy notice:
Standard dimensions are useful for planning,
but actual internal measurements, tare weights,
payload ratings and door clearances may
differ between containers. For freight
certification and loading limits, the
individual container's compliance plate
and technical documentation take precedence.