Container dimensions: 20ft, 40ft and 40ft High Cube
The inside dimensions decide what fits – not the nominal size. Here are the figures you need for planning: internal length, width and height, door opening, volume and maximum payload.
Key facts
- 20' GP inside: 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m, about 33 m³
- 40' GP inside: 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m, about 68 m³
- 40' HC is 30 cm taller inside (2.69 m) – about 76 m³
- The door opening (2.34 × 2.28 m, HC 2.58 m) is often the real limit for tall cargo
Inside dimensions of standard containers
| Container | Inside L × W × H (cm) | Door W × H (cm) | Volume (m³) | Max. payload (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' GP (Standard) | 590 × 235 × 239 | 234 × 228 | 33.1 | 28,000 |
| 40' GP (Standard) | 1,203 × 235 × 239 | 234 × 228 | 67.6 | 26,500 |
| 40' HC (High Cube) | 1,203 × 235 × 269 | 234 × 258 | 76.0 | 26,500 |
| 45' HC | 1,355 × 235 × 269 | 234 × 258 | 85.7 | 27,500 |
| 20' RF (Reefer) | 545 × 229 × 227 | 229 × 226 | 28.3 | 27,400 |
| 40' HC RF (Reefer) | 1,158 × 229 × 255 | 229 × 256 | 67.6 | 29,200 |
The internal width is the same for 20', 40' and 45' dry containers: about 2.35 m. That is why neither two Euro pallets crosswise (2 × 1.20 m) nor three lengthwise (3 × 0.80 m) fit next to each other – both need 2.40 m. The best pattern combines one row turned crosswise with one row placed lengthwise (1.20 m + 0.80 m = 2.00 m). See how many pallets fit in a container.
Outside dimensions and tare weight
| Size | Outside L × W × H (m) | Tare weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 20' | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 | ≈ 2,200 |
| 40' | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 | ≈ 3,700 |
| 40' HC | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 | ≈ 3,900 |
| 45' HC | 13.72 × 2.44 × 2.90 | ≈ 4,800 |
The maximum gross weight (container + cargo) is shown on the CSC plate on the door, commonly 30,480 kg – many newer containers are rated higher. On the road, the legal limits of the truck usually apply first: see container weight limits.
Standard (GP) or High Cube (HC)?
- 40' GP: enough for pallets up to about 2.20 m total height.
- 40' HC: 30 cm more height. Ideal for light, voluminous cargo and for stacking two layers of pallets up to about 1.30 m each.
- Watch the door height: 2.28 m (GP) and 2.58 m (HC). Cargo that is taller than the door cannot be loaded even if the inside height would allow it.
- For cargo taller than 2.58 m or wider than 2.34 m use open top or flat rack.
Reefer containers
Reefers lose inside space because of insulation and the cooling unit: a 20' reefer is only about 5.45 m long and 2.29 m wide inside. Pallets must not block the air flow (T-floor and the red load line near the ceiling).
Values are typical figures for standard equipment. Actual dimensions and limits vary by carrier, container and country – always check with your carrier.
Frequently asked questions
What are the inside dimensions of a 40ft container?
A 40ft standard container is about 12.03 m long, 2.35 m wide and 2.39 m high inside (about 67–68 m³). A 40ft High Cube has the same length and width but 2.69 m height (about 76 m³).
What is the difference between 40ft and 40ft High Cube?
Only the height: the High Cube is 2.90 m high outside instead of 2.59 m, giving 30 cm more inside height and a 2.58 m door opening.
How much can a 20ft container carry?
Typical maximum payload is around 28 t, but on the road the truck's weight limit usually allows much less. In Germany a practical value is about 22 t of cargo per container.