The Complete Guide to 20ft Shipping Container Dimensions: Internal, External, Volume & Weight

What Does “20ft Container” Really Mean?

When we talk about containers being 10ft, 20ftor 40ft, we’re referring to their external length. That’s because containers typically have a standardised height and width, making it easier to stack them for shipping or storage. With the exception of high cube containers, it’s only ever the length that changes.

However, this naming system can also cause misunderstandings. You won’t have the full 20ft of storage space to use. When purchasing or hiring a container, pay close attention to the internal dimensions, volume and weight capacities.

Q: Why is the internal space of a 20ft container less than 20 feet?
A: Because structural elements like the walls, doors, and frames reduce internal length and width slightly from the container’s outer dimensions.

Standard 20ft Container Dimensions (Metres & Millimetres)

• External: 20ft container dimensions (mm): 6058 l x 2438 W x 2591 H
• Internal: 20ft container dimensions (mm): 5898 l x 2352 W x 2393 H
  
  

• External: 20ft container dimensions (m): 6.06 l x 2.44 W x 2.59 H 
• Internal: 20ft container dimensions (m): 5.90 l x 2.35 W x 2.39 H
  
  
• 20ft container volume (m): 33 cubic metres

20ft High-Cube Container Dimensions (Metres & Millimetres)

If you opt for a high-cube container rather than a standard one, you’ll get an extra 30 cm of height. This means the dimensions are:

• External 20ft high-cube container dimensions (mm): 6058 l x 2438 W x 2896 H
• Internal 20ft high-cube container dimensions (mm): 5898 l x 2352 W x 2698 H
  
  

• External 20ft high-cube container dimensions (m): 6.06 l x 2.44 W x 2.90 H
• Internal 20ft high-cube container dimensions (m): 5.90 l x 2.35 W x 2.67 H
  
  

• 20ft high-cube container volume (m): 37.43 cubic metres

Standard 20ft Container Dimensions (Feet & Inches)

When people find their 20ft container to be smaller than expected, it’s often due to one fatal error: not confirming if the dimensions are in feet or feet and inches.

Since there are twelve inches to a foot, 8.5 feet is the same as 8’6”. If in doubt, check with your vendor which system they’re using.

• External: 20ft container dimensions (feet and inches): 20’ l x 8’ W x 8’6”H
• Internal: 20ft container dimensions (feet and inches): 19’4” l x 7’8” W x 7’10”H
  
  

• External 20ft container dimensions (feet): 20ft l x 8ft W x 8.5ft H
• Internal 20ft container dimensions (feet): 19.33ft l x 7.67ft W x 7.83ft H
  
  

• 20ft container volume (feet and inches): 1172 cubic feet

20ft High-Cube Container Dimensions (Feet & Inches)

The 20ft high-cube container stands an extra foot tall, making the dimensions:

• External: 20ft high-cube container dimensions (feet and inches): 20’ l x 8’ W x 9’6” H
• Internal: 20ft high-cube container dimensions (feet and inches): 19’4” l x 7’8” w x 8’10” h
  
  

• External: 20ft high-cube container dimensions (feet): 20ft l x 8ft W x 9.5ft H
• Internal: 20ft high-cube container dimensions (feet): 19.33ft l x 7.67ft W x 8.83ft H
  
  

• 20ft high-cube container volume (feet and inches): 1322 cubic feet

20ft Container Weight Capacity

Knowing the dimensions of your 20ft container will help you understand how much you can fit in it, whether that’s pallets of goods or workspaces for your on-site office. But it’s not the only measurement you need to consider. Each container also has a weight capacity.

When checking the weight capacity, you’ll come across three measurements: the tare, the payload and the max gross weight. The tare is the weight of the empty container. The payload is the amount of weight it can carry. And the max gross weight is the maximum combined weight of the container and its goods.

Our 20ft containers have the following weight capacities:

• Tare: 2,130 kg / 5103.7 lb
• Payload: 28,350 kg / 62501.1 lb
• Max Gross Weight: 30,480 kg / 67196.9 lb

20 FT Container Door Dimensions

If you purchase or lease a standard 20ft container, make sure you can load your goods through the door. 

• 20ft container door dimensions (mm): 2340 W x 2280 H
• 20ft container door dimensions (m): 2.34 W x 2.28 H
• 20ft container door dimensions (ft): 7.68 W x 7.48 H
• 20ft container door dimensions (ft and in): 7’8” W x 7’6” H

If your goods won’t fit through this space, you should look at an open-side, open-top or flatrack 20ft container instead.

High-Quality 20FT Containers at the Best Price

We have an extensive range of 20ft containers available for purchase or hire. They all come with WWT quality and a PTI and CSC report, plus we guarantee the best prices. Find out more by calling 1800 433 455 or emailing au.sales@cboxcontainers.com.