Container Reference
Container Dimensions
20ft · 40ft · 40ft HC
Internal and external dimensions, door opening, tare, max payload and volume (CBM) for the three most common dry containers. Figures follow ISO standards and vary slightly by carrier and manufacturer.
01Dimensions at a glance
Standard dry container comparison (cm, kg, CBM)
| Spec | 20ft | 40ft | 40ft HC |
|---|---|---|---|
| External (L×W×H) | 606 × 244 × 259 | 1219 × 244 × 259 | 1219 × 244 × 290 |
| Internal (L×W×H) | 589 × 235 × 239 | 1203 × 235 × 239 | 1203 × 235 × 269 |
| Door (W×H) | 234 × 228 | 234 × 228 | 234 × 258 |
| Tare | ~2,300 | ~3,750 | ~3,900 |
| Max payload | ~21,700 | ~26,700 | ~26,500 |
| Volume | 33.1 CBM | 67.5 CBM | 76.0 CBM |
02Which to choose
20ft
Best for heavy, dense cargo that hits the weight limit first — machinery, steel, stone. Roughly half the volume of a 40ft but a similar payload.
40ft
The workhorse. Over twice the volume of a 20ft with a similar weight limit, so it wins for light, bulky cargo.
40ft HC
Same length and width as a 40ft but ~30cm taller inside (~76 CBM). Ideal for tall or high-volume, low-density loads.
See how many units actually fit
Enter your cargo dimensions and the calculator works out the piece count, CBM and weight limits for 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC — with a layout drawing. Free.
Open the Loading Calculator03FAQ
Common questions about container dimensions
What are the internal dimensions of a 20ft container?
About 589 × 235 × 239 cm (L×W×H), roughly 33.1 CBM. Figures vary slightly by manufacturer and carrier.
What is the difference between a 40ft and a 40ft HC?
Length and width are identical; only internal height differs — about 239cm for a standard 40ft vs 269cm for the HC, ~30cm taller, raising volume from ~67.5 to ~76 CBM.
What is the max payload of a 20ft container?
Roughly 21–24 tonnes, but it varies widely by carrier, route and road weight limits. Always confirm with your carrier before shipping.