Shipping Container Dimensions & Weights
Looking for Precise Shipping Container Measurements?
Every measurement on this page has been checked against physical units at our Knowsley fabrication depot. Standard ISO dimensions follow industry specs, and our non-standard sizes (cut-downs, WideLine®, CarTainer®, SlimLine®) were measured and confirmed by our fabrication manager.
The tables cover external and internal dimensions, door openings, floor area, cubic capacity and empty weights for containers from 5ft to 45ft, plus our flat pack, CarTainer®, WideLine®, CTX and SlimLine® ranges. If you need a quick size in metres, use the length converter further down the page.
Use this page to check shipping container dimensions and weights for delivery planning, access checks, fit-outs and storage capacity. The tables below cover external and internal measurements, door openings, floor area, cubic capacity and empty weights across standard ISO containers and our specialist ranges.
Need a delivered price quickly? Get a quick quote.
Browse stock: popular container sizes in stock, used 20ft containers, used 40ft containers, used 10ft containers, flat pack containers, container conversions.
Tip: Use the length converter below to switch between feet, inches, metres, cm and mm - handy when site plans, drawings and quotes use different units.
Four measurements that matter (and which one catches people out)
Most mistakes happen when someone sees "20ft" and assumes that number applies everywhere. It does not. External length, internal length, door opening width and empty weight each answer a different question, and the door opening is the one that catches people out. A standard container door is about 2280mm wide, which is narrower than the 2330mm internal width. Plenty of loads fit inside but cannot get through the frame.
- External -site footprint, access route, placement clearance
- Internal - usable space for racking, lining, storage
- Door opening - the real limit on what you can load (often narrower than internal width)
- Empty weight - vehicle choice, crane capacity, ground bearing
Quick answers people usually need
- Standard width - 8ft (2438mm) external, about 7ft 8in (2330mm) internal
- Door width - about 7ft 8in (2280mm), often the real limit
- Heights - standard 8ft 6in (2591mm) external, high cube 9ft 6in (2895mm) external
- Door heights - about 7ft 5in (2260mm) standard, about 8ft 5in (2560mm) high cube
If you are choosing between sizes, check the door opening first. Plenty of loads fit inside but still cannot get through the frame.
Metric planning checks (fast)
- Length - 10ft 3.048m, 20ft 6.096m, 40ft 12.192m, 45ft 13.716m
- Width - standard ISO 2.438m; WideLine® and some CarTainer® units 3.048m
- Door - standard door width about 2.28m
What "20ft" and "40ft" mean in practice
Nominal size is based on external length. Internal length is always shorter because of end frames and door gear. In the tables below, a 20ft shows an internal length of 19ft 4in (5900mm) and a 40ft shows 39ft 5in (12014mm). Use internal dimensions when you are planning racking, lining, or conversions.
Lining changes the usable space
Planning to ply line a standard DV container? Consider that into your layout. As a guide, lining reduces internal width by about 165mm and internal length by about 62mm. Internal height reduces too, and the lined heights are listed in the standard section below.
Weights are for delivery planning
The weights on this page are empty weights. Use them for vehicle choice, crane capacity, site handling and ground bearing. They can vary by manufacturer and door type, so treat them as a guide. For shipping payload limits, check the CSC plate on the unit.
When a standard ISO container is not the best fit
- Cut-Downs - 10ft container dimensions is a great example, but it also relates to every other non standard length.
- Flat pack - self-assembly for restricted access some sizes include gutters in the footprint
- CarTainer® - built around vehicle access and wider formats
- WideLine® - 10ft wide units when 8ft is too tight
- SlimLine® - narrower units for tight routes or limited site width
Container Length Converter
CTX New Build Container Dimensions
Download the CTX unit dimensions PDFEXTERNAL MEASUREMENTS/DIMENSIONS
| Type | Length | Width | Standard Height | High Cube Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX06 | 6' 6" / 1980mm | 6' 4" / 1950mm | 6' 3" / 1910mm | N/A |
| CX07 | 7' 2" / 2200mm | 5' 3" / 1600mm | 8' / 2450mm | N/A |
| CX08 | 8' / 2420mm | 7' 2" / 2200mm | 7' 5" / 2260mm | N/A |
| CX10 | 10' / 3020mm | 8'/ 2440mm | 8' 6"/ 2600mm | N/A |
INTERNAL MEASUREMENTS/DIMENSIONS
| Type | Length | Width | Standard Height | High Cube Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX06 | 5' 11" / 1800mm | 6' 1" / 1860mm | 5' 8" / 1630mm | N/A |
| CX07 | 6' 8" / 2040mm | 4' 11" / 1510mm | 7' 2" / 2200mm | N/A |
| CX08 | 7' 5" / 2280mm | 6'11" / 2110mm | 6' 8" / 2050mm | N/A |
| CX10 | 9' 3" / 2830mm | 7' 7" / 2340mm | 7'.8" / 2370mm | N/A |
AREA & VOLUME
| Type | Floor Area | Cubic Capacity Standard | Cubic Capacity High Cube |
|---|---|---|---|
| CX06 | 36sq ft / 3.35m2 | 235cu ft / 6.66m3 | N/A |
| CX07 | 33sq ft / 3.08m2 | 247cu ft / 7m3 | N/A |
| CX08 | 52sq ft / 4.81m2 | 347cu ft / 9.82m3 | N/A |
| CX10 | 71sq ft / 6.62m2 | 558cu ft / 15.76m3 | N/A |
WEIGHT (with ply floor)
| Type | Weight |
|---|---|
| CX06 | 450kg / 992lb |
| CX07 | 450kg / 992lb |
| CX08 | 630kg / 1389lb |
| CX10 | 825kg / 1819lb |
SlimLine® Container Dimensions (Narrow Containers)
EXTERNAL MEASUREMENTS/DIMENSIONS
| Type | Length | Width | Standard Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLM510 | 10' / 3050mm | 5' / 1520mm | 8' / 2440mm |
| SLM515 | 15' / 4550mm | 5' / 1520mm | 8' / 2440mm |
| SLM520 | 20' / 6060mm | 5' / 1520mm | 8' / 2440mm |
| SLM530 | 30' / 9120mm | 5' / 1520mm | 8' / 2440mm |
| SLM540 | 40' / 12190mm | 5' / 1520mm | 8' / 2440mm |
| SLM610 | 10' / 3050mm | 6' / 1820mm | 8' / 2440mm |
| SLM615 | 15' / 4550mm | 6' / 1820mm | 8' / 2440mm |
| SLM620 | 20' / 6060mm | 6' / 1820mm | 8' / 2440mm |
| SLM630 | 30' / 9120mm | 6' / 1820mm | 8' / 2440mm |
| SLM640 | 40' / 12190mm | 6' / 1820mm | 8' / 2440mm |
| SLM710 | 10' / 3050mm | 7' / 2130mm | 8' / 2440mm |
| SLM715 | 15' / 4550mm | 7' / 2130mm | 8' / 2440mm |
| SLM720 | 20' / 6060mm | 7' / 2130mm | 8' / 2440mm |
| SLM730 | 30' / 9120mm | 7' / 2130mm | 8' / 2440mm |
| SLM740 | 40' / 12190mm | 7' / 2130mm | 8' / 2440mm |
INTERNAL MEASUREMENTS/DIMENSIONS
| Type | Length | Width | Standard Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLM510 | 9' 2" / 2800mm | 4' 8" / 1460mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
| SLM515 | 14' 3" / 4340mm | 4' 8" / 1460mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
| SLM520 | 19' 3" / 5870mm | 4' 8" / 1460mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
| SLM530 | 29' 4" / 8930mm | 4' 8" / 1460mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
| SLM540 | 39' 5" / 12000mm | 4' 8" / 1460mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
| SLM610 | 9' 2" / 2800mm | 5' 8" / 1770mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
| SLM615 | 14' 3" / 4340mm | 5' 8" / 1770mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
| SLM620 | 19' 3" / 5870mm | 5' 8" / 1770mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
| SLM630 | 29' 4" / 8930mm | 5' 8" / 1770mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
| SLM640 | 39' 4" / 12000mm | 5' 8" / 1770mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
| SLM710 | 9' 2" / 2800mm | 6' 8" / 2070mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
| SLM715 | 14' 3" / 4340mm | 6' 8" / 2070mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
| SLM720 | 19' 3" / 5870mm | 6' 8" / 2070mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
| SLM730 | 29' 4" / 8930mm | 6' 8" / 2070mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
| SLM740 | 39' 5" / 12000mm | 6' 8" / 2070mm | 7' 9" / 2350mm |
* Please allow for a tolerance of up to 6 inches (152mm) on Cut Down container lengths. These measurements may vary due to the construction and cut down process, where we may need to cut either side of the steel bearers. For our New Build containers allow for a tolerance of up to 0.39 inches (10mm). Please inform us with your order if you have specific requirements within the tolerance.
Container Dimensions FAQ
What are the standard shipping container dimensions in the UK?
Standard ISO containers are 8ft (2438mm) wide and 8ft 6in (2591mm) tall externally. Length depends on the unit - 10ft, 20ft and 40ft are the most common. Internal space is smaller due to wall thickness and corner posts. Full measurements for every size from 5ft to 45ft are in the tables above.
How wide is a shipping container?
External width is 8ft (2438mm) on all standard ISO containers. Internal width is about 7ft 8in (2330mm). The door opening is slightly narrower again at about 2280mm, and that is usually the real limit when loading. If 8ft is too tight, our WideLine range is 10ft (3048mm) wide.
How tall is a shipping container?
A standard (DV) container is 8ft 6in (2591mm) tall externally. A high cube is 9ft 6in (2895mm). Internal heights are lower - 7ft 9in (2350mm) for DV and 8ft 9in (2650mm) for high cube. If you are planning a ply-lined DV container, internal height drops further to about 7ft 4in (2235mm).
How big is a shipping container?
It depends on the size. A 20ft container gives you about 150 sq ft (13.9m?) of floor space inside - roughly the size of a large garden shed. A 40ft container gives about 305 sq ft (28.3m?) - closer to a single garage and a half. All containers are 8ft wide externally. Heights vary between standard (8ft 6in) and high cube (9ft 6in). The full floor area and volume figures for every size are in the tables above.
What are 10ft container dimensions in metres?
Externally: 3.048m long, 2.438m wide, 2.591m tall (standard height). Internally: about 2.895m long, 2.330m wide, 2.350m tall. These are cut-down units so allow up to 152mm tolerance on length.
What are 20ft container dimensions in metres?
Externally: 6.096m long, 2.438m wide, 2.591m tall (standard height). Internally: about 5.900m long, 2.330m wide, 2.350m tall. Door opening is about 2.280m wide and 2.260m tall on a standard height unit.
What are 40ft container dimensions in metres?
Externally: 12.192m long, 2.438m wide, 2.591m tall (standard height). Internally: about 12.014m long, 2.330m wide, 2.350m tall. A 40ft high cube adds about 300mm to both external and internal height.
What is a high cube container?
A high cube (HC) container is the same length and width as a standard container but about 1ft (305mm) taller externally - 9ft 6in (2895mm) instead of 8ft 6in (2591mm). Internally that gives about 8ft 9in (2650mm) of headroom. Useful for taller racking, conversions where ceiling height matters, or simply more volume.
What are the door opening dimensions on a standard container?
Door width is about 7ft 8in (2280mm) on standard 8ft-wide containers. Door height is about 7ft 5in (2260mm) on DV and about 8ft 5in (2560mm) on high cube. Check the door opening before the internal width - it is almost always the tighter measurement.
Why are internal dimensions smaller than external dimensions?
Wall thickness, corner posts, door gear and the floor build-up all reduce the usable space inside. On a standard 20ft container, external length is 6096mm but internal length is about 5900mm - nearly 200mm shorter. Always use internal dimensions for racking, lining and storage planning.
How much does a shipping container weigh?
Empty (tare) weight depends on the size. A 20ft container weighs about 2230kg. A 40ft weighs about 3950kg. Smaller cut-down sizes are lighter - an 8ft is around 1198kg and a 10ft around 1450kg. The full weight table is above. Weights vary by manufacturer and door type, so treat them as a guide and check the CSC plate for payload limits.
Does tare weight matter for delivery?
Yes. Tare weight (empty weight) determines what vehicle and crane you need for delivery, and whether your ground can take the load. A 20ft container at 2230kg needs a HIAB or similar crane vehicle. A 40ft at nearly 4 tonnes needs heavier lifting gear. See our delivery guide for more on access and siting.
Will internal dimensions change if I line the container?
Yes. Ply lining a standard DV container reduces internal width by about 165mm and internal length by about 62mm. Internal height drops to about 7ft 4in (2235mm) on DV, or 8ft 3in (2515mm) on high cube. The lined heights are listed in the standard dimensions section above. See our ply lining page for more detail.