Shipping container dimensions
Standard ISO dimensions for every size we sell, plus the measurement most people forget to check — the door opening, which is smaller than the internal dimensions and decides whether your gear actually goes in.
| Size | External L×W×H | Internal L×W×H | Door opening | Capacity | Tare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft | 2.99m × 2.44m × 2.59m | 2.83m × 2.35m × 2.39m | 2.34m wide × 2.28m high | 16m³ | 1,300 kg approx |
| 20ft | 6.06m × 2.44m × 2.59m | 5.90m × 2.35m × 2.39m | 2.34m wide × 2.28m high | 33m³ | 2,200 kg approx |
| 40ft | 12.19m × 2.44m × 2.59m | 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.39m | 2.34m wide × 2.28m high | 67m³ | 3,800 kg approx |
| 40ft High Cube | 12.19m × 2.44m × 2.90m | 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.70m | 2.34m wide × 2.58m high | 76m³ | 3,900 kg approx |
Each quote confirms the container, delivery and GST for your job. Availability, condition and site access are checked before booking.
Height: standard against high cube
A standard container is 2.59 m externally and 2.39 m internally. A high cube adds 300 mm to both — 2.90 m and 2.70 m. If you are lining or insulating you lose 50–75 mm to the lining, which is exactly when that 300 mm stops being marginal.
Width is fixed
Every ISO container is 2.44 m externally and about 2.35 m internally, regardless of length. A standard Australian pallet is 1165 × 1165 mm, so two sit side by side across the width with very little to spare.
Doors swing, and need room
Cargo doors open through roughly 270° and need about 1.2 m of clearance at the door end. Sited hard against a fence at the wrong end, a container becomes a very expensive sealed box.
Dimension questions
What are the dimensions of a 20ft shipping container?
Externally 6.06m × 2.44m × 2.59m and internally 5.90m × 2.35m × 2.39m, giving about 33m³. The door opening is 2.34m wide × 2.28m high and tare weight is 2,200 kg approx.
What are the dimensions of a 40ft shipping container?
Externally 12.19m × 2.44m × 2.59m and internally 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.39m, about 67m³. A 40ft high cube is the same footprint with 300mm more internal height — 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.70m and about 76m³.
How much room do I need to site one?
Allow the external length plus room to open the doors — they swing out about 1.2 m at the door end — and enough space for the truck to line up and slide it off. The truck needs far more room than the container does, which is the part people underestimate.
Which measurement actually matters?
The door opening, nine times out of ten. Internal length and width decide how much fits; the door opening decides whether it goes in at all. It is narrower and lower than the internal dimensions, so measure your widest item against the door figure rather than the internal one.
Know the size you need?
Then the only outstanding numbers are the grade and the delivery, and both take one call.
Prefer a chat? Give our team a call.
Call 1300 639 282