20-foot Container Dimensions - Size, Weight, and Capacity

Whenever you're buying or renting a shipping container, it is crucial to select the correct size. You must calculate the cubic capacity of the container and then decide whether the container provides sufficient loadable volume.

If your container doesn't have the required space, you can opt for bigger shipping containers. Alternatively, if the container offers a much higher storage capacity, a smaller container is an ideal way to save money.

This article outlines the dimensions of a 20-foot shipping container to help you understand the storage volume and load that 20-foot units can carry.

Dimensions of a 20-Foot Shipping Container in Feet and Meters

Here, size refers to the length of the container. For instance, a 20-foot shipping container means that the length of the container and not the cubic capacity is 20 feet.

Exterior dimensions such as the width and height are similar for most shipping containers. But the internal length may slightly vary depending upon the thickness of the steel in its construction.  We've listed all the 20 ft. shipping container dimensions in the table below:

Please read our size guide to learn more about shipping container dimensions.

20ft Container Dimensions in Inches, Centimeters, & Millimeters

We have also listed the exterior and interior dimensions of 20 ft. shipping containers in inches to help you get a better understanding of shipping container sizes. 

Similarly, the standard dimensions of shipping containers in centimeters and millimeters are as follows:

Weight and Volume of 20-Foot Shipping Containers in LBs, KGs, and Tons

Take a look at the table below to learn more about the tare weight, floor space, and storing capacity of a 20 ft. dry-van cargo container:

Please note that tare weight refers to the container weight, while payload capacity is the weight of the cargo that it can carry. Total weight of a loaded container = Payload Weight + Tare Weight.

20 ft. Standard Shipping Container vs. 20 ft. High Cube Shipping Container

High-cube containers are special-purpose units that help accommodate taller cargo. They have about 1-foot extra height than standard shipping containers.

The additional height of high-cube containers also slightly increases their storage capacity. Except for the high-cube container’s height, other dimensions remain the same as a standard container.

Let’s compare the sizes, volume, and weight of 20 ft. standard containers and high-cubes. 
 

* ft = feet
** m = meter
1in = inch

Source
* ft = feet
** m = meter
1in = inch

 
How Much Can I Fit in a 20-Foot Shipping Container?

Some areas may be unavailable due to stacking arrangements, access, loading, unloading, and preventing damage to goods during shipments.

If the items you're storing are fragile, you'll have to keep only one tier, as it'll be difficult to stack vertically. Similarly, you must ensure that the volume does not exceed the payload capacity if you're storing heavy cargo.

You can store the following items in 20-foot containers:

• One-bedroom apartment
• 1-2 Cars
• 50 Refrigerators
• 400 Televisions
• 210,191 Tennis Balls

How Many Pallets Can I Fit in 20 Ft. Containers?

You can load about eight oversized pallets (220 cm./86.6 in. each) or about 16 small pallets in 20 ft. cargo containers.

If you're using the standard Euro Pallets ( 1.2 m x 0.8 m) size, you can stack about 11 such units on the base of 20-foot containers. Alternatively, you can hold ten standard American pallets (1.016 m x 1.219 m, or about 40" x 48" dimension).

How Many CBM Is a 20-Foot Container?

CBM stands for cubic meter, referring to the cubic capacity of the container. We can calculate CBM using the volume formula.

• Measure the internal length, width, and height of the container.
• Convert these units into meters
• Multiply the meter values of length, width, and height to obtain the CBM.

 
Formula for CBM =Interior (L x W x H)

Let's calculate the cubic meters of 20 ft. containers (length = 19 ft. 4 in., width = 7 ft. 8 in., height = 7 ft. 10 in.). Converting the feet and inches to meter, we get the values as L=5.89 m, W=2.33 m, H = 2.4 m

Using the formula, we get CBM = 5.89 m x 2.33 m x 2.4 m = 33 cu. m / 33 m3 / 33 CBM.

What Types of 20ft Containers Can I Purchase?

You can buy a one-trip or used shipping container. One-trip units are almost as good as new, as they are available for sale after just one round of transporting cargo.

On the other hand, used containers render about 5-10 years of service before they are available for purchase.

While one-trip containers generally have better exteriors than used containers, they can cost twice as much. The price of a container also depends upon the availability, location, delivery charges, customizations, and more.

Therefore, you must carefully evaluate these factors while selecting the right container for your business.  If standard shipping containers are inadequate for your cargo, you can also use these special-purpose containers.

High-Cube Containers

A high-cube unit offers about 1 ft./ 0.4 m additional height, making it perfect for tall items like pipes, machinery, and vehicles.

Double-Door Containers

Double-door units have a door opening on either end, allowing more accessibility and convenience during loading and unloading goods.

Flat Rack Containers

Flat-racks have no walls on the sides, and collapsible walls at the ends, making them ideal for shipping oversized cargo with irregular sizes.

Conclusion

While buying or renting a 20 ft. shipping container, you must estimate its size and storing capacity. Calculating the dimensions and CBM can help you estimate the amount of cargo you can store and whether the container is suitable for your needs or not.

Mobile Modular Portable Storage is a leading supplier for different types of containers, such as the high-cube and double door opening. Select a product on our site, and request a quote. Or get in touch with us at 866-459-7600, and our representatives will help you choose the shipping containers that best fit your application and budget.