External Dimensions (Outside Measurements)
- Length: 20 feet (6.06 meters)
- Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
- Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters)
These external dimensions are critical for transportation, stacking, and placement planning.
Internal Dimensions (Usable Space)
- Length: approximately 19 feet 4 inches (5.90 meters)
- Width: approximately 7 feet 8 inches (2.35 meters)
- Height: approximately 7 feet 10 inches (2.39 meters)
Interior measurements are slightly smaller than exterior dimensions due to the thickness of the steel walls, doors, and flooring.
Door Opening Dimensions
- Width: approximately 7 feet 8 inches (2.34 meters)
- Height: approximately 7 feet 5 inches (2.28 meters)
Door clearance is an important consideration when loading equipment, pallets, or oversized items.
Weight and Capacity
- Tare Weight (Empty): ~4,850 lbs (2,200 kg)
- Maximum Payload: ~47,900 lbs (21,700 kg)
- Maximum Gross Weight: ~52,800 lbs (24,000 kg)
Total Interior Volume
A standard 20ft container provides approximately 1,170 cubic feet of usable interior space, making it ideal for storage, shipping, and modification projects.
Why These Dimensions Matter
Knowing the exact dimensions of a 20ft container helps ensure proper delivery access, placement planning, and compatibility with the intended use-whether for storage, transportation, or conversion into offices or workspaces.
Bottom Line
A standard 20ft shipping container measures 20 ft long x 8 ft wide x 8 ft 6 in high externally, with slightly reduced interior dimensions due to construction materials.