How to use the container dimensions page
- Choose a container to see inside and door sizes, capacity and weights.
- Enter a carton size to estimate how many identical cartons fit.
- For mixed cartons, plan the full load in the 3D load planner.
Shipping container dimensions (inside, door, weights)
| Container | Inside L × W × H (mm) | Inside (ft in) | Door W × H (mm) | Capacity m³ | Tare | Max payload | Max gross |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft dry (20GP) | 5,898 × 2,350 × 2,390 | 19′4″ × 7′9″ × 7′10″ | 2,340 × 2,280 | 33.1 | 2,150 | 28,330 | 30,480 |
| 40 ft dry (40GP) | 12,032 × 2,350 × 2,390 | 39′6″ × 7′9″ × 7′10″ | 2,340 × 2,280 | 67.6 | 3,640 | 26,840 | 30,480 |
| 40 ft high cube (40HQ) | 12,032 × 2,350 × 2,695 | 39′6″ × 7′9″ × 8′10″ | 2,340 × 2,585 | 76.2 | 3,700 | 28,800 | 32,500 |
| 45 ft high cube (45HQ) | 13,556 × 2,352 × 2,697 | 44′6″ × 7′9″ × 8′10″ | 2,340 × 2,585 | 86 | 4,650 | 27,850 | 32,500 |
| 20 ft reefer (20RF) | 5,456 × 2,288 × 2,263 | 17′11″ × 7′6″ × 7′5″ | 2,290 × 2,221 | 28.2 | 2,810 | 27,670 | 30,480 |
| 40 ft high cube reefer (40RH) | 11,590 × 2,284 × 2,544 | 38′0″ × 7′6″ × 8′4″ | 2,290 × 2,502 | 67.5 | 4,490 | 30,510 | 34,000 |
| 20 ft open top (20OT) | 5,898 × 2,350 × 2,348 | 19′4″ × 7′9″ × 7′8″ | 2,340 × 2,280 | 32.5 | 2,240 | 28,240 | 30,480 |
| 40 ft open top (40OT) | 12,022 × 2,350 × 2,348 | 39′5″ × 7′9″ × 7′8″ | 2,340 × 2,280 | 66.3 | 3,880 | 26,600 | 30,480 |
| 20 ft flat rack (20FR) | 5,568 × 2,194 × 2,213 | 18′3″ × 7′2″ × 7′3″ | — | 28.4 | 3,100 | 35,000 | 38,100 |
| 40 ft flat rack (40FR) | 11,652 × 2,208 × 1,955 | 38′3″ × 7′3″ × 6′5″ | — | 53.2 | 6,200 | 38,800 | 45,000 |
Source: Ocean Network Express (ONE) container specifications; flat rack sizes are between end walls. Individual containers vary by line and builder; confirm out-of-gauge cargo with the carrier.
External dimensions (ISO 668)
| Container | mm | ft in |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft dry (20GP) | 6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 | 19′11″ × 8′0″ × 8′6″ |
| 40 ft dry (40GP) | 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,591 | 40′0″ × 8′0″ × 8′6″ |
| 40 ft high cube (40HQ) | 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,896 | 40′0″ × 8′0″ × 9′6″ |
| 45 ft high cube (45HQ) | 13,716 × 2,438 × 2,896 | 45′0″ × 8′0″ × 9′6″ |
| Pallet | Dimensions | 20GP | 40GP | 40HQ | 45HQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR / EPAL 1 | 1200 × 800 mm | 11 | 25 | 25 | 27 |
| 1200 × 1000 (EUR 2 / industrial) | 1200 × 1000 mm | 9 | 22 | 22 | 24 |
| US 48 × 40 in (GMA) | 1219 × 1016 mm | 9 | 20 | 20 | 24 |
| Asia 1100 × 1100 | 1100 × 1100 mm | 10 | 20 | 20 | 24 |
| Australia 1165 × 1165 | 1165 × 1165 mm | 10 | 20 | 20 | 22 |
Calculated from inside length and width with pallets mixed lengthways and crossways and no handling clearance; real loads are often 0–1 pallet fewer. Double-stack only stackable goods under half the inside height.
Container capacity and practical CBM
Rated capacity is not loadable capacity: carton sizes rarely divide the inside dimensions, and door and handling clearance cost more. Mixed cartons usually use 80–90% of the rated volume. The practical figures are the rules of thumb forwarders quote; check a real load with the 3D load planner.
| Container | Rated volume | Rated volume (ft³) | Practical load | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft dry (20GP) | 33.1 m³ | 1,169 ft³ | 25–28 m³ | 28,330 kg |
| 40 ft dry (40GP) | 67.6 m³ | 2,387 ft³ | 55–58 m³ | 26,840 kg |
| 40 ft high cube (40HQ) | 76.2 m³ | 2,691 ft³ | 65–68 m³ | 28,800 kg |
| 45 ft high cube (45HQ) | 86 m³ | 3,037 ft³ | 75–78 m³ | 27,850 kg |
Volumes and payloads are ONE reference values; individual containers vary by line and builder.
Frequently asked questions
What are the inside dimensions of a 40 ft container?
A 40GP is about 12,032 × 2,350 × 2,390 mm inside (39′6″ × 7′8″ × 7′10″); a 40HQ is about 2,695 mm high inside (8′10″), roughly 30 cm more.
How much can 20 ft and 40 ft containers carry?
Per ONE reference values, a 20GP carries up to about 28.3 t, a 40GP about 26.8 t and a 40HQ about 28.8 t. Heavy cargo hits the weight limit first; also check road weight limits at destination.
High cube or standard?
A high cube has about 12% more volume, usually at a similar rate, which suits light, bulky cargo; heavy cargo reaches the payload limit in a standard container anyway.
Is my data uploaded?
No. All calculations and the 3D preview run in your browser; a share link only carries the sizes and quantities you entered.
Results use nominal sizes for quoting, booking and pre-loading estimates; the forwarder, carrier and loading team have the final say.