Choosing a container size is about more than how much you need to store. Your site – and the room the delivery truck needs – matter just as much. Here is how the common sizes compare.
| Size | External (L × W × H) | Internal (approx.) | Floor / volume | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft Standard | 10′ × 8′ × 8′6″ | 9′3″ × 7′8″ × 7′10″ | ≈ 80 sq ft / 560 cu ft | Tight lots, tools, seasonal gear |
| 20ft Standard | 20′ × 8′ × 8′6″ | 19′4″ × 7′8″ × 7′10″ | ≈ 160 sq ft / 1,170 cu ft | Home & business storage, most projects |
| 20ft High Cube | 20′ × 8′ × 9′6″ | 19′4″ × 7′8″ × 8′10″ | ≈ 160 sq ft / 1,320 cu ft | Racking, workshops, offices |
| 40ft Standard | 40′ × 8′ × 8′6″ | 39′6″ × 7′8″ × 7′10″ | ≈ 320 sq ft / 2,390 cu ft | Bulk inventory, equipment, farms |
| 40ft High Cube | 40′ × 8′ × 9′6″ | 39′6″ × 7′8″ × 8′10″ | ≈ 320 sq ft / 2,690 cu ft | Conversions, homes, tall cargo |
Internal dimensions vary slightly by manufacturer. Each product page lists the exact measurements of that unit.
10ft containers: compact and easy to place
About 80 sq ft of floor space on a footprint smaller than a parking stall. Ideal for side yards, small commercial lots and job sites with tight access, and the easiest size to get approved on residential lots. Popular uses include garden equipment, tool cribs and generator housings. Shop 10ft containers.
20ft containers: the all-rounder
The most popular size. About 160 sq ft – roughly the contents of a two-bedroom home or ten standard pallets – and it fits a typical driveway. Plan for a pad about 22 ft by 10 ft and roughly 75 ft of straight approach. Shop 20ft containers.
40ft containers: best value per square foot
Twice the floor space of a 20ft for a modest price increase, making it the most cost-effective option for bulk storage, farms and warehouses. It needs a longer pad and up to 100 ft of straight, clear access. Shop 40ft containers.
High cube: an extra foot of height
High cubes are 9 ft 6 in tall instead of 8 ft 6 in. That extra foot makes a big difference for shelving, insulation, lighting and living or office conversions. Shop high cube containers.
Three quick tips
- Measure the route, not just the spot. The truck needs a straight approach roughly the length of the container plus the trailer.
- Size up for growth. Most customers wish they had bought slightly more space, not less.
- Think about door direction. Decide which way the doors should face before delivery – it cannot be changed afterward.
Still undecided? Read our Buyers Guide or call (279) 272-6346.
