Shipping Container Dimensions and Sizes: What You Need to Know

Shipping containers come in a variety of dimensions suitable for different purposes

A red shipping container against the blue sky
Photo: Naomi Rahim / Moment / Getty Images
A red shipping container against the blue sky
Photo: Naomi Rahim / Moment / Getty Images
Highlights
  • Shipping containers are commonly found in 10-foot, 20-foot, and 40-foot lengths.

  • Most shipping containers are 8 feet and 6 inches high.

  • Some containers, known as “high cube” containers, are 9 feet and 6 inches high.

  • The dimensions of the shipping container required depend on its intended use.

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Shipping containers have become much more than a way to move commercial freight from one place to another. If you’re using this shipping tool for moving or storage, you likely need to know the shipping container dimensions.

These versatile structures are available in several different dimensions, and the ideal size will depend on the container’s purpose. Most shipping containers have standardized dimensions, so finding the right size for your intended purpose is fairly straightforward.

What Are Standard Shipping Container Dimensions?

Most shipping containers are one of the following sizes:

Container SizeDimensions
10-foot container10 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet, 6 inches high
20-foot container20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet, 6 inches high
40-foot container40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet, 6 inches high

In addition to these standard sizes, shipping containers are also available in taller sizes, referred to as “high cube” containers. High cube containers can commonly be found in these sizes:

  • 20-foot high cube: This container measures 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet, 6 inches high.

  • 40-foot high cube: This container measures 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet, 6 inches high.

What Size Shipping Containers Should You Choose for Moving?

Shipping containers are a reliable option for moving, as they’re easily portable and frequently used by moving companies. The appropriate size container for your move will depend on a number of factors, including:

  • Home size and square footage

  • Number of rooms

  • Types and number of large items, like furniture and appliances

  • What size containers your moving company uses

Some moving companies will accommodate larger containers, while others may require you to use multiple containers for larger homes. Contact a moving company near you to find out which size shipping container you’ll need for your move.

Shipping Container DimensionsHome Size
10’x8’x8.5’Apartment, condo, or 1-bedroom home
20’x8’x8.5’2-to-3-bedroom home
40’x8’x8.5’4-bedroom home or larger

Calculate Number and Size of Items

If you’re moving large furniture items or appliances, it’s worth it to measure each piece to help determine how much space you need in your storage container.

Here are the average measurements of common items:

  • Sofa sectional: 30 cubic feet

  • Coffee table: 5 cubic feet 

  • Arm chair: 10 cubic feet

  • TV: 25 cubic feet

  • Grand piano: 80 cubic feet

  • Grandfather clock: 20 cubic feet

Best Sizes for Shipping Container Homes

A family of four living in a shipping container house
Photo: mmpile / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

One of the most recently popular uses for shipping containers is the shipping container home. Shipping containers allow for creative customization in a small living space, without the high costs associated with larger traditional homes. Shipping container homes offer quick, affordable construction and can be moved from location to location, which makes them a great choice for people looking for a flexible and budget-friendly option.

The best size for a shipping container home depends on your project. The most commonly used sizes are the standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers. Some shipping container homeowners opt for high cube containers, but those are often harder to source and can affect your shipping container home cost significantly. Shipping containers also allow DIYers to combine multiple containers for a truly custom build, so many opt to combine sizes in their desired configuration.

Using Shipping Containers for Storage

Shipping containers are truly versatile—homeowners can also use them for a number of storage solutions! A shipping container is a great option for portable storage during home renovations or if you have a short period of time between moving out of one home and into another. The best size for you will depend on how much you’ll need to store. For example, clearing out one or two rooms during a remodel will likely only require a 10-foot or 20-foot container, while storing the contents of a four-bedroom home might necessitate a 40-foot container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deciding whether to choose a shipping container vs. a storage unit for your storage needs depends on a number of factors, including how long you’ll need to store items for, whether you need them to be easily accessible, and if you need to move the items from one location to another. Shipping containers are best for moving and storing items for shipping, while a storage unit is best for storing items that can stay put.

Shipping container companies and trucking or freight companies often rent or sell containers of varying sizes, while moving companies generally use their own containers. If you’re looking to build a shipping container home, you can reach out to container home builders in your area to source materials that are in good condition.

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