What Sizes Do Shipping Containers Come In?

Find the right shipping container size for you with our complete guide to container dimensions and weights. We cover standard container sizes and common non-standard sizes. We also explain specialist container variations and how to choose the best size of container for your needs.

Shipping Container Dimensions

Shipping containers are named based on their length in feet. In our container size tables below, we’ve used both imperial measurements (feet and inches) and metric (metres).

Our shipping containers range from the smallest 4 ft containers up to our largest 40 ft containers. 20 ft containers are the most common type of shipping container.

Note: individual shipping container weights and internal dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and different specifications.

Small container sizes

These small containers are non-standard sizes and are less common compared to larger shipping containers. There is less demand for them, so they have no standard ISO shipping container standards.

Small shipping containers often have niche uses and are ideal if you have limited space.

4 ft shipping containers

4 ft containers are the smallest type of shipping container available. They offer secure storage for tools, machinery parts or safety gear on construction sites. They’re also ideal as commercial pop-up kiosks or mobile ticket booths.

Tare weight (empty): 650 kg

4 foot containers chart. length, width and height. external 4 ft (1.2m), 7 ft 2 in (2.20 m), 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m). internal 3 ft 5 in (1.05 m), 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m), 6 ft 9 in (6.07 m), internal volume ~100 ft³ (2.83 m³). door opening with 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), height 6 ft 10 in (2.11 m)

6 ft shipping containers

Often used for niche storage of tools and equipment, 6 ft containers can fit around 4 to 6 standard pallets. They can be useful for storing outdoor gear or seasonal retail items.

Tare weight (empty): 680 kg

6 foot containers chart. length, width and height. external 6 ft (1.83 m), 6 ft (1.83 m), 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m). internal 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m). internal volume ~200 ft³ (5.66 m³). door opening width 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)

8 ft shipping containers

These cube containers are great for moving goods around efficiently. 8 ft containers can be used as portable offices for construction sites, as well as pop-up shops.

Tare weight (empty): 1,270 kg

8 foot containers chart. length, width and height. external 8 ft (2.44 m), 8 ft (2.44 m), 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m). internal 7 ft 10 in (2.39 m), 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m), 7 ft 10 in (2.39 m). internal volume ~475 ft³ (13.45 m³). door opening width 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m) height 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)

One-Trip Small Shipping Containers

4 ft Containers

6 ft Containers

8 ft Containers

Standard container sizes and ISO

Standard shipping containers are those built to ISO international standards. These container sizes are widely available for shipping and storage needs.

ISO 668 covers both external and internal dimensions of containers, as well as regulating minimum door opening sizes. These containers all have a standard width of 8ft (2.44 m) and a height in the region of 8ft 6 of (2.59 m).

10 ft shipping containers

The smallest shipping container built to ISO standards is a 10 ft container. They are less popular than some larger containers but are still widely available.

The compact size means 10 ft containers can be easily converted into home workshops for hobbies or DIY projects. They are a great way to clear up clutter without giving anything away. Small businesses can utilise them as pop-up shops or as a quirky trade booth at local fairs.

Tare weight (empty): 1,293 kg

10 foot containers chart. length, width and height. external 10 ft (3.05 m), 8 ft (2.44 m), 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m). internal 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m), 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m), 7 ft 10 in (2.39 m). internal volume ~680 ft³ (19.25 m³). door opening width 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m) height 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)

20 ft shipping containers

20 ft containers are the most widely used shipping containers. They are large enough to fit a standard car and have a huge range of uses.

At home, they can be offices or garden rooms, while also making excellent tool sheds for construction sites. For businesses, 20 ft containers can be transformed into event spaces or large pop-up shops.

Tare weight (empty): 2,177 kg

20 foot containers chart. length, width and height. external 20 ft (6.06 m), 8 ft (2.44 m), 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m). internal 19 ft 4 in (5.90 m), 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m), 7 ft 10 in (2.39 m). internal volume ~1,172 ft³ (33.2 m³). door opening width 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m) height 7 ft 5 in (2.28 m)

40 ft shipping containers

Among the largest containers, 40 ft shipping containers are ideal as garages or workshops. They are large enough to store 400-500 standard cardboard boxes or around 20 standard UK pallets when single stacked. They’re a popular choice for people building shipping container homes.

Tare weight (empty): 3,620 kg

40 foot containers chart. length, width and height. external 40 ft (12.19 m), 8 ft (2.44 m), 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m). internal 39 ft 4 in (12.03 m), 7 ft 9 in (2.35 m), 7 ft 10 in (2.39 m). internal volume ~2,360 ft³ (66.83 m³). door opening width 7 ft 6 in (2.28 m), height 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)

Standard Shipping Containers

10 ft Containers

20 ft Containers

40 ft Containers

Specialist Types of Containers

A standard container will be made of steel on all sides and have a single set of lockable double doors at one end. But there are a range of specialist container variations available. Depending on how you plan to use your container, these might be a better option.

High Cube Container: Extra foot of height compared to standard shipping containers, so perfect for larger or bulkier items.
Tunnel Container: Doors at both ends, so great for regular walk-through access and more flexible access to larger items.
Side Opening Container: Additional long side doors that open along the entire container’s width.
Open Top Container: Easier loading and unloading for tall cargo - remove the tarpaulin cover for fast access with lifting equipment.
Flat Rack Container: No roof or side walls so useful for very large equipment, creative conversions and transportation.

Shipping Container Variations

High Cube Container

Tunnel Container

Side Opening Container

Open Top Container

Flat Rack Container

How To Choose the Right Shipping Container Size

Decide How You Will Use Your Container

When choosing the size for your container, you should think carefully about how you plan to use it - both now and potentially in the future.

Consider whether your storage needs may grow or if your container office may need to accommodate more people. Will you want to keep using the same container or potentially upgrade to a newer, larger one? How long will your container need to last?

If you're building a container home, decide whether you need multiple containers and if you would prefer them to be a variety of sizes.

Temporary storage
On-site storage
Garage
Garden shed
Workshop
Storage or workroom
Home or site office
Swimming pool
Container home

Do You Need Planning Permission For A Shipping Container?

Whether you need planning permission for a shipping container will depend on numerous factors, but size is among the key ones..

Small shipping containers don’t normally need planning permission. 4ft or 6ft containers sometimes fall under permitted development, so are easier to place on residential properties.

For larger containers the process can vary, depending on where the container will go and how you’ll use it. You should check with your local authority for your specific council regulations on shipping containers.

Determine Your Budget

All UK shipping container prices are based on size, condition and the type of container. When it comes to size, it’s simple: the bigger the container, the more the container costs. The prices for specialist storage containers are also usually higher than small or standard-sized containers.