Container dimensions – a comprehensive guide before placing an order
The dimensions of a container determine whether it will be suitable for its intended use. Some specifications are important for transporting goods, others for fitting out an office, and yet others for fitting out a service outlet. Knowing the external and internal dimensions allows you to plan the space, select the right fittings and avoid a situation where the container you order turns out to be too small or too large. The guide below lists the dimensions of the most popular types of containers – shipping and modular – along with their internal specifications and load capacity. The data is presented in metres and feet, as both units are used interchangeably in the container industry.
Why are container dimensions so important?
External dimensions determine how much space the container will take up on a plot of land or construction site, and whether it will fit in the designated location. They are also important for transport – the dimensions affect the method of transport and the cost of delivery. Internal dimensions, on the other hand, determine the actual usable space, i.e. how many people the office can accommodate or how much equipment can be stored.
The difference between external and internal dimensions stems from the thickness of the walls. In shipping containers, the steel walls are relatively thin, but once insulation is added, the internal space is reduced. In modular containers, insulation is incorporated into the structure, which is why the manufacturer specifies dimensions that take user comfort into account. When planning to buy or rent, it is always worth checking both sets of dimensions.
Dimensions of a 20-foot shipping container
A 20-foot shipping container is one of the most common sizes. Its external dimensions are 6.06 m long, 2.44 m wide and 2.59 m high. The internal dimensions are slightly smaller due to the thickness of the walls and measure approximately 5.90 m in length, 2.35 m in width and 2.39 m in height, giving a usable area of around 13.8 m².
An empty 20-foot container weighs around 2.3 tonnes, and its maximum load capacity is nearly 28 tonnes. These specifications are primarily relevant for transport and storage applications. When converting it into a usable space, the main obstacle is the low internal height, which is further reduced once insulation is fitted.
Dimensions of a 40-foot shipping container
A 40-foot shipping container is twice as long as the 20-foot version. Its external dimensions are 12.19 m long, 2.44 m wide and 2.59 m high. The internal dimensions are approximately 12.03 m long, 2.35 m wide and 2.39 m high, which translates to a usable area of around 28 m².
An empty 40-foot container weighs approximately 3.8 tonnes. Its greater length makes it more convenient for storing long materials, although the width remains the same as in the 20-foot version, as it is dictated by transport standards. This width restriction is one of the main reasons why shipping containers are less favoured than modular containers for practical applications.
40 HC (High Cube) container – what does it mean and how does it differ?
The designation ‘HC’, which stands for ‘High Cube’, refers to containers with increased height. A 40 HC container has an external height of 2.90 m, which is approximately 30 cm more than the standard version. The other dimensions – length 12.19 m and width 2.44 m – remain unchanged. Similarly, a 20 HC version is available with increased height whilst retaining the standard length.
The extra height is of practical importance when converting a container into usable space. Once the floor and ceiling have been insulated, a standard container loses a significant amount of its height, whilst the High Cube version allows for a comfortable room height to be maintained. For this reason, HC containers are more commonly chosen for residential conversions.
Dimensions of modular containers – office, staff and toilet units
Modular containers are similar in size to shipping containers, but they are designed with functionality in mind rather than transport requirements. A standard Algeco module – whether an office or sanitary unit – measures 6,055 mm in length, 2,435 mm in width and 2,790 mm in height. The greater height compared to a standard shipping container ensures comfort of use once the interior has been fitted out.
The modules can be combined into larger configurations, so their floor area is not limited to a single unit. Algeco’s Origin series industrial containers are available in sizes ranging from approximately 3 m² (compact 2 × 2 m guardhouses) to full-size modules of 17–18 m². The average weight of an office module is around 2 tonnes, and that of a sanitary module is around 4 tonnes, due to the inclusion of water and sanitation systems. We have provided a detailed breakdown of standard container dimensions in a separate article on the Algeco blog.
How do you choose the right container size for your needs?
Choosing the right dimensions starts with determining the container’s purpose and the number of people who will be using it. Different specifications will be suitable for a single-person caretaker’s lodge, an office for a few employees, or staff facilities for an entire construction team. It is also worth allowing space for furnishings – desks, cupboards and equipment.
The modularity of Algeco containers allows the space to be scaled as required. If a single module proves too small, several units can be joined together to form a larger structure, including multi-storey configurations. This flexibility is a significant advantage of modular solutions over a single shipping container with fixed dimensions.
A container for 2–4 people – how many square metres are needed?
For an office intended for two to four people, a single module with an area of a dozen or so square metres is usually sufficient. A standard office module measuring 6055 × 2435 mm provides approximately 14 m² of floor space, which allows for the comfortable arrangement of desks, cupboards and workspace for several people.
If there are more staff members or a need to create a separate meeting room, it is worth combining several modules. Thanks to partition walls, these can be divided into areas with different functions, tailoring the layout to the specific needs of the team.
A container as a service point – minimum dimensions
A service point, such as a till, reception desk or small service counter, can fit even within a compact module. An area of around 3–6 m² is sufficient for a service counter with a countertop and the necessary equipment. For more extensive operations requiring space for customers or back-of-house facilities, a larger module or a set of modules is selected.
It is crucial that the space matches the nature of the business. A retail outlet needs display space, a catering outlet requires back-of-house facilities and installations, whilst a service counter primarily needs a functional counter. Dimensions are therefore selected not only according to the number of people but also according to the technical requirements of the business.
FAQ – Container dimensions
What are the external and internal dimensions of a 20-foot container?
A 20-foot shipping container has external dimensions of 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m. The internal dimensions are smaller due to the thickness of the walls and measure approximately 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m, giving a usable area of around 13.8 m². A standard Algeco office module, on the other hand, measures 6055 × 2435 × 2790 mm.
How does an HC container differ from a standard one?
An HC (High Cube) container has an increased external height – 2.90 m instead of the standard 2.59 m. The other dimensions, namely the length and width, remain the same. The additional height of approximately 30 cm is significant when converting the container into a usable space, as it allows for a comfortable interior height after insulation has been fitted.
How much does an empty 20-foot and 40-foot shipping container weigh?
An empty 20-foot shipping container weighs approximately 2.3 tonnes, whilst a 40-foot container weighs approximately 3.8 tonnes. Weight is a factor when transporting and positioning the container, as it requires suitable equipment for unloading. By way of comparison, a standard Algeco office module weighs approximately 2 tonnes, and a toilet module approximately 4 tonnes.
What are the standard dimensions of office containers?
A standard Algeco office container measures 6,055 mm in length, 2,435 mm in width and 2,790 mm in height. This provides a usable area of approximately 14 m². Modules can be combined into larger configurations, including multi-storey layouts, allowing you to create spaces tailored to the number of employees and the nature of the work.
Can I order a bespoke-sized container?
Algeco modular containers can be configured in terms of function, floor area and finish standard, by combining modules into larger structures and dividing the interior into separate sections using partition walls. This allows the space to be tailored to individual needs. It is advisable to discuss the details of a specific configuration with a sales representative.