Buyer guide · Sizing
20ft vs 40ft Shipping Containers: How to Choose
The right size depends on what you store, how much room you have and how the truck gets in.
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The short answer
Choose a 20ft container if space is limited or you're storing the contents of a garage or small home. Choose a 40ft if you need room for equipment, vehicles or large inventory and have about 100+ feet of clear delivery approach. A 40ft usually costs less per square foot.
Side-by-side
- 20ft: about 150 sq ft, roughly 1,170 cu ft (standard)
- 40ft: about 300 sq ft, roughly 2,390 cu ft (standard)
- Both are 8′ wide; high cubes are 9′6″ tall
- 20ft needs roughly 60–75 ft of clear approach; 40ft roughly 100–120 ft
Pick 20ft when…
- Your property has limited open space
- You're storing household goods, tools or small equipment
- The container sits on a driveway or side yard
Pick 40ft when…
- You're storing tractors, vehicles or large equipment
- You need lots of room for inventory or materials
- You have an open rural, farm or commercial site
| Measurement | Standard | High cube |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior length | 20′ (6.06 m) | 20′ (6.06 m) |
| Exterior width | 8′ (2.44 m) | 8′ (2.44 m) |
| Exterior height | 8′ 6″ (2.59 m) | 9′ 6″ (2.90 m) |
| Interior length (approx.) | 19′ 4″ | 19′ 4″ |
| Interior width (approx.) | 7′ 8″ | 7′ 8″ |
| Interior height (approx.) | 7′ 10″ | 8′ 10″ |
| Door opening (approx.) | 7′ 8″ W × 7′ 5″ H | 7′ 8″ W × 8′ 5″ H |
| Interior volume (approx.) | 1,170 cu ft | 1,330 cu ft |
| Floor area (approx.) | ≈ 150 sq ft | ≈ 150 sq ft |
Dimensions are typical industry figures and vary slightly by manufacturer and build year. We'll confirm the exact specifications of the container you're quoted.
| Measurement | Standard | High cube |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior length | 40′ (12.19 m) | 40′ (12.19 m) |
| Exterior width | 8′ (2.44 m) | 8′ (2.44 m) |
| Exterior height | 8′ 6″ (2.59 m) | 9′ 6″ (2.90 m) |
| Interior length (approx.) | 39′ 5″ | 39′ 5″ |
| Interior width (approx.) | 7′ 8″ | 7′ 8″ |
| Interior height (approx.) | 7′ 10″ | 8′ 10″ |
| Door opening (approx.) | 7′ 8″ W × 7′ 5″ H | 7′ 8″ W × 8′ 5″ H |
| Interior volume (approx.) | 2,390 cu ft | 2,690 cu ft |
| Floor area (approx.) | ≈ 300 sq ft | ≈ 300 sq ft |
Straight answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Related
Keep exploring
20-Foot Containers
About 150 sq ft of secure storage on a compact footprint.
40-Foot Containers
Double the floor space for equipment, inventory and materials.
Delivery Prep Guide
Space, ground and access checklist before delivery day.
Containers for Sale
New and used 20ft and 40ft shipping containers delivered anywhere in Colorado.
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