Standard container or high cube: which to choose for your project?
This is one of the most frequent questions we receive. And we understand why—on paper, the difference seems minimal. Just 30 centimeters in height. But in practice, these 30 centimeters can completely change your experience depending on what you want to do with your container. We explain everything to help you make the right choice from the start.
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📷 [Main image 1200x630px — visual comparison of standard and high cube containers side-by-side — file name: conteneur-standard-ou-high-cube-eurocontex.webp — alt text: Comparison between a standard container and a high cube container at Eurocontex — alignment: centered]
1. The only real difference: 30 centimeters
Technically, a standard container and a high cube container are identical in all respects except one: height.
| Feature | Standard | High Cube |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Height | 2.59 m | 2.89 m |
| Interior Height | 2.39 m | 2.69 m |
| Length | Identical | Identical |
| Width | Identical | Identical |
| Structure | Corten Steel | Corten Steel |
These extra 30 centimeters translate into a significant volume gain. For a 20-foot container, you go from about 33 m³ to 37 m³. For a 40-foot container, from 67 m³ to 76 m³. It might seem small, but when it comes to living or working space, every centimeter counts.
📷 [Image 1200x800px — comparative diagram of standard vs. high cube interior heights — file name: comparaison-hauteur-standard-high-cube.webp — alt text: Comparative diagram of interior heights between a standard container and a high cube container — alignment: centered]
2. When standard is more than enough
Honestly, in many cases, a standard container does the job perfectly. Here's when we recommend it without hesitation:
Storage of goods — If you're storing pallets, equipment, tools, or various goods, the extra height of a high cube offers no real advantage. A standard container already provides 2.39 m of interior height — more than enough for stacking Euro pallets.
International transport — For transporting goods within the European Union, the standard remains the benchmark. It is compatible with all handling equipment without exception.
Tight budget — The standard container is generally cheaper than the high cube — between 10% and 15% difference depending on size and condition. If every euro counts, this is a strong argument.
Stacking height — If you plan to stack multiple containers, the standard may be simpler to manage depending on the total height allowed on your site.
3. When the high cube truly makes a difference
Conversely, there are situations where those 30 centimeters change everything:
Conversion into an office or living space — This is THE use case where the high cube is essential. With 2.69 m of interior height, you gain real comfort once insulation, false ceilings, and equipment are installed. With a standard container, you often end up with a ceiling height of less than 2.20 m after conversion — this is noticeable in daily life.
Storage of bulky goods — If you store tall items — industrial shelving, machinery, vertical equipment — the high cube prevents you from having to lay them down or disassemble them.
Commercial projects — A kiosk, shop, or public reception area greatly benefits from this extra height. Your customers will feel less cramped.
Air conditioning and ventilation — For converted containers requiring technical ducts in the ceiling (air conditioning, electricity, plumbing), the high cube provides the necessary space without sacrificing usable height.
📷 [Image 1200x800px — fitted interior of a high cube container as an office — file name: interieur-conteneur-high-cube-amenage.webp — alt text: Fitted interior of a high cube container used as an office at Eurocontex — alignment: centered]
4. And what about the price difference?
The price difference between a standard and a high cube container is generally between 10% and 15%, depending on the size and condition of the container.
| Type | Condition | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft Standard | Used | From [PRICE]€ |
| 20 ft High Cube | Used | From [PRICE]€ |
| 40 ft Standard | Used | From [PRICE]€ |
| 40 ft High Cube | Used | From [PRICE]€ |
For a conversion project, this extra cost is generally negligible compared to the overall budget for the work. For simple storage use, however, it can represent significant savings if you opt for the standard.
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5. Our honest advice, project by project
To help you decide quickly, here's how we advise our clients based on their situation:
You're setting up a site office → Standard is sufficient. No need to pay more for temporary and functional use.
You're creating a living space or habitable extension → High cube without hesitation. The comfort gained is well worth the extra cost.
You're storing standard professional equipment → Standard. Save your budget for something else.
You're opening a business or reception area → High cube. Customer experience benefits directly.
You have a mixed storage + office project → In this case, it's worth opting for the high cube throughout — consistency also facilitates potential future resale.
📷 [Image 1200x800px — different standard and high cube uses side-by-side — file name: usages-conteneur-standard-high-cube.webp — alt text: Different uses of a standard container and a high cube container depending on the project — alignment: centered]
6. A matter of resale value too
A small piece of advice we often give and is easily forgotten: if you plan to resell your container in a few years, the high cube generally resells better. Demand for converted containers continues to grow in Europe, and the high cube is almost always preferred for this type of project. This is a factor to keep in mind if long-term investment matters to you.
