Dimensions techniques des conteneurs maritimes en 10, 20 et 40 pieds chez Eurocontex en Europe

Shipping Container Dimensions: Complete 2026 Table

The dimensions of a shipping container are the first technical information to know before any purchase. Choosing the wrong size can compromise an entire project. In this comprehensive guide, Eurocontex presents the exact dimensions of each type of container available in 10, 20, and 40 feet. Interior, exterior, usable volume, and load capacity: everything is detailed here.

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Technical dimensions and different parts of shipping containers at Eurocontex in Europe

1. Why are shipping container dimensions important?

Before ordering, it is essential to fully understand the dimensions of a shipping container. Several reasons justify this precaution.

Available space on your site — A 40-foot container measures 12.19 m long. You must therefore check that your land can accommodate it. In addition, you need to allow space for truck delivery.

Required storage volume — Interior dimensions determine the actual storage capacity. A 20-foot container thus offers ~33 m³ of usable volume. This is equivalent to about 10 Euro pallets.

Compatibility with your equipment — The dimensions of a shipping container must be compatible with your forklifts, cranes, and other handling equipment.

Regulatory constraints — Some European Union countries impose restrictions on the size of structures placed on land. Always check with your local council before installing a container.

For specific regulations in your country, consult the official European Union portal.

Delivery of a shipping container on land in Europe by Eurocontex

 

2. Standard Container Dimensions

The standard container is the reference format. Here are its complete dimensions in 10, 20, and 40 feet:

External Dimensions

Specification 10 feet 20 feet 40 feet
Length 3.05 m 6.06 m 12.19 m
Width 2.44 m 2.44 m 2.44 m
Height 2.59 m 2.59 m 2.59 m

Internal Dimensions

Specification 10 feet 20 feet 40 feet
Length 2.84 m 5.90 m 12.03 m
Width 2.35 m 2.35 m 2.35 m
Height 2.39 m 2.39 m 2.39 m
Usable Volume ~14 m³ ~33 m³ ~67 m³
Maximum Load ~20,000 kg ~28,000 kg ~26,500 kg

👉 Discover our standard container available in 10, 20, and 40 feet.

3. High Cube Container Dimensions

The high cube container offers an additional 30 cm in height. This is its only difference from the standard. However, this difference changes everything for development projects.

External Dimensions

Specification 10 feet 20 feet 40 feet
Length 3.05 m 6.06 m 12.19 m
Width 2.44 m 2.44 m 2.44 m
Height 2.89 m 2.89 m 2.89 m

Internal Dimensions

Specification 10 feet 20 feet 40 feet
Length 2.84 m 5.90 m 12.03 m
Width 2.35 m 2.35 m 2.35 m
Height 2.69 m 2.69 m 2.69 m
Usable Volume ~16 m³ ~37 m³ ~76 m³
Maximum Load ~20,000 kg ~28,000 kg ~26,500 kg

The values in bold indicate the key differences compared to the standard container.

👉 Discover our high cube container available in 10, 20, and 40 feet.

4. Refrigerated Container Dimensions

The refrigerated container has slightly reduced internal dimensions. This is because thermal insulation and the refrigeration system occupy space on the walls. However, its external dimensions remain identical to standard containers.

External Dimensions

Specification 10 feet 20 feet 40 feet
Length 3.05 m 6.06 m 12.19 m
Width 2.44 m 2.44 m 2.44 m
Height 2.59 m 2.59 m 2.59 m

Internal Dimensions

Specification 10 feet 20 feet 40 feet
Length 2.60 m 5.45 m 11.58 m
Width 2.29 m 2.29 m 2.29 m
Height 2.20 m 2.20 m 2.20 m
Usable Volume ~12 m³ ~28 m³ ~60 m³
Temperature Range -25°C to +25°C -25°C to +25°C -25°C to +25°C

👉 Discover our refrigerated container available in 10, 20, and 40 feet

Comparison of internal dimensions between a standard container and a refrigerated container at Eurocontex

 

5. Specialized Container Dimensions

Open Side Container

The open side container has the same dimensions as the standard container. Its distinctive feature is its full side opening, not its dimensions.

Specification 10 feet 20 feet 40 feet
External length 3.05 m 6.06 m 12.19 m
External width 2.44 m 2.44 m 2.44 m
External height 2.59 m 2.59 m 2.59 m
Side opening Full Full Full
Usable volume ~14 m³ ~33 m³ ~67 m³

👉 Discover our open side container available in 10, 20 and 40 feet

Open Top Container

The open top container also shares the same external dimensions as the standard one. Its loading height is, however, unlimited thanks to its removable roof.

Specification 10 feet 20 feet 40 feet
External length 3.05 m 6.06 m 12.19 m
External width 2.44 m 2.44 m 2.44 m
External height 2.59 m 2.59 m 2.59 m
Loading height Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Maximum load ~20,000 kg ~28,000 kg ~40,000 kg

👉 Discover our open top container available in 10, 20 and 40 feet

Double Door Container

The double door container has the exact same dimensions as a standard container. Its specificity is access from both ends.

Specification 10 feet 20 feet 40 feet
External length 3.05 m 6.06 m 12.19 m
External width 2.44 m 2.44 m 2.44 m
External height 2.59 m 2.59 m 2.59 m
Usable volume ~14 m³ ~33 m³ ~67 m³
Access Front + rear Front + rear Front + rear

👉 Discover our double door container available in 10, 20 and 40 feet 

6. Industrial Container Dimensions

Flat Rack Container

The flat rack container has no side walls or roof. Its loading dimensions are therefore much wider than other types.

Specification 10 feet 20 feet 40 feet
Floor length 2.85 m 5.87 m 12.00 m
Floor width 2.23 m 2.23 m 2.23 m
Front wall height 2.23 m 2.23 m 2.23 m
Max loading width 2.44 m 2.44 m 2.44 m
Maximum load ~15,000 kg ~28,000 kg ~40,000 kg

👉 Discover our flat rack container available in 10, 20 and 40 feet 

Tank Container

The tank container is distinguished by its capacity in liters rather than its volume in m³. Its external dimensions, however, comply with the standard ISO framework.

Specification 10 feet 20 feet 40 feet
External length 3.05 m 6.06 m 12.19 m
External width 2.44 m 2.44 m 2.44 m
External height 2.59 m 2.59 m 2.59 m
Capacity ~8,000 l ~14,000 l ~26,000 l
Tank material Stainless steel/Aluminum Stainless steel/Aluminum Stainless steel/Aluminum

👉"Discover our tank container available in 10, 20 and 40 feet

7. Full summary table of dimensions

Here is a summary table of shipping container dimensions by type and size:

Type Size Ext. Length Ext. Width Ext. Height Usable Volume
Standard 10 feet 3.05 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~14 m³
Standard 20 feet 6.06 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~33 m³
Standard 40 feet 12.19 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~67 m³
High Cube 10 feet 3.05 m 2.44 m 2.89 m ~16 m³
High Cube 20 feet 6.06 m 2.44 m 2.89 m ~37 m³
High Cube 40 feet 12.19 m 2.44 m 2.89 m ~76 m³
Refrigerated10 feet 3.05 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~12 m³
Reefer 20 feet 6.06 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~28 m³
Reefer 40 feet 12.19 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~60 m³
Open Side 10 feet 3.05 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~14 m³
Open Side 20 feet 6.06 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~33 m³
Open Side 40 feet 12.19 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~67 m³
Open Top 10 feet 3.05 m 2.44 m 2.59 m Unlimited
Open Top 20 feet 6.06 m 2.44 m 2.59 m Unlimited
Open Top 40 feet 12.19 m 2.44 m 2.59 m Unlimited
Double Door 10 feet 3.05 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~14 m³
Double Door 20 feet 6.06 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~33 m³
Double Door 40 feet 12.19 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~67 m³
Flat Rack 10 feet 3.05 m 2.44 m — —
Flat Rack 20 feet 6.06 m 2.44 m — —
Flat Rack 40 feet 12.19 m 2.44 m — —
Tank 10 feet 3.05 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~8,000 l
Tank 20 feet 6.06 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~14,000 l
Tank 40 feet 12.19 m 2.44 m 2.59 m ~26,000 l
Tableau récapitulatif complet des dimensions de tous les types de conteneurs maritimes chez Eurocontex

Knowing the dimensions of a shipping container is essential for the success of your project. Whether you need a compact 10-foot or a large 40-foot High Cube, Eurocontex offers the full range in 8 types and 3 sizes. All our containers comply with ISO standards and are delivered throughout the European Union.

👉 Buy your shipping container on Eurocontex.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard width of a shipping container?

All shipping containers have a standard external width of 2.44 m. This dimension is standardized by ISO 668, which ensures compatibility with all handling equipment in Europe and worldwide. Regardless of type or size — the width never changes.

What is the height difference between a standard and a high cube container?

The high cube container is 30 cm taller than the standard one. Its external height is 2.89 m compared to 2.59 m. Inside, you gain 30 cm of usable height — from 2.39 m to 2.69 m. It may seem small on paper, but it really changes the comfort of a fitted space.

How many European pallets fit in a 20-foot container?

A 20-foot container can accommodate approximately 10 European pallets (120x80 cm) on a single level. A 40-foot container can hold about 20. These figures vary depending on the height and weight of the goods — and of course, on the maximum load that should never be exceeded.

Are the internal dimensions the same for new and used containers?

Yes, the dimensions are identical whether new or used. A used container may show slight deformations due to use, but they remain within ISO tolerances. At Eurocontex, all our used containers are inspected to ensure compliant dimensions.

Which size container should I choose for a conversion project?

For an office or living space conversion project, the 40-foot High Cube container is our recommendation. It offers the largest interior area — 12.03 x 2.35 m — and a height of 2.69 m, which ensures real daily comfort.

Does Eurocontex deliver all formats across Europe?

Yes, from 10 feet to 40 feet, all our formats are delivered throughout the European Union. No matter where you are — France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, or elsewhere — we take care of everything. Order directly on Eurocontex.com.