What are the standard dimensions of a container?

Standard container dimensions are defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). They ensure easy logistics and allow for stacking. Shipping, office, and sanitary containers are manufactured in fixed sizes. There are two most common container sizes: 20-foot and 40-foot. The unit of length is the container foot (1′ = 304.8 mm).

The 20-foot container (20′) is the most popular container size, used in maritime transport and, for example, office containers.

The 20-foot office and sanitary container has external dimensions: length 6058 mm, width 2438 mm, and height 2800 mm. Internal usable space is length 5850 mm, width 2230 mm, and height 2500 mm.

20-foot shipping/transport container – external dimensions: length 6058 mm, width 2438 mm, height 2591 mm. Internal dimensions: length 5898 mm, width 2350 mm, height 2390 mm.

40-foot shipping container – external dimensions: length 12190 mm, width 2438 mm, height 2590 mm. The interior offers an impressive space of 12030 mm, width 2350 mm, and height 2390 mm.

The 40-foot (40′) container is a design primarily used for transport. This size is not commonly used for office containers. It should be noted that both 20′ and 40′ shipping containers are used for customization to suit individual projects. Containers are also classified according to specific ISO designations, which include not only length (e.g., 20′, 40′, 45′) but also type and function—e.g., GP (general purpose), HC (high cube), RF (refrigerated), OT (open top), or OF (office). This means that each container can be identified and, if necessary, combined with other modules according to a universal standard.