Container Sizes: 20ft, 40ft and High Cube Dimensions
A typical 20ft container holds 33.2 CBM, a 40ft holds 67.7 CBM and a 40ft high cube holds 76.3 CBM in the carrier examples below. Typical dimensions vary by carrier and manufacturer; confirm the assigned equipment before booking.
20ft, 40ft and high cube internal dimensions
| Container | Internal dimensions (mm) | Door opening (mm) | Capacity (CBM) | Max payload (kg) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft | 5900 × 2352 × 2395 | 2340 × 2292 | 33.2 | 28,130 | Carrier specification |
| 40ft | 12032 × 2352 × 2395 | 2340 × 2292 | 67.7 | 28,750 | Carrier specification |
| 40ft HC | 12032 × 2350 × 2700 | 2340 × 2597 | 76.3 | 28,600 | Carrier specification |
How many cartons fit? Use the CBM calculator
Maximum payload is cargo weight, separate from container tare and gross weight. Check volume, door clearance, weight and the actual loading plan together.
ISO 668 — defines container classification, external dimensions and associated ratings. The internal dimensions and payloads here are published carrier examples, not universal ISO values.
Euro pallet dimensions and UK standard pallets
A Euro pallet footprint is 1200 × 800 mm (EN 13698-1); a UK standard pallet footprint is 1200 × 1000 mm.Pallet construction standards · UK Forest Research: pallet sizes
| Pallet | 20ft | 40ft | 40ft HC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euro (1200 × 800 mm) | 11 | 25 | 25 |
| UK standard (1200 × 1000 mm) | 9 | 20 | 20 |
CCB geometric examples calculated from the cited container and pallet dimensions above: 20ft Euro uses 7 rotated plus 4 lengthwise pallets; 40ft uses 15 plus 10. For UK pallets, 20ft uses 5 plus 4; 40ft uses two rows of 10. High cube uses the same floor layout. These calculations reserve no handling gaps. Overhang, wrapping, restraint, weight and door clearance can reduce the load; these are not optimal or maximum counts.
Calculate volume and plan a UK import
CBM = length × width × height in metres × carton quantity. For a palletised load include the pallet and packaging in the overall dimensions.
- CBM and carton loading estimate
- Import duty and landed cost
- FCA: container delivery responsibilities
- Chinese New Year shipping planner
Frequently asked questions
How many CBM in a 20ft container?
The cited carrier example lists 33.2 CBM for a standard 20ft container. Actual cargo volume depends on carton shape, loading gaps, pallets and payload.