A standard shipping container and a high cube container look almost identical at first glance. Same length, same width, same corrugated steel walls. The difference shows up the moment you’re trying to load something tall — or when you’re stacking pallets three rows high and suddenly run out of headroom.
So what actually separates these two container types, and which one do you need? If you’re still getting to grips with the basics, our guide on what shipping containers are is a good starting point before diving into the dimensional differences.
So what actually separates these two container types, and which one do you need? If you’re still getting to grips with the basics, our guide on what shipping containers are is a good starting point before diving into the dimensional differences.
Key Takeaways:
- A standard 20ft container stands 8ft 6in tall externally; a 20ft high cube adds a full extra foot, reaching 9ft 6in.
- The internal volume difference between standard and high cube variants is roughly 166 cubic feet on a 20ft unit — meaningful for tall or bulky cargo.
- 40ft containers follow the same height logic: 8ft 6in standard, 9ft 6in high cube.
- High cube containers tend to cost slightly more than standard equivalents, though the gap is modest on used units.
- Both 20ft and 40ft come in new and used condition — one-trip units sit closest to new in quality.
- The right container depends on what you’re storing or shipping, not just the price tag.
Standard shipping container dimensions: 20ft and 40ft
Standard shipping containers — sometimes called dry containers or ISO containers — follow dimensions set by the International Organization for Standardization. That standardisation is what makes intermodal transport possible: the same box moves by sea, rail, and road without any adjustment.
The two most common shipping container sizes are the 20ft and 40ft. Here’s what their dimensions look like in practice:
| Dimension | Standard 20ft Container | Standard 40ft Container |
|---|---|---|
| Length (External) | 20ft / 6.06m | 40ft / 12.19m |
| Width (External) | 8ft / 2.44m | 8ft / 2.44m |
| Height (External) | 8ft 6in / 2.59m | 8ft 6in / 2.59m |
| Length (Internal) | 19ft 4in / 5.90m | 39ft 5in / 12.03m |
| Width (Internal) | 7ft 8in / 2.35m | 7ft 8in / 2.35m |
| Height (Internal) | 7ft 10in / 2.39m | 7ft 10in / 2.39m |
| Internal Volume | Approx. 1,169 cubic feet (33.1 m³) | Approx. 2,385 cubic feet (67.5 m³) |
The standard 8ft 6in container height has been the industry norm for decades. For most general cargo, palletised freight, and storage and transport applications, it does the job well.
What is a high cube container?
A high cube container is structurally identical to a standard container in every way except one: it’s a full foot taller.
That extra foot of height brings the external measurement to 9ft 6in. It might sound minor. In practice, it changes what the container can actually hold. The additional headroom makes a meaningful difference when you’re loading tall equipment, oversized goods, or trying to maximise storage capacity on a fixed footprint.
That extra foot of height brings the external measurement to 9ft 6in. It might sound minor. In practice, it changes what the container can actually hold. The additional headroom makes a meaningful difference when you’re loading tall equipment, oversized goods, or trying to maximise storage capacity on a fixed footprint.
“High cubes are the go-to choice when height matters more than length. If you need to store or ship bulky items that won’t fit under a standard door height, the high cube variant is worth the modest extra cost."
High cubes are available in both 20ft and 40ft sizes. The door opening is also taller on a high cube, which can make loading and unloading easier for larger items — a small practical detail that matters more than it sounds on a busy site.
20ft standard vs 20ft high cube: a direct comparison
| Specification | Standard 20ft Container | 20ft High Cube (20ft HC) |
|---|---|---|
| External Height | 8ft 6in | 9ft 6in |
| Internal Height | 7ft 10in | 8ft 10in |
| Internal Volume | ~1,169 cu ft | ~1,335 cu ft |
| Key Benefit | Standard height — suits most general cargo | Extra foot of headroom — roughly 166 cu ft more |
Compared to the standard 20ft, the 20ft high cube shipping container gives you roughly 166 additional cubic feet of space inside. That’s not insignificant when you’re working with tall machinery, racking systems, or goods that can’t be laid flat.
Weight capacity stays comparable between standard and high cube variants — typically around 28,000kg max gross weight — so the difference is about vertical space, not load capacity. The 20ft HC works well for:
Weight capacity stays comparable between standard and high cube variants — typically around 28,000kg max gross weight — so the difference is about vertical space, not load capacity. The 20ft HC works well for:
- Storing workshop equipment or tall machinery
- Fitting out a container as a site office or pop-up unit with internal shelving or mezzanine structures
- Shipping goods that exceed standard container height internally
40ft standard vs 40ft high cube container
The same logic scales up to 40ft units. A standard 40ft container gives you 7ft 10in of internal height. The 40ft high cube brings that to 8ft 10in internally — the same additional foot as on the 20ft.
| Specification | Standard 40ft Container | 40ft High Cube Container |
|---|---|---|
| External Height | 8ft 6in | 9ft 6in |
| Internal Height | 7ft 10in | 8ft 10in |
| Internal Volume | ~2,385 cu ft | ~2,694 cu ft |
| Key Benefit | Standard height — approx. 67.5 m³ | Roughly 309 cu ft more than standard 40ft |
For businesses moving large volumes of lightweight, bulky goods — furniture, mattresses, flat-pack items — the 40ft high cube lets you fill the cube without hitting the ceiling first. A 45ft high cube also exists, used mainly in European road transport. Less commonly stocked, but worth knowing about for high-volume land freight.
Other container types worth knowing
Standard and high cube dry containers cover most needs. Understanding the full range of shipping container types can save you from ordering the wrong unit. A few others come up regularly:
- Reefer containers — refrigerated units for temperature-sensitive cargo; available in standard and high cube heights.
- Tunnel containers — door openings at both ends, useful where drive-through loading is needed.
- Side opening shipping containers — doors along the length of the container rather than just the end; practical for wide loads.
- Insulated containers — no active refrigeration, but thermally lined; good for goods needing protection from temperature extremes.
Which container should you choose?
Our full guide on how to choose the right shipping container walks through the decision in more detail — but here’s a quick breakdown:
| Standard 20ft Container | 20ft High Cube Container |
|---|---|
|
|
| Standard 40ft Container | 40ft High Cube Container |
|---|---|
|
|
One practical note: high cube containers sit about a foot taller than standard height containers. Worth checking overhead clearance on your site — bridges, canopies, warehouse doorways — before delivery.
When it comes to condition, both 20ft and 40ft units are available new and used. If quality is a priority, one-trip containers offer near-new conditions. For a clear picture of what different condition grades mean for price, our breakdown of cargo-worthy vs wind and watertight containers is worth a read before you commit. And if you’re budgeting, our guide on how much a shipping container costs in the UK gives you realistic figures to work from.
When it comes to condition, both 20ft and 40ft units are available new and used. If quality is a priority, one-trip containers offer near-new conditions. For a clear picture of what different condition grades mean for price, our breakdown of cargo-worthy vs wind and watertight containers is worth a read before you commit. And if you’re budgeting, our guide on how much a shipping container costs in the UK gives you realistic figures to work from.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a standard and a high cube container?
The only structural difference is height. A standard container stands 8ft 6in externally; a high cube is 9ft 6in. Same length, same width, same load capacity — just an extra foot of headroom inside.
Do 20ft high cube containers actually exist?
Yes. The 20ft HC is a standard ISO container type, though 40ft high cubes are more commonly stocked. Worth confirming availability before ordering.
Are high cube containers more expensive than standard?
Generally, yes — but not by a large margin. On used units, the price difference is often modest. New one-trip high cubes carry a more noticeable premium.
What is the internal volume of a 20ft high cube container?
Approximately 1,335 cubic feet (37.8 m³), compared to around 1,169 cubic feet (33.1 m³) for a standard 20ft — roughly 166 cubic feet more.
How much weight can a 20ft shipping container hold?
Most standard 20ft containers have a maximum gross weight of around 24,000–28,000kg, depending on the specific unit. Always verify the rated capacity on the container’s CSC plate.
Can you stack a high cube the same way as a standard container?
Yes. High cube containers use the same corner casting system and are stackable using standard equipment. The extra height doesn’t affect intermodal compatibility.
When should you choose a 40ft over a 20ft?
When volume matters more than footprint. A 40ft container offers roughly double the internal space of a 20ft, which tends to be more efficient for large-volume storage or shipping multiple pallets.
