40ft Container Dimensions

In the global shipping industry, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) sets three key criteria for shipping container design. But it’s ISO 668:20201 (container dimensions and design requirements) that specifically governs 40ft container dimensions.

It states that all shipping containers should have uniform sizes, tare weight, and door mechanisms. It’s for this reason that all shippers should familiarise themselves with the external and internal dimensions of a 40-foot container.

Learn more about 40ft container sizes here, with Freight Broker.

40ft container dimensions in feet

External dimensions of a 40ft container

Externally, a 40ft container’s dimensions are as follows:

  • Length: 40 feet

  • Width: 8 feet

  • Height: 8 feet 5 inches

Internal dimensions of a 40ft container

The internal dimensions of a 40ft container are slightly reduced due to the thickness of the container walls:

  • Length: 39 feet 6 inches

  • Width: 7 feet 9 inches

  • Height: 7 feet 10 inches

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40ft container dimensions in metres

For those measuring 40ft shipping container dimensions in metres (metric) and not feet (imperial), here are the appropriate measurements:

External dimensions


  • Length: 12.2 meters

  • Width: 2.44 meters

  • Height: 2.59 meters

Internal dimensions


  • Length: 12.03 metres

  • Width: 2.35 metres

  • Height: 2.39 metres

What’s the maximum load for a 40 foot container?

A standard 40 foot shipping container has a maximum gross weight of approximately 30,480 kilograms, which includes the container's own weight (tare weight) and the cargo inside.

The tare weight of a 40 foot container is typically around 3,750 kilograms, leaving a net payload capacity of about 26,730 kilograms for cargo. However, several factors can influence these load limits:

  • Regulatory requirements: Local and international regulations may dictate maximum allowable weights.

  • Cargo nature: The type of goods being shipped, especially if they are hazardous or require special handling, can affect permissible weight limits.

  • Transport mode: The method of transportation, be it road, rail, or sea, can have specific weight restrictions due to infrastructure capabilities.


Volume and capacity


With an understanding of a 40ft container’s size, externally and internally, you can calculate the volume and capacity (available floor area):

  • Volume: A standard 40 foot shipping container offers an internal volume of approximately 67.7 cubic metres.

  • Floor area: The available floor area is 304 square feet (28.3m³).

  • Useable storage capacity: Due to loading considerations and other structural elements of a 40ft container’s dimensions, the useable storage space is typically around 2,390 cubic feet (60m³).

How much can you fit into a 40 foot container?

40 foot container dimensions
Due to a 40ft container’s larger size, it can typically accommodate the contents of a three- to four-bedroom home, including:

  • Living room: Sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, entertainment centres, and shelving units.

  • Kitchen: Appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers, along with dining tables and chairs.

  • Bedrooms: Beds: wardrobes, dressers, and bedside tables.

  • Miscellaneous: Items like washing machines, dryers, and outdoor furniture.

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How many boxes fit in a 40 foot container?

The quantity of boxes a 40 foot container can hold varies based on box dimensions and packing efficiency. Common UK shipping box sizes include:

  • Small box: 230 mm (width) x 240 mm (height) x 300 mm (length). Approx. 3,529 boxes.

  • Medium box: 457 mm (width) x 305 mm (height) x 457 mm (length). Approx. 1,000 boxes.

  • Large box: 457 mm (width) x 610 mm (height) x 457 mm (length). Approx. 461 boxes.

  • Extra-large box: 457 mm (width) x 610 mm (height) x 610 mm (length). Approx. 352 boxes.
    Proper organisation will make sure you can use the 40ft shipping container dimensions optimally.

How many pallets can fit into a 40 foot container?

40ft container dimensions can accommodate differing amounts of Euro and Standard American pallets (generally speaking, the best way to load these pallets is to place one row along the length of the container and another across the width).

  • Standard American pallets: Approximately 20 to 21 pallets, depending on packing efficiency (1.016m x 1.219m).

  • Euro pallets: Up to 25 pallets (provided the load does not hang over the sides)


These figures also do not account for instances where planks may be double-stacked (which can affect the cargo’s weight and height).

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