How Many Cubic Feet Is a Shipping Container?

If you are wondering how many cubic feet is a shipping container, the answer depends on the container’s length and height.

The most common shipping containers are 20-foot and 40-foot units, and their usable internal volume is measured in cubic feet.

Typical capacities are:

10-foot container: about 560 cubic feet
20-foot container: about 1,170 cubic feet
40-foot container: about 2,390 cubic feet
40-foot high cube container: about 2,700 cubic feet

These numbers represent internal storage space, not external dimensions.

Quick Answer

10 ft container: ~560 cu ft
20 ft container: ~1,170 cu ft
40 ft container: ~2,390 cu ft
40 ft high cube: ~2,700 cu ft

Standard Shipping Container Sizes

Common container types include:

10-foot storage containers
20-foot standard containers
40-foot standard containers
40-foot high cube containers

High cube containers are one foot taller than standard containers, providing additional cubic footage.

How Cubic Feet Is Calculated

Container volume is calculated using:

$\text{Length} \times \text{Width} \times \text{Height} = \text{Cubic Feet}$ Length×Width×Height=Cubic Feet

Only internal dimensions should be used to determine actual storage capacity.

10-Foot Shipping Container

Approximate internal dimensions:

Length: 9.3 ft
Width: 7.7 ft
Height: 7.9 ft

Typical volume:

~560 cubic feet

Ideal for:

Small storage projects
Job sites
Personal belongings

20-Foot Shipping Container

The 20-foot container is one of the most widely used cargo containers worldwide.

Approximate internal dimensions:

Length: 19.4 ft
Width: 7.7 ft
Height: 7.9 ft

Typical volume:

~1,170 cubic feet

Suitable for:

Household moves
Inventory storage
International shipping

40-Foot Shipping Container

Approximate internal dimensions:

Length: 39.5 ft
Width: 7.7 ft
Height: 7.9 ft

Typical volume:

~2,390 cubic feet

This is roughly double the volume of a 20-foot container.

40-Foot High Cube Container

High cube containers are about one foot taller.

Approximate internal dimensions:

Height: 8.9 ft

Typical volume:

~2,700 cubic feet

These are ideal for:

Bulky lightweight cargo
Tall equipment
Large storage needs

Shipping Container Capacity Chart

Container Type	Approximate Cubic Feet
10-foot	560 cu ft
20-foot	1,170 cu ft
40-foot	2,390 cu ft
40-foot High Cube	2,700 cu ft

Real-World Storage Examples

20-Foot Container

Often used to store the contents of a 2- to 3-bedroom home.

40-Foot Container

Suitable for large household moves or commercial inventory.

High Cube Container

Useful when vertical space is important.

Cubic Feet vs Cubic Meters

Many shipping companies use cubic meters.

Approximate conversions:

20-foot container: ~33 cubic meters
40-foot container: ~67 cubic meters
40-foot high cube: ~76 cubic meters

Weight Capacity Matters Too

Volume is only part of the equation.

Containers also have maximum payload limits, so very dense cargo may reach weight limits before the container is full.

Common Mistakes

Using External Dimensions

Always use internal measurements for storage calculations.

Ignoring Door Openings

Large items must fit through the doors.

Forgetting Weight Limits

Heavy cargo can exceed allowable payloads.

Not Accounting for Packing Efficiency

Irregular items rarely use every cubic foot.

Expert Tips

Leave Space for Access

You may want a walkway inside the container.

Consider High Cube Containers

They provide significantly more usable volume.

Verify Exact Specifications

Dimensions can vary slightly by manufacturer.

Plan for Ventilation and Insulation

Useful when converting containers for storage or living spaces.

FAQs

1. How many cubic feet is a 20-foot shipping container?

Approximately 1,170 cubic feet.

2. How many cubic feet is a 40-foot shipping container?

Approximately 2,390 cubic feet.

3. How many cubic feet is a high cube container?

About 2,700 cubic feet for a 40-foot high cube.

4. Can a shipping container hold a household move?

Yes. A 20-foot container often fits a typical 2- to 3-bedroom home.

5. Do all shipping containers have the same capacity?