Shipping Container Length Calculator
Convert and measure container dimensions in feet, meters, and inches
About Shipping Container Dimensions
Shipping containers are standardized transportation and storage units designed for intermodal freight transport. Containers are produced according to strict ISO specifications, ensuring compatibility with ships, trucks, and railways worldwide.
The most common shipping container sizes are 20 feet and 40 feet in length, both with a standard width of 8 feet. Container heights typically come in either standard (8’6″) or high cube (9’6″) variants. Understanding these dimensions is crucial for transportation planning, storage calculations, and conversion projects.
Common Length Measurements
- 10-foot containers: Small storage solutions
- 20-foot containers: Standard ISO container (1 TEU)
- 40-foot containers: Double length container (2 TEUs)
- 45-foot containers: Extended length for maximum cargo
- 53-foot containers: Common for domestic transport in North America
Why Container Length Matters
- Determines shipping costs and capacity
- Affects transportation method requirements
- Impacts delivery logistics and planning
- Essential for container home and building conversions
- Critical for storage space calculations
Container Length Calculator
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Container Length Uses:
20ft containers are versatile and commonly used for international shipping, small storage solutions, and compact container home projects.
Standard Container Dimensions
| Container Type | Length (ft) | Length (in) | Length (m) | Width (ft) | Height (ft) | TEU | ISO Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft Standard | 10′ | 120″ | 3.05m | 8′ | 8′6″ | 0.5 | 1A |
| 20ft Standard | 20′ | 240″ | 6.10m | 8′ | 8′6″ | 1.0 | 1CC |
| 20ft High Cube | 20′ | 240″ | 6.10m | 8′ | 9′6″ | 1.0 | 1CX |
| 40ft Standard | 40′ | 480″ | 12.19m | 8′ | 8′6″ | 2.0 | 1AA |
| 40ft High Cube | 40′ | 480″ | 12.19m | 8′ | 9′6″ | 2.0 | 1AAA |
| 45ft High Cube | 45′ | 540″ | 13.72m | 8′ | 9′6″ | 2.25 | 1EEE |
| 53ft Domestic | 53′ | 636″ | 16.15m | 8′6″ | 9′6″ | 2.65 | – |
Understanding Container Dimensions
TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit): A standard unit of measurement in shipping, equivalent to one 20ft container. A 40ft container equals 2 TEUs, while a 10ft container equals 0.5 TEUs.
ISO Codes: International standards that classify containers by size. The code provides information about the length, width, and height of the container. For example, 1CC represents a 20ft standard container, while 1AAA represents a 40ft high cube.
Container Length Comparisons
Conversion Reference
Use these formulas to quickly convert between different units of measurement for shipping container dimensions:
Feet to Inches
1 foot = 12 inches
Feet to Meters
1 foot = 0.3048 meters
Inches to Meters
1 inch = 0.0254 meters
Length Unit Converter
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standard lengths of shipping containers?
The standard shipping container lengths are 10 feet, 20 feet, and 40 feet. Other common lengths include 45 feet and 53 feet, with the latter being primarily used for domestic transportation in North America. The 20-foot and 40-foot containers are the most widely used in international shipping.
What is the difference between external and internal container lengths?
The external length refers to the outside dimensions of the container, while the internal length is the usable space inside. For example, a standard 20-foot container has an external length of 20 feet (6.10m), but its internal length is typically around 19’4″ (5.9m). This difference is due to the thickness of the container walls, doors, and structural components.
What is a TEU in shipping container measurements?
TEU stands for “Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit” and is the standard unit used to measure container capacity. One TEU equals one standard 20-foot container. A 40-foot container is considered 2 TEUs, while a 10-foot container is 0.5 TEUs. This measurement is commonly used in the shipping industry to quantify vessel capacity, terminal throughput, and shipping volumes.
How do I convert container length from feet to meters?
To convert container length from feet to meters, multiply the length in feet by 0.3048. For example:
– 20 feet × 0.3048 = 6.096 meters
– 40 feet × 0.3048 = 12.192 meters
Our calculator above can perform this conversion automatically for you.
What is a high cube container?
A high cube container has the same length and width as a standard container but offers an additional foot of height. While standard containers are 8’6″ (2.59m) tall, high cube containers are 9’6″ (2.89m) tall. This extra vertical space provides approximately 13% more cubic capacity, making high cube containers popular for bulky but lightweight cargo. High cube variants are available in 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot lengths.