20ft container dimensions
A 20ft standard container (20GP) measures about 5.90 m long, 2.35 m wide and 2.39 m high inside. It holds about 33 m³, with a typical payload of about 28 tonnes.
| Inside length | 5.90 m (19'4") |
|---|---|
| Inside width | 2.35 m (7'8") |
| Inside height | 2.39 m (7'10") |
| Door opening (W × H) | 2.34 × 2.28 m (7'8" × 7'6") |
| Outside (L × W × H) | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m (20' × 8' × 8'6") |
| Volume | ≈ 33 m³ (1,165 ft³) |
| Tare weight | ≈ 2,300 kg |
| Typical payload | ≈ 28,000 kg |
| Realistic carton load | ≈ 25–28 m³ |
These are typical values and differ slightly by manufacturer and carrier, so check the door plate. The realistic carton load is a common rule of thumb, not a guarantee.
How many cartons fit
| Carton (cm) | Maximum cartons |
|---|---|
| 60 × 40 × 40 | 240 |
| 50 × 40 × 30 | 392 |
| 45 × 35 × 30 | 560 |
| 30 × 20 × 15 | 3,135 |
These figures come from the LoadTrue packing engine, with cartons upright and 2 cm clearance at the walls and ceiling, before weight and carton strength. For your own carton, use the container loading calculator.
When a 20ft container is the right choice
Choose a 20ft for heavy, compact cargo such as metal parts, tiles or machinery. Its payload is close to that of a 40ft in half the floor length, so weight often runs out before space does. Spread heavy cargo along the floor, because a load concentrated in the middle can overstress the floor even when it is under the payload.
How many pallets fit
A single layer usually takes about 10 standard pallets (120 × 100 cm) or 11 Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm). The exact number depends on pallet overhang and how they are turned.
20ft or 40ft?
For light cargo, one 40ft usually costs less than two 20ft containers, but check the actual quotes for your route. Road weight limits at origin or destination may also lower the load you can carry in either size. Compare with the 40ft and 40HQ, or see the full container dimensions chart.