Containers
20ft vs 40ft container: which one do you need?
Short answer
A 40ft container has about twice the space of a 20ft (67.6 vs 33.1 m³) but carries slightly less weight (about 26,700 vs 28,200 kg). Use a 20ft for heavy, dense cargo and small shipments; use a 40ft or 40HQ for light, bulky cargo, which usually costs less per cubic meter.
Side-by-side comparison
| 20ft (20GP) | 40ft (40GP) | 40ft HC (40HQ) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside size (cm) | 590 × 235 × 239 | 1203 × 235 × 239 | 1203 × 235 × 269 |
| Volume | 33.1 m³ | 67.6 m³ | 76.0 m³ |
| Max payload (typical) | 28,200 kg | 26,700 kg | 26,500 kg |
| Euro pallets, one layer | 11 | 23–24 | 23–24 |
| US pallets, one layer | 9 | 20 | 20 |
| Cartons 60 × 40 × 40 cm | 262 | 550 | 660 |
| Weight/volume break-even | 851 kg/m³ | 395 kg/m³ | 348 kg/m³ |
How to choose
- Work out your total volume and weight. The CBM calculator gives both.
- Compare your cargo density with the break-even line above. If your cargo weighs more per m³ than the container's break-even, you will hit the weight limit first, and a 20ft is usually the efficient choice.
- Check the fit, not just the volume. Carton sizes, pallets and stacking rules decide the real count. Run your cargo through the load calculator and use its container comparison.
- Get both quotes. A 40ft usually costs well under twice a 20ft, so two 20ft containers are rarely cheaper than one 40ft for light cargo.
Check your own cargoEnter your carton or pallet size and get a 3D loading plan in seconds.
Open in the load calculator →Frequently asked questions
Is a 40ft container twice the size of a 20ft?
About twice the volume (67.6 vs 33.1 m³), but not twice the payload.
Which container is best for heavy cargo?
A 20ft. It carries about 28,200 kg in a smaller space, so dense cargo fills it efficiently.
How many 20ft containers equal a 40ft?
Two 20ft containers have about the same volume as one 40ft standard container, but can carry roughly twice the total weight.
Related guides
Containers40HQ vs 40GP: which 40ft container should you book?A 40HQ is 30 cm taller than a 40GP and holds about 8.5 m³ more.
WeightHow much weight can a shipping container carry?A 20ft container carries about 28,200 kg and a 40ft about 26,700 kg of cargo.
VolumeHow many CBM fit in a 20ft container?A 20ft container is 33.1 m³ inside, but real carton loads use about 25–28 CBM.