40ft container dimensions
A 40ft container measures about 12.03 m long, 2.35 m wide and 2.39 m high inside (39′ 5.5″ × 7′ 8.5″ × 7′ 10″). That is 67.6 m³ (2,386 ft³). It carries up to about 26,700 kg (58,863 lb) of cargo. It has the same width and height as a 20ft, but twice the floor length.
40ft container specifications
| Metric | Imperial | |
|---|---|---|
| Inside length | 12.03 m | 39′ 5.5″ |
| Inside width | 2.35 m | 7′ 8.5″ |
| Inside height | 2.39 m | 7′ 10″ |
| Outside length × width × height | 12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m | 40′ 0″ × 8′ 0″ × 8′ 6″ |
| Door opening (W × H) | 2.34 m × 2.28 m | 7′ 8″ × 7′ 6″ |
| Internal volume | 67.6 m³ | 2,386 ft³ |
| Max payload | 26,700 kg | 58,863 lb |
| Tare weight | 3,750 kg | 8,267 lb |
| Max gross weight | 30,450 kg | 67,131 lb |
What fits in a 40ft container
- Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm), one layer: 25 (23–24 in practice)
- US pallets (48 × 40 in), one layer: 20
- Cartons 60 × 40 × 40 cm: about 550
- Cartons 50 × 40 × 30 cm: about 966
- Usable carton volume: roughly 51–58 m³
Counts are full 3D loading plans calculated with our load calculator, using the inside dimensions above. Pallet counts are single layer; see the pallet guides for double stacking.
40ft standard vs high cube
The standard 40ft (40GP or 40DV) is 30 cm lower than the 40ft high cube. The floor is identical, so it holds the same number of pallets in one layer, but fewer cartons stacked high. Compare them in 40HQ vs 40GP.
When to use a 40ft container
Use a 40ft for general cargo of roughly 28–58 m³. For light, bulky goods, a 40HQ usually gives more space for a similar rate. For heavy goods, two 20ft containers can carry about twice the weight of one 40ft.
Frequently asked questions
What are the inside dimensions of a 40ft container?
About 1203 × 235 × 239 cm (39′ 5.5″ × 7′ 8.5″ × 7′ 10″).
What are the outside dimensions of a 40ft container?
12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m (40′ 0″ × 8′ 0″ × 8′ 6″), set by the ISO 668 standard.
How many CBM is a 40ft container?
About 67.6 m³ of internal volume.
Is a 40ft container 40 feet inside?
No. 40 ft (12.19 m) is the outside length; inside it is about 12.03 m (39′ 5.5″).