Size against size
20ft container vs 40ft container
The 40ft container holds 34 cubic metres more and is 6.07m (20ft) longer inside. The 20ft container is 1,720kg lighter empty.
Key differences
- Load volume: the 40ft container holds 34 cubic metres more.
- Internal length: the 40ft container is 6.07m (20ft) longer inside.
- Unladen weight: the 40ft container weighs 1,720kg more empty.
| 20ft container | 40ft container | |
|---|---|---|
| Internal length | 5944mm (19ft 6in) | 12014mm (39ft 5in) |
| Internal width | 2330mm (7ft 8in) | 2330mm (7ft 8in) |
| Internal height | 2350mm (7ft 9in) | 2350mm (7ft 9in) |
| Door opening | 2280mm x 2260mm (7ft 8in x 7ft 5in) | 2280mm x 2260mm (7ft 8in x 7ft 5in) |
| Load volume | 32.85 m3 (1160 cu ft) | 66.83 m3 (2360 cu ft) |
| Unladen weight | 2230kg | 3950kg |
| External size | 20ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in | 40ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in |
Sources: Containers Direct. Sizes vary a little between companies.
Pick the 20ft container if...
The most common container in the UK and the default for container storage sites. It takes the contents of a three-bed house, or a builder's tools and materials for the length of a job.
20ft container in full →Pick the 40ft container if...
Twice the floor of a 20ft for not much more ground. Farms, builders merchants and events companies use them as a warehouse that can be moved, and it takes a large family home.
40ft container in full →Common questions
What is the difference between a 20ft container and a 40ft container?
The 40ft container holds 34 cubic metres more and is 6.07m (20ft) longer inside. The 20ft container is 1,720kg lighter empty.
What fits in a 20ft container?
The most common container in the UK and the default for container storage sites. It takes the contents of a three-bed house, or a builder's tools and materials for the length of a job.
What fits in a 40ft container?
Twice the floor of a 20ft for not much more ground. Farms, builders merchants and events companies use them as a warehouse that can be moved, and it takes a large family home.