20ft Standard
The world's default unit of cargo — and the sweet spot for backyard storage, workshops and single-room conversions.
| EXTERNAL L×W×H | 20' 0" × 8' 0" × 8' 6" | 6.058 × 2.438 × 2.591 m |
|---|---|---|
| INTERNAL L×W×H | 19' 4" × 7' 8" × 7' 10" | 5.898 × 2.352 × 2.393 m |
| DOOR OPENING W×H | 7' 8" × 7' 6" | 2.343 × 2.28 m |
| TARE WEIGHT | 4,850 lb | 2,200 kg |
| MAX PAYLOAD | 62,350 lb | 28,280 kg |
| MAX GROSS | 67,200 lb | 30,480 kg |
| CAPACITY | 1,172 cu ft | 33.2 cbm |
| FLOOR AREA | 150 sq ft | 13.9 m² |
| PALLETS (GMA / EURO) | 10 / 11 |
The numbers that matter
A 20ft standard gives you 150 sq ft of floor and 1,172 cubic feet (33.2 cbm) of space inside external dimensions of 20' 0" × 8' 0" × 8' 6". Empty it weighs 4,850 lb; loaded it may gross 67,200 lb. In cargo terms that is 10 US pallets or 11 Euro pallets in a single layer.
The 'TEU' (twenty-foot equivalent unit) that measures every port and container ship on Earth is literally this box.
What it costs
Used, cargo-worthy units currently trade at $1,500–3,000 in the US; new one-trip units at $2,500–5,500. Delivery adds 15–40% depending on distance — always compare delivered prices, not yard prices.
Quick answers
What are the exact dimensions of a 20ft standard container?
External: 20' 0" × 8' 0" × 8' 6" (6.058 × 2.438 × 2.591 m). Internal: 19' 4" × 7' 8" × 7' 10".
How much does a 20ft standard weigh?
Empty (tare) it weighs 4,850 lb (2,200 kg) and is rated to a max gross of 67,200 lb, leaving 62,350 lb of payload.
How much does a 20ft standard cost?
In the US in 2026, used units run $1,500–3,000 and new (one-trip) units $2,500–5,500, before delivery (add 15–40%).