How to Choose the Right Shipping Container Size
Buying a shipping container is a big investment, and choosing the wrong size can be a costly mistake. Whether you need storage, a tiny home, a pool, or a workspace, this guide will help you pick the perfect container size for your needs.
The Most Common Container Sizes
20ft Shipping Container
The 20ft container is the most popular size on the market. It measures approximately 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet tall, offering around 1,170 cubic feet of space. It's ideal for:
- Personal or business storage
- Small container offices or workshops
- Tiny home base units
- Pop-up shops and retail kiosks
- Easy transport — fits standard truck beds
If you're just getting started with containers or have limited space, the 20ft is your best bet. Shop 20ft containers from $1,050.
40ft Shipping Container
The 40ft container doubles the space of a 20ft unit, measuring 40 feet long with approximately 2,390 cubic feet of capacity. It's perfect for:
- Large storage needs for businesses or farms
- Container homes and cabins
- Container pools (most popular pool size)
- Mobile offices and classrooms
- Workshops and garages
Shop 40ft containers from $1,500.
45ft High Cube Container
The 45ft high cube offers extra length AND extra height (9.5ft instead of 8.5ft), giving you significantly more vertical space. Best for:
- Large container homes with extra ceiling height
- Warehouses and bulk storage
- Commercial container builds
- Event spaces and showrooms
53ft Container
The largest standard container available, the 53ft is 53 feet long and 8.5 feet wide with a high cube height of 9.5ft. It's ideal for:
- Large-scale storage and logistics
- Multi-room container homes
- Large container pools
- Industrial and commercial applications
Quick Comparison Table
| Size | Length | Best Use | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft | 20ft / 6.1m | Storage, small office, tiny home | From $1,050 |
| 40ft | 40ft / 12.2m | Home, pool, large storage | From $1,500 |
| 45ft | 45ft / 13.7m | Warehouse, large home, events | From $1,800 |
| 53ft | 53ft / 16.2m | Industrial, large pool, multi-room | From $2,300 |
Still Not Sure? Get a Free Quote
Our team at Container Sales One is happy to help you find the perfect container for your project. Request a free quote today or call us at (310) 464-7776.
You can also visit our Container Size Guide for a full interactive breakdown of every size we carry.