Shipping Container Sizes Explained: Which Size Is Right for Your Project?

Choosing the right shipping container is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before purchasing. Whether you need extra storage for your home, secure space for your business, or a container for a custom conversion project, selecting the correct size will save you money and ensure the container meets your needs.

Shipping containers are available in several standard sizes, each designed for different applications. Some are ideal for compact residential storage, while others provide enough room for commercial inventory, construction equipment, or even complete homes and offices.

In this guide, we’ll compare the five most popular shipping container sizes available from Target Box Container Sales:

10ft Standard Container
20ft Standard Container
40ft Standard Container
40ft High Cube Container
45ft High Cube Container

We’ll examine their dimensions, weight, storage capacity, typical price ranges, ideal applications, advantages, and limitations to help you choose the best option for your project.

Why Shipping Container Size Matters

Selecting the wrong size can lead to unnecessary expenses or insufficient storage space. A container that is too small may require additional units later, while one that is too large can occupy valuable space and increase transportation costs.

Before making your purchase, consider:

Available space on your property
Delivery access
Type of items being stored
Future expansion needs
Budget
Intended use (storage, office, home, workshop, retail, etc.)

10ft Standard Shipping Container

Overview

The 10ft shipping container is the smallest standard container commonly available. It offers excellent security and weather protection while fitting comfortably into residential driveways, backyards, farms, and small commercial properties.

It is an excellent choice for customers who need secure storage without sacrificing too much outdoor space.

External Dimensions

Length: 10 ft (3.05 m)
Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)
Height: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)

Internal Dimensions

Length: 9 ft 3 in
Width: 7 ft 8 in
Height: 7 ft 10 in

Empty Weight

Approximately 2,800–3,000 lbs (1,270–1,360 kg)

Storage Capacity

Approximately 560 cubic feet (15.9 m³)

Typical Price (Canada)

Generally ranges from CAD $3,500–$6,500, depending on condition (used, refurbished, or one-trip), market availability, and delivery location.

Best Applications

Garden equipment
Household storage
Small businesses
Seasonal decorations
Motorcycles and ATVs
Tool storage

Advantages

✔ Compact footprint

✔ Easy delivery

✔ Lower purchase cost

✔ Secure steel construction

✔ Fits most residential properties

Disadvantages

✘ Limited storage space

✘ Not suitable for large machinery

✘ Less common availability than 20ft containers

20ft Standard Shipping Container

Overview

The 20ft container is the most popular shipping container in Canada. It provides an excellent balance between storage capacity, affordability, and ease of delivery.

Its size makes it suitable for residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial use.

External Dimensions

Length: 20 ft (6.06 m)
Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)
Height: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)

Internal Dimensions

Length: 19 ft 4 in
Width: 7 ft 8 in
Height: 7 ft 10 in

Empty Weight

Approximately 5,000 lbs (2,270 kg)

Storage Capacity

Approximately 1,170 cubic feet (33.1 m³)

Typical Price (Canada)

Typically CAD $4,500–$8,500, depending on grade and location.

Best Applications

Residential storage
Construction sites
Farms
Workshops
Small offices
Equipment storage

Advantages

✔ Most widely available size

✔ Excellent value

✔ Easy to transport

✔ Strong resale value

✔ Fits most delivery locations

Disadvantages

✘ May not provide enough capacity for larger commercial operations

✘ Standard ceiling height may limit some conversions

40ft Standard Shipping Container

Overview

The 40ft standard container doubles the length of a 20ft unit, making it an excellent option for businesses requiring substantial storage space.

External Dimensions

Length: 40 ft (12.19 m)
Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)
Height: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)

Internal Dimensions

Length: 39 ft 5 in
Width: 7 ft 8 in
Height: 7 ft 10 in

Empty Weight

Approximately 8,200 lbs (3,720 kg)

Storage Capacity

Approximately 2,385 cubic feet (67.6 m³)

Typical Price (Canada)

Typically CAD $6,500–$11,000, depending on condition and market demand.

Best Applications

Warehouses
Manufacturing
Commercial inventory
Equipment storage
Large workshops

Advantages

✔ Large storage capacity

✔ Excellent value per cubic foot

✔ Ideal for commercial use

✔ Easily customized

Disadvantages

✘ Requires more delivery space

✘ Higher transport costs

✘ Larger footprint

40ft High Cube Shipping Container

Overview

The 40ft High Cube is nearly identical to the standard 40ft container but includes an additional 12 inches of interior height, making it the preferred choice for conversions.

External Dimensions

Length: 40 ft
Width: 8 ft
Height: 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m)

Internal Dimensions

Length: 39 ft 5 in
Width: 7 ft 8 in
Height: 8 ft 10 in

Empty Weight

Approximately 8,800 lbs (3,990 kg)

Storage Capacity

Approximately 2,694 cubic feet (76.3 m³)

Typical Price (Canada)

Generally CAD $7,500–$12,500, depending on condition and availability.

Best Applications

Container homes
Offices
Restaurants
Retail stores
Warehousing
Large storage

Advantages

✔ Extra interior height

✔ Greater storage volume

✔ Better for insulation and interior finishes

✔ Excellent resale value

Disadvantages

✘ Slightly higher purchase price

✘ May require additional delivery clearance

45ft High Cube Shipping Container

Overview

The 45ft High Cube offers the largest standard storage capacity available and is ideal for businesses, industrial projects, and large modular construction.

External Dimensions

Length: 45 ft (13.72 m)
Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)
Height: 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m)

Internal Dimensions

Length: Approximately 44 ft 5 in
Width: 7 ft 8 in
Height: 8 ft 10 in

Empty Weight

Approximately 10,500 lbs (4,760 kg)

Storage Capacity

Approximately 3,040 cubic feet (86.1 m³)

Typical Price (Canada)

Typically CAD $9,500–$15,000, depending on availability and condition.

Best Applications

Large warehouses
Manufacturing
Agricultural storage
Modular buildings
Commercial developments

Advantages

✔ Maximum storage space

✔ Excellent for large-scale projects

✔ Fewer containers needed

✔ Outstanding value for commercial operations

Disadvantages

✘ Less commonly available

✘ Requires significant delivery space

✘ Higher transportation costs

Shipping Container Size Comparison

Size	Exterior Dimensions (L × W × H)	Empty Weight	Storage Capacity	Typical Price (CAD)	Best For
10ft Standard	10′ × 8′ × 8’6″	2,800–3,000 lbs	~560 cu ft	$3,500–$6,500	Small storage, tools
20ft Standard	20′ × 8′ × 8’6″	~5,000 lbs	~1,170 cu ft	$4,500–$8,500	Homes, farms, businesses
40ft Standard	40′ × 8′ × 8’6″	~8,200 lbs	~2,385 cu ft	$6,500–$11,000	Commercial storage
40ft High Cube	40′ × 8′ × 9’6″	~8,800 lbs	~2,694 cu ft	$7,500–$12,500	Homes, offices, conversions
45ft High Cube	45′ × 8′ × 9’6″	~10,500 lbs	~3,040 cu ft	$9,500–$15,000	Industrial and large projects

Which Shipping Container Size Is Right for You?

The ideal shipping container depends on your available space, intended use, and budget. A 10ft container is perfect for compact residential storage, while a 20ft model offers the best all-around value for most homeowners and small businesses. If you need significant storage or are planning a custom build, a 40ft or High Cube container provides additional space and flexibility. For industrial-scale projects, the 45ft High Cube delivers the maximum capacity available.

At Target Box Container Sales, we offer a wide range of new, used, refurbished, and custom-modified shipping containers to suit projects across Canada. Our experienced team can help you compare sizes, choose the right condition, and arrange reliable delivery to your location.

Need help deciding? Contact Target Box Container Sales today for expert advice and a free, no-obligation quote.