Shipping Container Width – Standard Dimensions & What You Need to Know
If you’re planning to buy, rent, or repurpose a container, understanding shipping container width is crucial. Whether you’re using containers for storage, shipping, housing, or office space, the width plays a major role in how the space can be utilized.
Let’s explore the standard dimensions, variations, and how container width affects transportation, stacking, and modifications.
Standard Shipping Container Width
The standard external width of most shipping containers—regardless of length—is:
- 8 feet (96 inches or 2.44 meters)
This width is consistent across common container lengths, such as:
- 10ft containers
- 20ft containers
- 40ft containers
- 45ft high-cube containers
Inside, the interior width is typically around 7 feet 8 inches (92 inches or ~2.35 meters), accounting for the wall thickness of the steel structure.
High Cube and Other Container Types
Most high cube containers (which are 1 foot taller than standard) retain the same width—8 feet externally.
Other specialty container types, such as reefer (refrigerated) or open-top containers, also maintain the standard 8-foot width to ensure compatibility with cranes, ships, and trucks.
Why Width Matters
When choosing a container, width affects several key factors:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Determines the maximum width of items you can load |
| Interior layout | Influences shelving, partitioning, or insulation options |
| Transport compatibility | Standard width fits trailers and shipping vessels globally |
| Modifications | Affects how you design doors, windows, or room dividers |
If you’re building a container home, office, or workshop, understanding the width helps plan walkways, furniture layouts, and insulation space.
Common Shipping Container Sizes
| Container Type | External Width | Internal Width |
|---|---|---|
| 10ft Standard | 8 ft | ~7 ft 8 in |
| 20ft Standard | 8 ft | ~7 ft 8 in |
| 40ft Standard | 8 ft | ~7 ft 8 in |
| 40ft High Cube | 8 ft | ~7 ft 8 in |
| Reefer Containers | 8 ft | ~7 ft 6 in |
Can You Get Wider Containers? (shipping container width)
Some manufacturers build custom wide containers, such as:
- 9-foot wide containers (2.74 meters)
- 10-foot wide containers (3.05 meters)
These are often used in modular buildings, industrial setups, or off-grid cabins where extra floor space is a priority. However, custom widths may not be stackable or easily transportable on standard trailers and cargo ships.
How Shipping Container Width Affects Conversion Projects(shipping container width)
If you’re planning to convert a container into a home, office, or pop-up store, here’s how width comes into play:
- Interior Comfort: A standard 8-foot width feels narrow once insulated (reducing usable width to about 7 feet).
- Layout Planning: Wider containers or combining multiple units side-by-side (container joining) can increase space.
- Permitting: Wider custom units may require additional local permits for transport and placement.
For projects needing more room, many people combine two or more containers to create larger floorplans.
Where to Learn More or Buy Containers
Understanding dimensions is the first step in choosing the right container. Once you know the required size and width, the next step is to source a reliable supplier.
🟢 Explore new and used shipping containers, modular container buildings, and container accessories at portablecontainerspace.com—your trusted resource for all things container-related.