Sizing is the most important decision you make when buying a shipping container — and it's the one most buyers underestimate. At United States Container Express, we deliver every standard size to customers across the United States, and we've watched thousands of buyers either nail or regret their size decision. This guide is the cheat sheet we wish every first-time buyer had.
The Five Standard Sizes — At a Glance
| Size | External L×W×H | Interior Area | Interior Volume | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft Standard | 10' × 8' × 8'6" | ~70 sq ft | ~561 cu ft | Small storage, narrow lots |
| 20ft Standard | 20' × 8' × 8'6" | ~146 sq ft | ~1,172 cu ft | Most popular all-purpose |
| 20ft High Cube | 20' × 8' × 9'6" | ~146 sq ft | ~1,330 cu ft | Tall storage in tight footprint |
| 40ft Standard | 40' × 8' × 8'6" | ~300 sq ft | ~2,389 cu ft | Bulk storage, vehicles |
| 40ft High Cube | 40' × 8' × 9'6" | ~300 sq ft | ~2,694 cu ft | Conversions, tiny homes |
| 45ft High Cube | 45' × 8' × 9'6" | ~340 sq ft | ~3,040 cu ft | Maximum capacity |
The 10ft Container
The 10ft is the smallest standard size. It's effectively half of a 20ft, with the same 8-foot width and 8'6" standard height.
Best for: Residential lots, narrow alleys, small storage, urban retail kiosks, food truck conversions.
Worth knowing: 10ft containers are actually manufactured as cut-downs from 20ft units. This means supply is variable, and per-square-foot cost is often higher than a 20ft. If your site can accommodate a 20ft, the 20ft is usually a better dollar.
Typical price (Cargo-Worthy): $1,800–$2,800.
The 20ft Standard — America's Workhorse
The 20ft Standard is the single most-sold container in the United States. It hits the sweet spot of price, capacity, and site flexibility for the largest range of buyers.
Best for:
- Construction job sites
- Backyard storage
- Garages and workshops
- Small commercial inventory
- Single-bay retail
- Most farms
Site requirements:
- 65 ft of straight approach
- 12 ft access road width
- 14 ft overhead clearance
Storage capacity in real terms:
- Contents of a typical 3-bedroom home
- Roughly 10 standard pallets (48"×40")
- A small tractor or side-by-side ATV
- A full motorcycle collection (4–6 bikes)
Typical price (Cargo-Worthy): $2,400–$3,400.
The 20ft High Cube
A 20ft with an extra foot of interior height (9'6" vs 8'6"). Same footprint, more usable space.
Best for:
- Storage with tall equipment (IBC totes, racks)
- 20ft conversion projects with insulation
- Cannabis cultivation
- Backyard studio conversions
Typical price premium over Standard: $300–$500.
The 40ft Standard
Doubles the floor area of a 20ft for only a 20–30% price increase. The math is compelling — if your site can accommodate it.
Best for:
- Commercial bulk storage
- Equipment lockup
- Larger inventories
- Vehicle storage (cars, boats, RVs in pieces)
- Industrial use
Site requirements:
- 100 ft of straight approach
- 12+ ft access road width
- 14 ft overhead clearance
- Larger, more level pad
Typical price (Cargo-Worthy): $2,800–$4,200.
The 40ft High Cube — The Conversion King
If you are planning any kind of livable, workable, or customer-facing build, the 40ft High Cube is almost always the answer.
Best for:
- Tiny homes and ADUs
- Mobile offices
- Retail pop-ups
- Bars, taprooms, food kitchens
- Workshops requiring tall equipment
- Vertical farms
Why High Cube matters for conversions: After insulation (4–6 inches of vertical loss) you're left with 8'8"–9'2" of interior headroom in a High Cube — comfortable for any adult. In a Standard, you'd be left with 7'8"–8'0" — workable, but increasingly tight feeling.
Typical price (Cargo-Worthy): $3,400–$4,800. Typical price (One-Trip): $5,500–$7,500.
The 45ft High Cube
The largest standard size. 45 feet long, 9'6" tall, ~340 sq ft of interior space.
Best for: Maximum capacity in a single container — large workshop conversions, distribution storage, specialty industrial.
Worth knowing: 45ft units are less commonly available and harder to deliver. Many residential and even some commercial sites cannot accommodate the truck length needed. Supply is also lower, so prices fluctuate more.
Typical price (Cargo-Worthy): $4,200–$6,400.
How to Choose: The 60-Second Decision Tree
Q1: Can your site accept a 40ft truck (100 ft of straight approach + 14 ft overhead)?
- No → 20ft Standard or 20ft High Cube
- Yes → Continue
Q2: Will you insulate, modify, or build inside the container?
- No → 40ft Standard
- Yes → 40ft High Cube
Q3: Do you need more than 300 sq ft in a single unit?
- No → 40ft High Cube
- Yes → 45ft High Cube or two combined 40ft
Q4: Is appearance important (residential, customer-facing)?
- No → Cargo-Worthy or WWT
- Yes → One-Trip
Two Smaller Beats One Bigger — Sometimes
A frequent question: "Should I get one 40ft or two 20ft?" The answer depends on:
| Factor | One 40ft favors | Two 20ft favors |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | ★ | |
| Site flexibility | ★ | |
| Future relocation | ★ | |
| Conversion projects | ★ | |
| Stackability for vertical layouts | ★ | |
| Easier resale | ★ | |
| Single-unit security | ★ |
For most contractors, farms, and homeowners who might relocate within a few years, two 20ft units are the smarter long-term play — even though they cost a bit more upfront.
Per-Square-Foot Cost — The Truth
Container per-square-foot costs decline as size grows. Approximate Cargo-Worthy pricing in 2026:
| Size | Approx. price | Price per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 10ft | $2,300 | $33 |
| 20ft | $2,900 | $20 |
| 40ft | $3,500 | $12 |
| 40ft HC | $4,100 | $14 |
| 45ft HC | $5,300 | $16 |
The 40ft Standard offers the lowest cost per square foot of any standard size — which is exactly why it dominates industrial buyers.
Get the Right Size on the First Try
Sizing mistakes are expensive — both in over-buying and in scrambling to add a second container later. At United States Container Express, our team has helped thousands of American buyers right-size their first container.
Email sales@usaconex.com with:
- Intended use (storage, conversion, etc.)
- Approximate contents or footprint requirements
- Your delivery ZIP code
A specialist will recommend the right size, condition, and total delivered price within one business day. Or call +1 (727) 699-2766 for a same-day conversation.