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20ft Container Dimensions
Dimensions, Capacity and High Cube Alternative
Are you planning to move from Singapore and wondering which type of container would best suit your needs? One of the most common options is the 20ft container. This article includes everything you need to know about it, from dimensions and capacity to high cube alternatives.
What can you find here?
20ft Container Standard Dimensions and Size
Below are the standard 20ft container measurements in meters (m) and feet (ft) for easy planning and comparison.
| Measurement | Size (m / ft) |
| Length | 5.90 m / 19 ft 4 in |
| Width | 2.34 m / 7 ft 8 in |
| Height | 2.39 m / 7 ft 10 in |
20 ft Container Volume & Capacity
| Container Type | Internal Volume | What You Can Fit |
| 20ft Standard | 33.1 m³ | 1–2 bedroom home: furniture, appliances, ~1,200 boxes |
| 20ft High Cube | 37.4 m³ | Slightly taller items: shelves, standing wardrobes ecc. |
A standard 20ft container is the most common option for international moves abroad, as it offers enough space at an affordable price. It’s particularly recommended for smaller household moves, but also if you need storage during temporary relocations.
A standard 20ft container offers around 33–36 CBM (cubic meters) of internal space. This is the usable volume for storing or shipping cargo.
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20ft High Cube Container
A 20ft high cube container is a taller version of the standard 20ft container. It offers extra vertical space, typically standing at 2.90 m (9 ft 6 in) in height, making it ideal for bulky or high-volume cargo. Here is an overview of the 20ft high cube container dimensions:
| Measurement | Size (m / ft) |
| Length | 5.90 m / 19 ft 4 in |
| Width | 2.34 m / 7 ft 8 in |
| Height | 2.69 m / 8 ft 10 in |
What Can I Fit in a 20ft Container?
Want to know if your items will fit in a 20ft container? Use our free volume calculator below to estimate your space needs instantly.
For expert advice on preparing for your move, check out our moving abroad packing tips guide
Why Should I Choose a 20ft Container?
A 20ft container offers great storage capacity for personal use, ideal for the contents of a 1–2 bedroom apartment, including furniture, appliances, and boxes.
People usually wonder:
- How many cartons fit? Around 1,170–1,250 standard cartons (0.05 CBM each).
- How many drums fit? About 80–100 standard 200-liter drums.
- Can it fit 2 cars? Yes, but only 2 small cars or 1 car and a motorcycle — it’s a tight fit.
- What’s the volume of the 20ft container? Usable space is roughly 33–36 CBM.
If you are not sure whether a 20ft container satisfies your needs, consider its area and its affordability. It’s a smart choice for smaller moves or when you’re budgeting.
Here is when a 20ft container is ideal:
- Moving a 1–3 bedroom home for couples or small families.
- Relocating as a professional or expat with a home office setup.
- Sending partial shipments to a second home or overseas property.
- Storing furniture and personal items abroad for the long term.
- Relocating with minimal furniture or just a few belongings.
20ft vs 40ft Container?
A 40ft container offers double the length of a 20ft, but not always double the value. While both have the same width and height (unless you choose a high cube), 40ft containers are better for:
- Large household moves.
- Bulky commercial shipments.
- Cost-per-cubic-meter savings (for volume-heavy cargo).
What About a Half Container?
A half 20ft container is not a standard shipping unit but refers to using half the volume of a 20ft container, usually in shared (LCL) shipping.
Choose this option when:
- You have very limited cargo.
- You want to save money by sharing container space.
- Your items don’t justify the cost of a full 20ft container.
The estimated usable space is around 16–18 CBM, which fits roughly the contents of a studio apartment.
Shipping Container Costs
The cost of shipping your belongings in a 20ft container typically ranges between S$3,000 and S$10,000, depending on your destination, services included, and volume of the move.
Prices vary based on factors like:
- Whether you’re moving door-to-door or port-to-port.
- Distance and shipping route.
- Time of year and demand.
- Packing, loading, and customs services included.
Shipping and Delivery Considerations
When planning 20ft container shipping, consider:
- Transport distance and route.
- Loading and unloading fees.
- Local access for container movers.
- Customs, port, and documentation costs.
Popular 20ft Container Routes from Singapore
| Destination | Estimated Cost (SGD) | Transit Time |
| Sydney, Australia | S$4,320 – S$5,130 | 10–14 days |
| London, UK | S$6,080 – S$7,020 | 25–30 days |
| Los Angeles, USA | S$6,480 – S$7,430 | 22–28 days |
| Abu Dhabi, UAE | S$4,860 – S$5,670 | 12–16 days |
| Mumbai, India | S$3,780 – S$4,590 | 8–12 days |
Disclaimer: Prices are estimates for new 20ft containers and include only ocean freight. Local charges and customs duties may apply.
Everything Clear About a 20ft Container?
We hope this article helped you better understand the use of a 20ft container. For more guides like this, check out our other articles. Still have questions? Visit our FAQ section.
