If you’re planning to buy a shipping container for storage, building, or shipping goods, you need to know the exact size. You don’t want a surprise on delivery day when your container doesn’t fit in your space.

In this guide, we’ll break down the exact shipping container dimensions for the most common sizes used in Canada. We’ll also show you a quick size chart so you can compare them easily. And we’ll explain why container size matters for buying, transporting, and using a container the right way.

Standard Shipping Container Dimensions (The Basics)

Most shipping containers fall into three main categories:

• 20-foot containers

• 40-foot containers

• High-cube container.

Let’s break down their exact sizes.

20-Foot Shipping Container Dimensions

A 20-foot shipping container is the most common size for storage and transportation. It’s compact but still holds a lot of space.

These containers are great for personal storage, small businesses, construction sites, and equipment storage.

40-Foot Shipping Container Dimensions

A 40-foot container is double the length of a 20-foot container but still has the same width and height.

C. High-Cube Shipping Container Dimensions

High-cube containers are just like standard containers but taller. They give you extra headroom, usually one extra foot.

High-cube containers are perfect for container homes, offices, storage of tall equipment, and builds that need extra airflow or insulation space.

Why Shipping Container Dimensions Matter When Buying or Building

The size of your container affects many things. If you skip this step or guess the size, you can waste money or run into big problems later.

First, you need to plan for site space. Measure your land before you buy a container. Make sure you have enough room not just for the container, but also for doors to open, people to move around, and space for future changes.

Second, think about transport and delivery. A 40-foot shipping container needs a lot more space to deliver than a 20-foot container. It needs room to back up, turn, and drop the container safely. If you have a small driveway or trees in the way, a smaller container may work better.

Third, look at your storage capacity. If you are storing tools, equipment, or business inventory, write down what you plan to store. You want enough space but not too much empty space that you don’t use.

Fourth, container size matters for modification projects. If you plan to build a shipping container home, office, or shop, a high-cube container gives you more headroom. It makes your space feel bigger and gives room for insulation or lighting.

Finally, check your local zoning laws or building rules. Some areas have height restrictions. Others require permits for containers over a certain size. Always check with your city or town office before buying a container.

How to Measure a Shipping Container (If You’re Inspecting One)

Before you buy a shipping container, you should always measure it yourself. Sellers can make mistakes. Some containers can be bent or warped. Used containers may also have smaller interior space if the walls are damaged or the floor is raised.

Measuring is easy. Here’s what you need.

Tools Needed:

• Measuring tape (long enough for 20 or 40 feet)

• Flashlight (for dark corners)

• Pen and paper (to write down your numbers)

Start with the exterior. Measure the length from one corner casting to the other. Measure the width and height the same way. Write it down.

Then move to the interior. Measure the length of the floor from the inside front wall to the inside back doors. Measure the interior width from wall to wall. Measure the interior height from the floor to the ceiling.

Don’t forget the door opening. Measure the width between the door frames and the height from the floor to the top of the door opening. This tells you how big of an object you can fit through the doors.

If you are inspecting a used shipping container, check for warping. Place your level on the floor to see if it slopes. Look at the walls to check if they lean in or out. Uneven floors or bent walls can mean problems later.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Size Shipping Container

Picking the right size shipping container is one of the most important steps when buying. It will save you time, money, and problems later.

Start by thinking about how you plan to use the container. If you need extra storage in your backyard, a 20-foot container is usually enough. If you are storing large equipment or building a home, a 40-foot or high-cube container gives you more space.

Always measure your site before you buy. Make sure you have room for delivery trucks to drop off the container safely. And check your city’s zoning laws. Some places have rules about where and how big a shipping container can be.

If you are building a shipping container home or office, it’s smart to choose a high-cube container. The extra height makes it easier to add insulation, lights, and cooling systems. It also makes small spaces feel bigger.

But no matter what size you choose, always buy from a trusted seller. At StoreCan, we inspect every container before selling it. We check the floors, walls, doors, and overall condition. We tell you exactly what size you are getting. And we help you choose the right container for your project.

We also deliver containers across Canada, so you don’t have to worry about transport or setup.

Looking for a shipping container that fits your needs? Get a quote from StoreCan or check out our current containers for sale. We’ll help you find the perfect size and make sure it lasts for years to come.