20ft Container Capacity Explained: How Much Can It Hold?

Standard Dimensions and Capacity

A standard 20ft container measures approximately:

• Length: 20 feet (6.06 metres)
• Width: 8 feet (2.44 metres)
• Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 metres)

This equates to an internal capacity of around 1,165 cubic feet or 33 cubic metres, offering plenty of room for commercial, industrial, or personal use. Despite its compact footprint, a 20ft container packs a serious storage punch.

What Can Fit in a 20ft Container?

To put that volume into perspective, here are some practical examples of what you could fit inside:

• The contents of a two-bedroom flat: Ideal for house moves, easily fits furniture, appliances, boxes, and personal items.
• Up to 100 standard washing machines: Perfect for appliance retailers or white goods manufacturers.
• Around 200 double mattresses: An excellent fit for hospitality or events businesses, storing furniture.
• Roughly 400 flat-screen TVs: Suitable for commercial stockholding or large-scale fit-outs.
• Over 7,000 gallons of water (capacity weight allowing): Demonstrating the robust weight tolerance of these containers.

It’s no wonder the 20ft container is a go-to solution across multiple industries and use cases.

Internal Measurements for Precision Planning

Inside, the usable space measures approximately:

• Length: 5.87 metres
• Width: 2.33 metres
• Height: 2.39 metres

Knowing these figures helps you plan loading configurations, whether you’re stacking pallets, shelving inventory, or optimising furniture layouts. The flat, square footprint and solid steel construction make it easy to arrange and secure your items safely.

Popular Uses for a 20ft Container

Compact yet spacious, 20ft shipping containers are one of the most commonly hired and purchased sizes. Here are some typical uses:

• Construction site tool and material storage
• Household or office relocations
• Temporary retail units or pop-up shops
• Warehouse overflow and seasonal stock
• Secure, mobile storage for remote locations

Whether you need extra space on a job site or a quick, cost-effective storage solution for your business, a 20ft container delivers unbeatable versatility.

Need Help Choosing the Right Container?

If you’re unsure whether a 20ft container is the right choice, our expert team is here to help. At Shipping Containers of London, we’ll guide you through the options and ensure you get the perfect fit for your needs, without paying for more space than you require.