Inspection and Testing
The size of a converted container shapes how you use it, where it goes, and what it costs. Whether you’re planning a shipping container conversion for your garden or a larger commercial project, this guide covers the standard sizes and what each one is genuinely suited to.
What sizes do shipping containers come in?
Shipping containers come in three main sizes: 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft. High Cube (HC) variants add extra internal height to the 20ft and 40ft. Always plan your design from internal dimensions as the steel walls reduce usable space, and insulation reduces it further.
Size | Ext. Length | Int. Length | Int. Width | Int. Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10ft | 2.99m / 9’10″ | 2.71m / 8’10″ | 2.35m / 7’8″ | 2.39m / 7’10″ |
20ft | 6.06m / 19’10″ | 5.76m / 18’10″ | 2.35m / 7’8″ | 2.39m / 7’10″ |
40ft | 12.19m / 40’0″ | 11.99m / 39’4″ | 2.35m / 7’8″ | 2.39m / 7’10″ |
40ft HC | 12.19m / 40’0″ | 11.99m / 39’4″ | 2.35m / 7’8″ | 2.70m / 8’10″ |
What is a 10ft shipping container used for?
The 10ft is the most compact standard size and works well where space is limited. Common uses include tool stores, garden equipment storage, small retail kiosks, and compact conversions. It’s a popular choice for a single or two-person shipping container sauna as the footprint is just right for a heater, benching, and ventilation.
It also works well as a secondary unit, such as a changing room alongside a container pool or a compact annex next to a larger container garden room.
Is a 10ft container big enough for a conversion?
For the right use case, yes. A 10ft works well as a sauna, storage unit, or compact bar. Where it can fall short is anything requiring free movement or extended time such as a gym, office, or social space. For most full conversions, a 20ft is the more practical starting point.
What is a 20ft shipping container used for?
The 20ft is the most popular size for conversions. With around 14 square metres of floor space, it’s roomy enough to fit out properly, yet practical to deliver and position on most sites. It’s the go-to choice for a container gym as it can comfortably fit a rack, bench, cardio machine, and free weights. A 20ft container is equally well-suited to a container office, a garden room, or a four to six person sauna with a small changing area.
What is a 40ft shipping container used for?
A 40ft gives you nearly 28 square metres of floor space and opens up conversions that aren’t possible in smaller units. It’s the preferred size for a shipping container pool because the length allows for a genuine swim rather than just a plunge. It’s also the right choice for a large commercial gym with dedicated training zones, a multi-room office suite, or a hospitality conversion such as a container café.
Is a 40ft container too big for a garden?
It depends on the plot. A 40ft container is over 12 metres long, which is more than many residential gardens can absorb comfortably. Delivery also requires good vehicle access. That said, for larger gardens, rural sites, or commercial locations, it’s perfectly practical and worth the extra space.
What is a high cube shipping container?
A High Cube container has the same footprint as a standard unit but stands 9’6″ externally rather than 8’6″, giving an internal height of around 2.70m versus 2.39m. That extra 31cm makes a real difference in converted spaces, particularly for a container gym, where overhead lifting and pull-up rigs become practical, or any social space where the standard height can feel enclosed.
Do you need a high cube container for a conversion?
Not always, but it’s worth considering for any conversion where standing height matters. It’s especially relevant if you’re thinking about living in a converted container, as the extra headroom, after insulation and boarding, makes the space feel significantly more habitable.
Can you join shipping containers together?
Yes, multi-container builds are a popular option for larger projects. Two 20ft containers placed side by side can be opened up into a wide open-plan space. Two stacked containers create a two-storey structure. Containers can also be arranged in an L or U-shape for more complex layouts.
Joined containers are particularly useful for commercial container conversion applications, designed for use by multiple people at once.
Which container size do I need for my project?
The size on the required container depends on the type and scope of project:
- Home office → 20ft
- Gym (home) → 20ft
- Gym (commercial) → 40ft
- Swimming pool → 20ft or 40ft
- Garden room → 20ft
- Bar / café → 20ft or 40ft
- Multi-room / large studio → 40ft or joined containers
- Living space → High Cube 20ft or 40ft
Get a container conversion quote from BCL
Still not sure exactly what container size or layout is right for your project, or just ready to get started? Get in touch with BCL containers today for bespoke conversions with a collaborative design process.