Indonesia
If you are planning a cargo shipment, one of the most common questions that comes up is: how many CBM is a 20ft container?
The answer: a 20ft container has a capacity of 33.2 CBM for the standard General Purpose type. However, this figure can vary depending on the type of container you choose.
Understanding container capacity is not just about memorizing numbers, it is the foundation of efficient logistics planning. Choosing the wrong size means you could end up paying for unused empty space, or worse, your cargo simply will not fit.
Daftar isi
What Is CBM in Container Capacity and Why Does It Matter?
Best Shipping Containers for Cargo Export
CBM (Cubic Meter) is the unit of volume used in the logistics industry to measure how much space is available inside a container.
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)
By knowing the CBM of your cargo, you can:
- Determine whether you need a 20ft or 40ft container.
- Minimize wasted empty space.
- Calculate shipping costs accurately.
- Comply with applicable international shipping regulations.
20ft Container Capacity
Even though they share the same 20ft length, each container type has a different capacity. Here is the full breakdown.
20ft Dry Shipping Container (General Purpose)
|
Specification |
Metric |
Imperial |
| External Length | 6.06 m | 20 ft |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 8 ft |
| External Height | 2.59 m | 8 ft 6 in |
| Capacity (CBM) | 33.2 m³ | 1,170 cu.ft |
| Tare Weight | 2,200 kg | 4,850 lbs |
| Payload | 28,280 kg | 62,350 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 30,480 kg | 67,200 lbs |
20ft High Cube Dry Container
|
Specification |
Metric |
Imperial |
| External Length | 6.06 m | 20 ft |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 8 ft |
| External Height | 2.90 m | 9 ft 6 in |
| Capacity (CBM) | 37.4 m³ | 1,320 cu.ft |
| Tare Weight | 2,150 kg | 4,740 lbs |
| Payload | 28,330 kg | 62,460 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 30,480 kg | 67,200 lbs |
20ft Open Top Container
|
Specification |
Metric |
Imperial |
| External Length | 6.06 m | 20 ft |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 8 ft |
| External Height | 2.59 m | 8 ft 6 in |
| Capacity (CBM) | 32.7 m³ | 1,154 cu.ft |
| Tare Weight | 2,350 kg | 5,180 lbs |
| Payload | 28,130 kg | 62,020 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 30,480 kg | 67,200 lbs |
20ft Refrigerated Container (Reefer)
|
Specification |
Metric |
Imperial |
| External Length | 6.06 m | 20 ft |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 8 ft |
| External Height | 2.59 m | 8 ft 6 in |
| Capacity (CBM) | 26.0 m³ | 920 cu.ft |
| Tare Weight | 3,660 kg | 8,070 lbs |
| Payload | 20,340 kg | 44,840 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 24,000 kg | 52,910 lbs |
20ft High Cube Refrigerated Container
|
Specification |
Metric |
Imperial |
| External Length | 6.06 m | 20 ft |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 8 ft |
| External Height | 2.90 m | 9 ft 6 in |
| Capacity (CBM) | 32.3 m³ | 1,140 cu.ft |
| Tare Weight | 2,950 kg | 6,500 lbs |
| Payload | 27,530 kg | 60,700 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 30,480 kg | 67,200 lbs |
40ft Container Capacity
A 40-foot container offers nearly twice the volume of a 20ft container, making it the most cost-efficient option for large-scale shipments.
40ft Dry Shipping Container (General Purpose)
|
Specification |
Metric |
Imperial |
| External Length | 12.19 m | 40 ft |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 8 ft |
| External Height | 2.59 m | 8 ft 6 in |
| Capacity (CBM) | 67.6 m³ | 2,386 cu.ft |
| Tare Weight | 3,420 kg | 7,540 lbs |
| Payload | 27,060 kg | 59,660 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 30,480 kg | 67,200 lbs |
40ft High Cube Dry Container
|
Specification |
Metric |
Imperial |
| External Length | 12.19 m | 40 ft |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 8 ft |
| External Height | 2.90 m | 9 ft 6 in |
| Capacity (CBM) | 76.3 m³ | 2,694 cu.ft |
| Tare Weight | 3,520 kg | 7,760 lbs |
| Payload | 26,960 kg | 59,440 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 30,480 kg | 67,200 lbs |
40ft Open Top Container
|
Specification |
Metric |
Imperial |
| External Length | 12.19 m | 40 ft |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 8 ft |
| External Height | 2.59 m | 8 ft 6 in |
| Capacity (CBM) | 65.9 m³ | 2,330 cu.ft |
| Tare Weight | 3,740 kg | 8,250 lbs |
| Payload | 28,760 kg | 63,400 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 32,500 kg | 71,650 lbs |
40ft High Cube Open Top Container
|
Specification |
Metric |
Imperial |
| External Length | 12.19 m | 40 ft |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 8 ft |
| External Height | 2.90 m | 9 ft 6 in |
| Capacity (CBM) | 75.1 m³ | 2,650 cu.ft |
| Tare Weight | 4,060 kg | 8,950 lbs |
| Payload | 28,440 kg | 62,700 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 32,500 kg | 71,650 lbs |
40ft Refrigerated Container (Reefer)
|
Specification |
Metric |
Imperial |
| External Length | 12.19 m | 40 ft |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 8 ft |
| External Height | 2.59 m | 8 ft 6 in |
| Capacity (CBM) | 67.89 m³ | 2,398 cu.ft |
| Tare Weight | 4,240 kg | 9,350 lbs |
| Payload | 30,760 kg | 67,180 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 35,000 kg | 77,160 lbs |
40ft High Cube Refrigerated Container
|
Specification |
Metric |
Imperial |
| External Length | 12.19 m | 40 ft |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 8 ft |
| External Height | 2.90 m | 9 ft 6 in |
| Capacity (CBM) | 67.0 m³ | 2,367 cu.ft |
| Tare Weight | 4,580 kg | 10,100 lbs |
| Payload | 30,420 kg | 67,060 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 35,000 kg | 77,160 lbs |
10ft, 45ft, and 48ft Container Capacity
10ft Dry Shipping Container
|
Specification |
Metric |
Imperial |
| External Length | 2.99 m | 10 ft |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 8 ft |
| External Height | 2.59 m | 8 ft 6 in |
| Capacity (CBM) | 16.0 m³ | 58.4 cu.ft |
| Tare Weight | 1,240 kg | 2,730 lbs |
| Payload | 10,760 kg | 23,730 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,000 kg | 26,460 lbs |
10ft High Cube Dry Container
|
Specification |
Metric |
Imperial |
| External Length | 2.99 m | 10 ft |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 8 ft |
| External Height | 2.90 m | 9 ft 6 in |
| Capacity (CBM) | 18.0 m³ | 63.6 cu.ft |
| Tare Weight | 1,310 kg | 2,890 lbs |
| Payload | 10,690 kg | 23,570 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,000 kg | 26,460 lbs |
45ft High Cube Dry Container
|
Specification |
Metric |
Imperial |
| External Length | 13.7 m | 45 ft |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 8 ft |
| External Height | 2.90 m | 9 ft 6 in |
| Capacity (CBM) | 86.0 m³ | 3,040 cu.ft |
| Tare Weight | 4,750 kg | 10,470 lbs |
| Payload | 27,750 kg | 61,180 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 32,500 kg | 71,650 lbs |
How to Calculate Container Capacity
Calculating CBM is straightforward, just three steps:
- Step 1: Measure the length, width, and height of your cargo in meters.
- Step 2: Multiply the three dimensions: L × W × H = CBM per unit.
- Step 3: Multiply the CBM per unit by the total number of cargo units, then compare the result against the container’s CBM capacity.
Practical example: 1,000 boxes of food products measuring 30×20×25 cm.
- CBM per box = 0.30 × 0.20 × 0.25 = 0.015 CBM
- Total for 1,000 boxes = 0.015 × 1,000 = 15 CBM
- Conclusion: All cargo fits in one 20ft container with space to spare.
20ft vs 40ft: Which One Is Right for You?
|
Criteria |
20ft Container |
40ft Container |
| Volume Capacity | 33 CBM | 67 CBM |
| Pallet Capacity | 10 standard / 11 Euro pallets | 22 standard / 24 Euro pallets |
| Best For | Dense cargo, small to medium volumes | Large-volume shipments, lightweight cargo |
| Cost Efficiency | Lower nominal cost | More cost-efficient per CBM |
| Location Flexibility | Easier to handle in tight spaces | Requires more space to maneuver |
FAQ
How Many CBM is a 20ft Container?
A standard General Purpose 20ft container has a capacity of 33.2 CBM. The High Cube variant offers more space at 37.4 CBM.
How Many CBM is a 40ft Container?
A standard 40-foot container has a capacity of 67.6 CBM. The High Cube variant reaches 76.3 CBM, making it the top choice for high-volume cargo.
What is The Difference between CBM and Container Cubication?
Both refer to the same thing: the volume of space inside a container measured in cubic meters (m³). “Cubication” is a term more commonly used in local contexts, while “CBM” is the internationally recognized abbreviation used in shipping documents.
How Many Tons Can a 20ft Container Hold?
For a standard General Purpose unit, the tare weight is 2.20 tons and the maximum cargo payload is 28.28 tons. The maximum gross weight is 30.48 tons.
How Many Pallets Fit in a 20ft Container?
A 20ft container can hold 10 standard American pallets (1,016 m × 1,219 m) or 11 Euro pallets (1.2 m × 0.8 m) in a single layer.
Is a 40ft Container Twice The Capacity of a 20ft Container?
In terms of volume, yes. A 40ft container holds 67.6 CBM compared to 33.2 CBM for a 20ft. However, the payload capacity is not proportionally doubled, as the longer structure of a 40ft container requires a heavier frame.
How Many CBM Does a 20ft Reefer Container Have?
A 20ft refrigerated container has a capacity of 26.0 CBM. This is smaller than a dry container because a portion of the internal space is occupied by insulation panels and the refrigeration unit.
Which Container Type Has The Largest Capacity?
Among commonly available sizes, the 45ft High Cube Dry container has the largest capacity at 86.0 CBM, making it ideal for lightweight, high-volume cargo.
How Do You Maximize Container Capacity?
Calculate your cargo CBM accurately before booking, stack cargo floor-to-ceiling where the goods allow it, use pallets that match the container’s internal dimensions, and use an online CBM calculator to simulate the loading plan before the actual stuffing process.
Best Shipping Containers for Cargo Export
Conclusion
Choosing a container based on the right capacity has a direct impact on your shipping cost efficiency. Here is a quick recap:
- Standard 20ft Container: 33.2 CBM with a payload of up to 28,280 kg.
- 20ft High Cube Container: 37.4 CBM for cargo that requires extra vertical space.
- Standard 40ft Container: 67.6 CBM as the most cost-efficient option for large shipments.
- 40ft High Cube Container: 76.3 CBM with the largest capacity in the 40ft category.
Tradecorp supplies a wide range of containers from 10 to 45 feet to meet your freight and storage needs. Contact our team for a consultation on the container that best suits your cargo and budget.
