20FT vs 40FT Shipping Container: Which Should You Buy?
20FT or 40FT? Compare dimensions, capacity, price per cubic metre, delivery and site needs so you buy the right shipping container for storage, transport or conversion in Saudi Arabia.
Quick answer
Buy a 20FT container when space is tight, loads are heavy, or you need units in more than one place; buy a 40FT when you want the most storage for the money, since one 40FT gives the same floor area as two 20FTs for less than twice the price and one delivery. A 40FT high cube adds 30 cm of height for tall cargo and conversions.
Key takeaways
- A 40FT holds about double a 20FT but costs well under twice as much — better value per cubic metre.
- A 20FT is easier to place on tight sites and carries heavier dense loads within road limits.
- High cube (HC) adds ~30 cm of internal height — worth it for conversions and bulky goods.
- Think about access: a 40FT needs more room to deliver and manoeuvre.
20FT or 40FT is the first decision most buyers face. Both are the same width and height (unless you choose high cube); the 40FT is simply twice as long. The right choice comes down to how much you store, how heavy it is, your site, and your budget per cubic metre.
20FT vs 40FT: the numbers
| 20FT | 40FT | 40FT High Cube | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal length | 5.9 m | 12.0 m | 12.0 m |
| Internal width | 2.35 m | 2.35 m | 2.35 m |
| Internal height | 2.39 m | 2.39 m | 2.69 m |
| Floor area | ~13.8 m² | ~28 m² | ~28 m² |
| Capacity | ~33 m³ | ~67 m³ | ~76 m³ |
| Best for | Heavy/dense loads, tight sites | Bulky storage, value | Tall cargo, conversions |
When a 20FT is the better buy
- Your site is tight — a 20FT needs far less room to drop and position.
- Your load is heavy and dense — you'll hit the weight limit before you fill a 40FT.
- You need containers in several locations rather than one big box.
- Budget is the priority and you don't need the extra space.
When a 40FT is the better buy
- You want the lowest cost per cubic metre — one 40FT beats two 20FTs on price and delivery.
- You're storing bulky but light goods — furniture, equipment, packaging.
- You're converting to a site office, workshop or accommodation and want the length.
- You can take one delivery instead of two.
Should you choose high cube?
A 40FT high cube adds about 30 cm of internal height for a small premium. It's the default for conversions (headroom matters once you add a floor and ceiling) and for tall or racked cargo. For plain floor storage, a standard 40FT is fine. See the full container sizes guide for every dimension.
What about price?
As a rule, a 40FT costs more than a 20FT but less per cubic metre, and needs one delivery rather than two. Indicative 2026 starting prices: used 20FT from ~SAR 6,900, used 40FT high cube from ~SAR 9,800. See the full container price list, then ask for a quote for your exact units and city.
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