High Cube Vs Standard Shipping Containers: What's The Difference?

The difference between a high cube shipping container and a standard one comes down to a single dimension: height. A standard 20ft or 40ft container has an internal height of approximately 2.39 metres. A high cube container of the same footprint is roughly 30 centimetres taller, giving an internal height of approximately 2.70 metres. The external height increases by the same amount.

That 30 centimetres does not sound significant, but depending on what you are storing or building, it changes what the container can do considerably. This guide works through the decision so you can choose the right option before you hire or buy.

Both container types come in 20ft and 40ft lengths. The width and length are identical. The only difference is height.

Standard container (20ft):

External dimensions: approximately 6.1m long × 2.44m wide × 2.59m high
Internal dimensions: approximately 5.9m long × 2.35m wide × 2.39m high

High cube container (20ft):

External dimensions: approximately 6.1m long × 2.44m wide × 2.89m high
Internal dimensions: approximately 5.9m long × 2.35m wide × 2.70m high

The 40ft versions maintain the same height difference at a longer footprint. The extra height in a high cube also increases the cubic capacity by roughly 14 per cent in a 20ft unit — from approximately 33 cubic metres to approximately 37.5 cubic metres.

For most general storage — furniture, equipment, palletised goods, tools — a standard container is adequate. The internal height of 2.39 metres accommodates standard pallets stacked two high in most cases, and the majority of items stored in containers do not approach the ceiling.

Where the high cube earns its premium is in specific scenarios:

Tall machinery or equipment that cannot be laid on its side and stands close to or above 2.39 metres — agricultural equipment, some vehicles, racking systems, large fabricated items
Stacked storage where a third pallet height or an extra shelf level is possible with the additional clearance
Conversion projects where the ceiling height of the finished space matters to the people using it

The last point is where the high cube most consistently justifies the cost difference.

A standard container converted into a site office, workshop, studio or accommodation produces a finished internal ceiling height of approximately 2.1 to 2.2 metres after lining, insulation and any electrical or HVAC fitout is installed. That is functional but noticeably lower than a standard domestic room, which typically runs at 2.4 metres.

A high cube shipping container converted with the same fitout produces a finished ceiling height close to or exceeding 2.4 metres, which feels considerably more like a normal room. For a site office where people are working an eight-hour day, or a studio space where the occupant is standing and moving around, this difference has a direct effect on comfort.

If you are planning any form of habitable or workspace conversion, the high cube is almost always the correct choice. The cost difference between the container types is modest relative to the total conversion cost, and retrofitting a standard container with extra height is not possible.

For pure storage without any conversion, the standard container is usually the practical and cost-effective choice unless you have specific height requirements for the items being stored.

The extra height of a high cube is relevant beyond the container itself — it affects delivery, positioning and any overhead clearance at the site.

Standard containers sit at approximately 2.59 metres external height when loaded onto a tilt tray for transport. A high cube at approximately 2.89 metres adds 30 centimetres to the loaded height of the transport vehicle. This is worth checking against any overhead obstacles on the delivery route — power lines, low bridges or undercover areas the delivery vehicle needs to access.

At the site itself, the high cube will stand 30 centimetres taller once placed. For most open rural and suburban sites in regional NSW this is not a practical issue, but it is worth considering if the container needs to fit under a carport, alongside a structure with a low eave, or in a position with overhead utilities nearby.

Because high cubes are taller, shipping container transport needs to account for this extra clearance on delivery — worth raising with the transport operator before the job is booked if your site has any overhead constraints.

High cube containers carry a modest premium over standard containers of equivalent age and condition — typically in the range of 10 to 20 per cent more to purchase, with a similar proportional difference in hire rates. The gap varies with market conditions and container availability.

Whether that premium is worth it depends entirely on the application:

General storage with no height-sensitive items: the standard is the sensible choice. You are paying for height you will not use
Tall item storage: the high cube may be essential regardless of cost, because the standard simply will not fit what you need to store
Conversion to workspace or office: the high cube is almost always worth the premium. The cost difference between the container types is small compared to the total conversion cost, and the finished ceiling height meaningfully affects how the space feels and functions

The straightforward summary:

Choose a standard container when:

You are storing general goods, palletised stock or equipment that comfortably fits within 2.39 metres
Cost is the primary consideration and height is not a limiting factor
You are not planning any conversion

Choose a high cube when:

You are storing tall machinery, vehicles or items that approach or exceed the standard internal height
You are converting the container into any form of workspace, office, studio or accommodation
You want the extra cubic capacity for densely packed storage