20ft High Cube vs. Standard: Is the Extra Foot Worth It?

A high cube is the same as a standard container except for one thing: it's a foot taller. That extra foot costs a little more, and it can make a big difference, or none at all, depending on what you're doing.

If you're weighing up a 20 ft high cube shipping container for sale against a standard 20ft, here's how they compare and when the extra height is worth paying for.

Side by side

Figures are typical and vary a little by manufacturer.

The high cube gives you about 12% more space on exactly the same footprint, and nearly a foot more door height.

Where the extra foot matters

Conversions

This is the big one. Once you add insulation and a finished ceiling to an office, workshop or studio, you lose several inches of height. In a standard container, that can leave a ceiling that feels low. A high cube keeps comfortable standing room.

Tall items

If anything you'll store is taller than about 7′ 6″, it won't fit through a standard container's doors. Ladders, tall shelving, equipment and some machinery need the high cube's taller opening.

Racking and stacking

Pallet racking or tall shelving uses the extra height for real storage. For stackable goods, that 12% adds up.

Working inside

If people will spend long periods inside, such as in a workshop or packing station, the extra headroom makes the space feel much less cramped.

The headroom math for conversions

Here's roughly how much height you lose when you finish the inside of a container. Exact figures depend on the materials you choose.

Take that off the interior height and a standard 20ft ends up with roughly 7′ 4″ to 7′ 7″ of finished ceiling, before lights. A high cube ends up with roughly 8′ 4″ to 8′ 7″. That's the difference between a space that feels cramped and one that feels like a normal room.

Where it doesn't matter

• Storing boxes, furniture and household goods. Most stacks don't reach the ceiling of a standard container.
• Tools and equipment on shelving under about 7 feet.
• Short-term storage, where cost matters more than space.

The trade-offs

• Price: a high cube usually costs somewhat more than a standard 20ft.
• Availability: 20ft high cubes are less common than standard 20ft containers or 40ft high cubes, so you may have fewer to choose from.
• Height limits: check overhead clearance, HOA rules and anything about structure height in your local regulations.
• Delivery height: on the truck, the container sits on a deck several feet off the ground, so the total height during delivery is well over the container's 9′ 6″. Make sure there are no low wires or branches on the route in.

Before you order: a two-minute height check

1. Measure your tallest item, including any pallet or base it sits on. If it's over about 7′ 6″, you need a high cube.
2. Plan your shelving. Taller racking only pays off if you'll actually stack that high.
3. Picture the ceiling. If you'll add insulation, lights or a fan, take the finished height into account.
4. Check your site. Look for height limits in your HOA rules or local regulations, and low wires or branches on the delivery route.
5. Compare quotes for both. If the price difference is small, the extra space is cheap insurance.

Quick decision guide

Choose the high cube if:

• You're converting it into an office, workshop, studio or living space
• Anything you'll store is taller than about 7′ 6″
• You'll use tall racking or stack goods high
• People will work inside for long periods

Choose the standard if:

• You're storing boxes, furniture, tools or household goods
• You want the lowest price
• Height limits on your site are tight

Compare both on the 20ft conex box page, or look at the 20ft standard container.

FAQ

How much taller is a high cube container?

One foot: 9′ 6″ outside instead of 8′ 6″, with about 8′ 10″ of interior height.

Is a 20ft high cube worth it for storage?

Only if you have tall items or will stack high. For general storage, a standard 20ft is usually the better value.

Do high cube containers cost much more?

Usually somewhat more than a standard container of the same length. The difference varies with the market and availability.

Can you tell a high cube from a standard container?

Often by the markings: many high cubes have a yellow and black striped band along the top edge, and "9′6″" or "HC" printed near the doors. Measuring the height is the surest check.