10ft and 20ft are the two most common container sizes for storage in Australia, and choosing between them is usually the first decision buyers face. A 20ft container gives you twice the floor space, but a 10ft container fits where a bigger unit simply cannot go. This guide compares the two side by side so you can pick the right one first time.
10ft vs 20ft Container at a Glance
| 10ft container | 20ft container | |
|---|---|---|
| External length | approx. 2.99m (9ft 10in) | approx. 6.06m (19ft 10in) |
| External width | 2.44m (8ft) | 2.44m (8ft) |
| Standard external height | 2.59m (8ft 6in) | 2.59m (8ft 6in) |
| Internal floor area | approx. 6.6m² | approx. 13.9m² |
| Internal volume | approx. 16m³ | approx. 33m³ |
| Empty weight | approx. 1,200 to 1,300kg | approx. 2,200 to 2,300kg |
| Typical contents | Tools, bikes, garden kit, a one-bedroom flat | Furniture from a three-bedroom house, pallets, a small car |
Both sizes share the same width and height, and both come in High Cube versions with around 300mm of extra headroom. The only real difference is length, which affects capacity, where the container will fit and how it is delivered.
When a 10ft Container Is the Better Choice
- Space is tight. At under 3m long, a 10ft container fits in a garden corner, beside a house or at the back of a small yard.
- You are storing tools and equipment. Mowers, bikes, power tools and garden furniture fit comfortably with room for shelving.
- It will sit near your house. A smaller container has much less visual impact, especially in a colour such as bottle green or dark grey.
- You want a secure site store. Tradespeople often use a 10ft unit as a lockable tool store on small jobs.
When a 20ft Container Is the Better Choice
- You need real capacity. A 20ft container holds roughly twice as much, for far less than twice the price.
- You are storing furniture or stock. Household moves, renovations and business stock need the extra length.
- You want to work inside. A workshop, office or garage needs the floor space a 20ft offers. See our 20ft workshop container and office container guide.
- You may need more space later. Many buyers who start with a 10ft find they outgrow it within a year or two.
Price: Which Offers Better Value?
Container prices do not scale with size. A 10ft container is shorter, but it takes almost as much steel work to build (doors, corner posts, frame and roof), and 10ft units are made in much smaller numbers. As a result, a 10ft container often costs about the same as a 20ft, and sometimes more. In our current range, 10ft containers start from around $2,100, while plain 20ft containers start from around $1,150.
So, on price per square metre, the 20ft almost always wins. Choose a 10ft because your site or use calls for it, not to save money.
Delivery and Site Access
Both sizes are delivered by specialist haulage, either lifted off with a truck-mounted crane (HIAB) or slid off a tilting bed. A 10ft container needs less room to unload and is easier to lift over a wall or fence into a tight garden. A 20ft needs a longer clear area, particularly for tilt-bed delivery. Delivery is charged by state for one container or cabin, from A$299 in Queensland to A$1,299 for WA, to accessible sites across Australia for both sizes. Our guide to container delivery costs and our delivery and site access page explain what your site needs.
Quick Decision Guide
- Less than 6m of usable length on your site: 10ft.
- Tools, bikes and garden equipment only: 10ft.
- Furniture, stock, pallets or a vehicle: 20ft.
- Working inside the container: 20ft, ideally High Cube.
- Not sure and have the space: 20ft, as it costs little more and gives you room to grow.
Browse 10ft and 20ft Containers
We stock new, one-trip and used 10ft and 20ft containers at our Rockhampton yard, including the 10ft High Cube in cobalt blue and a wide range of 20ft units. See everything in our shop, read our complete 20ft container guide, or ask us for advice.