A shipping container might seem like a straightforward purchase, but one decision catches many buyers out: standard or high cube? On paper, the difference is just an extra foot of height. In reality, that extra space can make a noticeable difference, especially if you’re planning a conversion or need to store taller equipment.
Before deciding which option is right for you, it’s worth understanding what that extra foot actually gives you and when it’s worth paying for.
What’s the difference between a standard and high cube container?
A standard shipping container stands 8ft 6in tall externally, with 7ft 10in of internal space. A high cube container is 9ft 6in externally and 8ft 10in internally. Everything else is the same: width, length, door configuration, ISO compliance.
| Metric | Standard 20ft | High Cube 20ft | Standard 40ft | High Cube 40ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External height | 8ft 6in | 9ft 6in | 8ft 6in | 9ft 6in |
| Internal height | 7ft 10in | 8ft 10in | 7ft 10in | 8ft 10in |
| External width | 8ft | 8ft | 8ft | 8ft |
| Internal width | 7ft 8in | 7ft 8in | 7ft 8in | 7ft 8in |
Both are built to the same spec, available new and used, and can be stacked together. A 40ft high cube is roughly 350kg heavier than a standard unit. That rarely matters for a container sitting on site permanently, but it’s worth knowing if you plan to move it.
When to choose a standard height container
If you’re buying purely for storage and won’t be working inside, a standard container does the job well and is typically the more cost-effective and widely available option.
General storage
For basic storage of tools, stock, equipment, or general goods where height is not a constraint, a standard container is the practical choice. They’re manufactured in higher volumes than high cubes, which means better availability and often lower prices, especially for used containers.
Sites with height restrictions
Standard containers have a practical edge on sites with low overhead clearance. A high cube at 9ft 6in won’t clear a 9ft barn entrance, a low access lane, or some tight yard setups that a standard unit would manage. If your site has any height restrictions, check the clearance before ordering. Getting a container on site that won’t fit where it needs to go is an expensive problem.
Export and active freight
For export or active freight use, standard containers are the default. Both standard and high cube containers are ISO-compliant and stack together without modification, but standard units are more commonly expected in international shipping where everything moving through the supply chain needs to match. Unless there’s a specific reason to use a high cube container for freight, the standard unit is the right choice.
When to choose a high cube container
A high cube container is usually worth the additional cost when the extra height provides a clear practical benefit. This is most often the case for conversion projects, storing tall machinery or equipment, and storage setups where maximising racking height matters.
As a general rule, if people will be spending time inside the container, a high cube is usually the better choice. For basic storage with no fit-out and no height restrictions, a standard container will often do the job just as well.
Conversion projects
For container offices, workshops, homes, garden rooms, gyms, or bars, a high cube is the practical choice. The finished ceiling after insulation and lining comes in at around 8ft 2in, compared to roughly 7ft 4in in a standard unit.
To put that in context, 8ft is a standard ceiling height in a modern UK home. 7ft 4in is about an inch below a standard internal doorframe. In an empty container you might not notice the difference, but fit out the space with overhead lighting, a suspended heater, cable runs, or a wall-mounted unit, and the ceiling starts to eat into the room fast.
Tall equipment and machinery
Standard containers have an internal door opening height of approximately 7ft 6in. High cubes give around 8ft 6in. If you’re storing a telehandler, ride-on mower, large racking systems, or any equipment that approaches the door height of a standard unit, a high cube removes the problem. Make sure to check the height of what you’re storing before you order a container.
Racking-heavy storage
For a container used as a storeroom with industrial shelving, the extra foot adds a usable shelf tier. Standard container racking maxes out at around 2.1m of usable height. In a high cube, that extends to approximately 2.5m. For stock-heavy operations, that extra tier is worth having.
How much more does a high cube container cost?
The difference in price between a standard and high cube container is usually smaller than many buyers expect. For most sizes and conditions, expect to pay £100 to £300 more, depending on availability and specification.
For example, at Universal Containers, a used 40ft standard container starts from £1,450 ex. VAT (£1,740 inc. VAT), while a used 40ft high cube starts from £1,500 ex. VAT (£1,800 inc. VAT). New 20ft standard containers start from £2,580 ex. VAT (£3,096 inc. VAT), compared to £3,540 ex. VAT (£4,248 inc. VAT) for a new 20ft high cube.
The exact price depends on the size, condition and specification you choose, but in many cases the additional cost is relatively modest compared to the extra headroom you gain.
Is it worth paying more for a high cube?
For conversion projects, the answer is usually yes. Height is one of the few container features that can’t easily be added later. Spending a few hundred pounds more upfront is far cheaper than getting halfway through a build and discovering the finished ceiling height doesn’t work. The cost of choosing the wrong container isn’t just replacing it, it’s the delay, additional labour, and potentially redoing of work that’s already been completed.
For basic storage, the answer is often different. If you’re storing tools, stock, or equipment that already fits comfortably inside a standard container, the extra headroom may never be used. In that case, a standard container is likely to offer better value.
What to check before you order
By the time you’re ready to order, you’ll probably already know whether a standard or high cube container is the better fit. Before you commit, it’s worth checking a few practical details that could affect your decision.
- Site clearance. A high cube container stands 9ft 6in high externally and won’t fit through a 9ft barn entrance or under low overhead obstacles that a standard container would clear. Check the delivery route, measure any height restrictions, and let your supplier know about any potential access issues before delivery.
- The height of what you’re storing. A standard container has an internal door opening of around 7ft 6in. If you’re storing machinery, vehicles, or other tall equipment, measure the overall height before ordering. Remember that the door opening is often the limiting factor, not the internal height of the container.
- Your fit-out plans. If you’re converting the container into an office, workshop, gym, or another usable space, work backwards from your required finished ceiling height. A standard container typically provides around 7ft 4in of finished headroom after insulation and lining, while a high cube offers around 8ft 2in. If 7ft 4in isn’t enough, it’s far easier to choose a high cube now than replace the container later.
- Availability. While 40ft high cube containers are widely available, 20ft high cube units are less commonly stocked. If you need a 20ft high cube, it’s worth confirming availability before finalising your plans. Universal Containers offers both new, used, and cut-down 20ft high cube containers.
Choosing the right container
The decision between a standard and high cube container comes down to how you’ll use the space. Once you’ve answered that question, the right choice is usually straightforward. It’s also a decision that’s difficult and expensive to reverse once a fit-out is underway.
If you’re planning a conversion, a high cube is usually worth the extra investment. The additional headroom makes a noticeable difference once the container is insulated and lined, and it’s not something that can be added later. If you’re buying a container purely for storage and height isn’t a consideration, a standard container will often provide the best value.
If you’re still unsure which option is right for your project, our team can help you choose the right specification before you order. Getting it right before delivery is far easier than trying to correct it afterwards.
Browse our full range of high cube containers, or compare our full range of standard and high cube shipping containers to find the right option for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert a standard container to high cube height?
Technically yes, but it’s not a practical option for most buyers. Raising the roof of a standard container involves cutting and welding the steel structure, which is complex, expensive, and can compromise the structural integrity of the unit. In almost every case, the more sensible approach is to sell the standard container and purchase a high cube from the start.
Does the length of the container affect whether I should choose a standard or high cube?
No. The difference between a standard and high cube container is exactly the same whether you buy a 10ft, 20ft, or 40ft container. A high cube always gives you an extra foot of height. The only difference is that, for example, a 40ft container provides twice the floor space and almost twice the storage capacity of a 20ft container.
Can a high cube and standard container be stacked together?
Yes. Both types share the same ISO corner casting positions and stack together without modification. The combined structure is simply taller.
Does a high cube container need a different delivery vehicle?
No. Both types are delivered by HIAB lorry. The extra foot of external height doesn’t typically change delivery requirements. If your site has any low overhead access routes or bridge restrictions, flag this to your supplier before booking delivery.
Which is better for a container office?
A high cube is the better choice for a container office. After insulation and internal lining, a standard container’s finished ceiling is around 7ft 4in. A high cube gives approximately 8ft 2in of finished headroom, which makes a noticeable difference to comfort and usability in a workspace.
Is it harder to get planning permission for a high cube?
No. Planning assessments for containers focus on footprint, permanency, and use. The 1-foot height difference between standard and high cube is not treated as a separate factor in permitted development decisions. See our guide on planning permission for shipping containers for more detail.
Do high cube containers cost more to hire?
Generally, yes. High cube containers typically cost slightly more to hire than equivalent standard containers. If you’re hiring a container purely for storage, a standard unit will usually offer the best value. However, if you’re using the container as a temporary office, workshop, or another space where people will be spending time inside, the extra headroom of a high cube is often worth the small increase in hire cost. View our shipping containers for hire to see the options available.
