Definitions
When discussing intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), the term dimensions refer to the container’s measurements in length by width by height. However, this can also sometimes be referred to as the size of an IBC. Additionally, size can also refer to the tote’s cargo volume capacity. Due to these potential similarities and overlaps in word use, for clarity, here the terms “dimensions” and “size” of an IBC tank will be used to mean L x W x H measurements and “capacity” will be used to mean volume.
IBC Tote Base Size
The base size of all IBC tanks is designed around a common worldwide pallet size of 48”L x 40”W. The height of an IBC is entirely dependent on total container volume and will increase with increasing volume. An IBC’s length by width size does not change with volume. The base size of intermediate bulk containers range around the standardized pallet measurements and can vary by a few inches depending on the IBC model type. An exception to this is the Megatainer IBC tote. As the world’s largest, all-polyethylene IBC, the Megatainer has a longer than standard pallet base to maintain a lower height for the tote’s increased volume capacity.
IBC Tote Size and Capacity
Concerning capacity, IBC pallet tanks have available volumes that range from a low of 119 gallons up to a high of 793 gallons. These volumes are specific and specified according to Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Any more or any less and IBCs are no longer considered UN/DOT approved IBC containers. IBCs are engineered according to these capacity standards to increase their versatility, ease of use, and integration capabilities across work scenarios despite any differences that may exist in regional location, measurement rules and/or handling equipment.
Common IBC Pallet Size and Capacity
The most common IBC pallet size is 45”L x 45”W, making it square and therefore ideal for optimizing space, organization, transport, and handling. Intermediate bulk container models fluctuate around this base size with the main exception being the Megatainer IBC measuring 81” long to accommodate its 550 gallon volume while maintaining a 48″ wide base.
The most common IBC capacities are 275 gallons and 330 gallon containers. These volumes are often chosen as replacements for the common 55 gallon drum as they hold more volume while using only the space of a single pallet. For example, a 275 gallon IBC is equal to five 55 gallon drums, a 330 gallon IBC equal to six, and a 550 gallon IBC to ten.
Table of IBC Tote Dimensions & Capacities
The following table of IBC tote specifications provides an overview of dimensions and volume capacities by all available IBC model types.
| IBC Model Type | Tote Size Range | Model Volume Capacity | Weight |
| Caged IBC Tote (Composite) | 48”L x 40”W x 46”H | 275 Gallons | 135 lbs |
| Caged IBC Tote (Composite) | 48”L x 40”W x 53”H | 330 Gallons | 155 lbs |
| Square Stackable | 45”L x 45”W x 36.5”H – 45”L x 45”W x 63.5”H | 120, 220, 275, 330 Gallons | 168 to 234 lbs |
| Premium Stacking | 45”L x 45”W x 44”H – 45”L x 45”W x 63.5”H | 120, 220, 275, 330 Gallons | 185 to 257 lbs |
| Wide Mouth Stacking | 45”L x 45”W x 46”H – 45”L x 45”W x 70”H | 220, 275, 330 Gallons | 184 to 257 lbs |
| Ultratainer | 46”L x 46”W x 54”H – 46”L x 46”W x 70”H | 220, 275, 330 Gallons | 268 to 309 lbs |
| Wide Mouth Ultratainer | 46”L x 46”W x 54”H – 46”L x 46”W x 70”H | 220, 275, 330 Gallons | 294 to 335 lbs |
| Excalibur | 42”L x 42”W x 32”H – 47”L x 47”W x 52”H | 120, 250, 330 Gallons | 62 to 220 lbs |
| Megatainer | 81”L x 48”W x 60”H | 550 Gallons | 542 to 570 lbs |
| Voyager | 45”L x 45”W x 55”H – 45”L x 45”W x 62”H | 275, 330 Gallons | 205 to 255 lbs |
| Voyager Plus | 46”L x 46”W x 71”H | 330 Gallons | 275 lbs |
| Voyager XL | 57”L x 49”W x 90.25”H | 535 Gallons | 469 lbs |
| Carbon Steel | 42”L x 48”W x 20”H – 42”L x 48”W x 71”H | 110,180, 250, 300, 350, 450 Gallons | 210 to 630 lbs |
| Stainless Steel | 42”L x 48”W x 20”H – 42”L x 48”W x 71”H | 110, 120, 140, 165, 180, 245, 250, 300, 350, 446, 450, 550 Gallons | 210 to 645 lbs |
IBC Tanks | The IBC Tote Authority
IBC Tanks an industry market leader in IBC containers and information concerning available IBC dimensions and total specifications. If looking for IBC totes engineered to suit your application and made by North America’s leading manufacturers, IBC Tanks is your all-inclusive online location for modern IBC containers available in a range of capacities.
For any questions, consider our FAQ page. For more information, visit our IBC Tote Resource Center. For inquiries, requests or quotes, use the contact form or details below to reach out to us today, our knowledgeable IBC professionals are always ready to assist.
