Before you buy, transport, store, or build anything with an IBC tote, you need the exact dimensions. Fitting through doorways, calculating floor space, sizing containment pallets, planning plumbing connections — it all starts here. This guide covers every standard IBC tote size with precise measurements straight from manufacturer spec sheets.
IBC Tote Sizes at a Glance
275-Gallon IBC Tote Diagram
Full IBC Tote Spec Comparison
All measurements are for standard composite IBC totes (HDPE inner bottle, steel cage, plastic pallet). Roth double-wall steel totes have slightly different dimensions. Always verify with your specific manufacturer's datasheet before ordering.
| Specification | 110 Gallon | 275 Gallon ★ | 330 Gallon | 135 Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (US Gallons) | 110 gal | 275 gal | 330 gal | 135 gal |
| Capacity (Litres) | 420 L | 1,040 L | 1,250 L | 510 L |
| Length | 34" | 45" | 45" | 34" |
| Width | 34" | 45" | 45" | 34" |
| Height (with pallet) | 40" | 46" | 53" | 47" |
| Pallet Footprint | 34" × 34" | 45" × 45" | 45" × 45" | 34" × 34" |
| Empty Weight | ~88 lbs | ~119–145 lbs | ~140–165 lbs | ~95 lbs |
| Full Weight (water) | ~1,005 lbs | ~2,420 lbs | ~2,905 lbs | ~1,220 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,200 lbs | 2,860 lbs | 3,300 lbs | 2,200 lbs |
| Bottom Outlet | 2" BSP | 2" BSP | 2" BSP | 2" BSP |
| Top Bung Opening | 6" (150mm) | 6" (150mm) | 6" (150mm) | 6" (150mm) |
| Vent Opening | 2" BSP | 2" BSP | 2" BSP | 2" BSP |
| UN/DOT Rating | 31H1 | 31H1 | 31H1 | 31H1 |
| Stackable (empty) | Yes × 4 | Yes × 4 | Yes × 4 | Yes × 4 |
★ Most common size in North America. Dimensions may vary slightly by manufacturer (Schutz, Mauser, Greif, Roth). Always confirm with your supplier's datasheet.
Valve & Opening Sizes
All standard IBC totes — regardless of capacity — share the same three connection points. This makes fittings, pumps, and accessories interchangeable across sizes.
IBC Tote Weight & Load Capacity
Empty Weight
A standard 275-gallon composite IBC tote weighs between 119 and 145 lbs empty, depending on the manufacturer and cage material. Steel-caged totes are heavier than aluminum-caged units. Roth double-wall steel totes are heavier still at approximately 165 lbs empty.
Full Weight — Water
Water weighs 8.34 lbs per gallon. A full 275-gallon tote filled with water weighs approximately 2,290 lbs of liquid plus the tare weight of the tote — total roughly 2,420 lbs. Plan your floor loading accordingly: a standard concrete warehouse floor is rated for 250–300 lbs per square foot, which comfortably accommodates a full 275-gallon tote on its 45" × 45" footprint.
Denser Fluids
Fluids denser than water — diesel (6.8 lb/gal), lubricating oil (7.4 lb/gal), and chemical solutions — will push total weight above the water calculation. Always calculate fluid weight × specific gravity and confirm the total does not exceed the tote's maximum gross weight rating, printed on the UN dataplate.
Stacking IBC Totes
IBC totes are designed with stacking lugs on the top cage frame that lock into the pallet of the tote above, providing stability during storage and transport.
Empty Stacking
Most manufacturers rate their totes for stacking 4 units high when empty. This is the maximum safe height for warehouse storage without special racking.
Full Stacking
Stacking full IBC totes requires careful consideration. Most composite totes are rated for 2-high stacking when full, but this varies by model. Check the UN dataplate on the tote — it will show the stacking load rating in kg. Never exceed this value.
Racking
For storing more than 2 full totes vertically, purpose-built IBC racking systems are required. These distribute the load through the rack structure rather than through the totes themselves.
Maximum 2 high when full — 4 high when empty
Pallet Size & Floor Footprint
The 275 and 330-gallon totes share a 45" × 45" pallet footprint — slightly larger than a standard 40" × 48" wood pallet. The 110 and 135-gallon totes use a smaller 34" × 34" footprint. When planning floor space, add clearance for access and valve operation.
Spill Containment Sizing
EPA secondary containment regulations require containment capacity equal to 110% of the largest single container. For a 275-gallon tote, that means a containment pallet rated for at least 303 gallons. Standard IBC spill containment pallets are available in single-tote and double-tote configurations — see our IBC Tote Spill Containment Guide for compliant options.
Doorway Clearance
A 275-gallon IBC tote (45" wide) will not pass through a standard 36" doorway. Standard double-door industrial openings (72"+) accommodate IBC totes. Plan your access routes before taking delivery — IBC totes must typically be moved with a forklift or pallet jack that can reach the tote pallet openings.