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" | 48" | 48" | 34" |
| Width | 34" | 40" | 40" | 34" |
| Height (with pallet) | 40" | 46" | 53" | 47" |
| Pallet Footprint | 34" × 34" | 48" × 40" | 48" × 40" | 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.
The Valve Thread Explained: S60×6 vs 2″ BSP vs NPT
The valve thread question causes more returned parts and failed connections than any other IBC tote specification. The confusion exists because two different thread standards are used on the same valve assembly — at opposite ends.
| What You Want to Do | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Attach a garden hose | Adapter from valve outlet (2″ BSP or NPT) to garden hose thread (¾″ GHT). Sold as "IBC tote adapter" — widely available. |
| Attach PVC or camlock | Adapter matching your outlet thread (confirm BSP vs NPT first). Camlock is often already the termination on the outlet cap. |
| Replace the entire valve | S60×6 buttress-thread valve. This is the bottle-side thread — not a pipe size. |
| Convert to a different plant standard | Adapter fittings exist, but each adapter adds a potential leak point and increases the height of the valve assembly. Standardise on the thread type matching your incoming containers rather than adapting every unit. |
| Mini IBC (110–135 gal) | Typically 1″ ball valve with S60×6 or BSP/NPT connection — sometimes a spigot-style tap for low-volume dispensing. |
Full fitting guide: IBC Tote Fittings Guide →
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 48" × 40" 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 48" × 40" 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.
IBC Tote Liters to Gallons Converter
IBC totes sold outside North America are sized in liters. Use this converter to switch between liters and US gallons instantly — or jump straight to the common IBC size conversions below.
Common IBC Tote Size Conversions
Space Planning: Doorways, Clearances & Transport
| Requirement | Dimension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum doorway width | 42 inches | Tote is 40″ on narrow axis; 42″ minimum for safe clearance including cage |
| Side clearance (per side) | 2 inches minimum | Each side of the tote for safe placement and inspection access |
| Forklift aisle between rows | 12 feet | Minimum for forklift turning and safe manoeuvring |
| Pallet jack aisle at fill point | 96 inches (8 feet) | Minimum clearance for pallet jack access and operator |
| Pallet racking opening | 49″ × 49″ | Standard rack position for GMA-pallet IBC totes |
| Selective rack beam spacing | 42–44″ inside dimension | Allows 1–2 inches clearance each side of the 40″-wide tote |
| Vertical clearance — 275-gal double stack | 8 feet clear | Two 275s stacked (46″ + 46″ + handling clearance) typically clears 8-ft ceiling |
| Vertical clearance — 330-gal double stack | 10 feet clear | 330s are 53″ tall; 10-ft clearance required for safe top access when stacked |
| Standard 8-ft warehouse door | Clears a 330-gal tote (53″) | Factor in forklift operator height when calculating clearances |
Transport: How Many IBC Totes Per Vehicle
| Vehicle | Floor Positions | Double-Stacked | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53-foot dry van | 20 GMA pallet positions | Up to 40 (275-gal); stacking varies by product and carrier | Both 275 and 330 fit the same number of floor positions — the 330 moves 20% more product per trip at no extra freight cost |
| 40-foot high-cube ocean container | 20 floor positions | ~40 × 275-gal totes double-stacked | 330-gal stacking depends on container height and product weight |
| Full-size pickup truck | 1 tote (footprint fits) | — | Full of water exceeds most payload ratings. Transport empty or partially filled only. |
| Verify tote count and stacking configuration with your carrier — double-stacking assumptions vary. Filled stacking depends on unit stack rating, product density, and cage condition. | |||
Manufacturer Dimensions: Schutz vs. Mauser vs. Greif
The three dominant IBC manufacturers — Schutz, Mauser Packaging Solutions, and Greif — each produce 275-gallon composite totes within a tight dimensional range, but with minor differences that matter for accessories, replacement parts, and stacking compatibility. All three produce to ISO 11898 standards and carry UN 31H1 certification.
| Spec | Schutz Ecobulk MX | Mauser IBC | Greif Tri-Sure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal Capacity | 275 gal (1,040 L) | 275 gal (1,040 L) | 275 gal (1,040 L) |
| Overall Height | 46.5" | 46" | 46.5" |
| Width × Depth | 48" × 40" | 48" × 40" | 48" × 40" |
| Empty Weight | ~130 lbs | ~125 lbs | ~119 lbs |
| Pallet Type | Composite (plastic/steel) | Steel | Composite |
| Top Bung | 150mm (6") | 150mm (6") | 150mm (6") |
| Bottom Valve | 2" BSP butterfly | 2" BSP butterfly | 2" BSP butterfly |
| Cage Material | Galvanized steel | Galvanized steel | Galvanized steel |
| Stacking Load (full) | 2-high rated | 2-high rated | 2-high rated |
| Inner Bottle | Virgin HDPE | Virgin HDPE | Virgin HDPE |
Note: WERIT (the German manufacturer featured in our reusable IBC program coverage) also produces 275-gallon and 330-gallon IBCs to the same dimensional standard. All major brand accessories and replacement parts are interchangeable at the 2" BSP valve and 150mm bung.
Chemical Tote Sizes — Same Container, Industrial Context
"Chemical tote" is a common industrial term for the same composite IBC tote used in other applications — the name simply reflects that the container is being used for chemical storage or transport rather than water, food, or agricultural use. The dimensions are identical to those listed throughout this guide.
When searching for "chemical tote dimensions," "chemical tote sizes," or "standard tote dimensions," you're looking for the same container. What changes with chemical applications is the compatibility requirement — the HDPE inner container must be chemically compatible with the specific fluid being stored, and the IBC must carry the appropriate UN certification for the hazard class of the chemical.
| Common Term | Capacity | Dimensions (L×W×H) | What Changes for Chemical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical tote (small) | 110 gal (420 L) | 34" × 34" × 40" | UN 31H1 certification, HDPE compatibility check |
| Chemical tote (standard) | 275 gal (1,040 L) | 48" × 40" × 46" | UN 31H1; HDPE must be compatible with specific chemical; secondary containment required |
| Chemical tote (large) | 330 gal (1,250 L) | 48" × 40" × 53" | Same as 275-gallon, higher total volume for containment sizing |
| Stainless chemical IBC | 275–330 gal | Similar footprint, heavier | Required for acids, solvents, and high-purity pharma applications where HDPE is incompatible |
How Many IBC Totes Fit in a Shipping Container or Truck?
When ordering IBC totes in bulk or planning logistics, knowing how many units fit in standard transport formats saves significant freight cost. The 275 and 330-gallon totes share the same 48" × 40" footprint, so these calculations apply to both.
| Transport Format | Interior Dimensions (approx.) | 275/330-Gal IBCs (single layer) | With Stacking (2-high empty) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-foot ISO container | 239" × 91" × 94" | 4–6 IBCs (2×2 or 2×3 depending on loading) | Up to 12 empty |
| 40-foot ISO container | 480" × 91" × 94" | 10–12 IBCs | Up to 24 empty |
| 48-foot flatbed | 576" × 102" × — | 12–14 IBCs (2 wide × 6–7 long) | Varies by weight limit |
| Standard pickup truck bed (8 ft) | 96" × 50" × — | 1 IBC (empty only; ~130 lbs — check payload rating) | Not applicable |
| Standard doorway (36" wide) | 36" clear width | Does not fit — 275-gal IBC is 45" wide | — |
| Industrial double door (72") | 72" clear width | Fits — 45" tote passes with clearance | — |
Note: Weight limits, not volume, often determine actual load quantities for full totes. A full 275-gallon IBC weighs ~2,300 lbs — truck payload capacity typically limits bulk shipments well before floor space is exhausted.
Decoding the UN Dataplate on an IBC Tote
Every IBC tote carries a UN certification dataplate — a metal or embossed label on the cage frame that provides the container's complete certification data. If you're evaluating a used tote or verifying compliance for chemical transport, this plate tells you everything you need to know.
| Dataplate Field | What It Means | Standard Value for 275-gal Composite IBC |
|---|---|---|
| UN 31H1 | IBC type code: 31 = IBC; H = HDPE plastic; 1 = composite (plastic inner, steel outer frame) | UN 31H1 — standard for all composite HDPE IBCs |
| Max gross weight | Maximum permitted total weight including contents | Typically 2,860 lbs (1,300 kg) for 275-gal |
| Stacking load | Maximum weight that can be placed on top of this container | Typically 4,400 lbs (2,000 kg) when empty; verify for your model |
| Date of manufacture | Quarter and year the container was made (e.g., "3/22" = Q3 2022) | Used to calculate age for recertification decisions |
| Country code | Country where the IBC was manufactured and certified | DE (Germany), US, FR common for major brands |
| Approval body | Testing authority that certified the design | BAM (Germany), DOT (US), or national equivalent |
| Packing group | Hazard packing group the IBC is rated for (I, II, or III) | Most composite IBCs are rated II and III; Group I (most hazardous) typically requires stainless steel |