IBC sizing guide
Dimensions, capacities, and typical use cases for used and reconditioned IBC totes.
Selecting the right IBC size ensures efficient storage, handling, and product compatibility. This guide covers standard dimensions, weight capacities, and practical considerations to help you choose containers that fit your facility and operational requirements.
IBC size specifications
| Size | Capacity | Length | Width | Height | Tare weight | Full weight (water) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275-gallon standard | 275 gal / 1,040 L | 48" | 40" | 46" | ~145 lbs | ~2,430 lbs |
| 330-gallon high cube | 330 gal / 1,250 L | 48" | 40" | 53" | ~160 lbs | ~2,900 lbs |
| 264-gallon (1000L) | 264 gal / 1,000 L | 48" | 40" | 45" | ~140 lbs | ~2,340 lbs |
| Compact 250 | 250 gal / 946 L | 43" | 39" | 46" | ~130 lbs | ~2,200 lbs |
Note: Dimensions and weights vary by manufacturer. Tare weights depend on pallet type (steel pallets are heavier). Full weights shown are for water (SG 1.0); denser products will weigh more.
275 vs. 330 gallon: which to choose?
275-gallon (standard)
The most common IBC size and the industry standard. Fits most facilities and handling equipment without height restrictions.
Choose 275-gallon when:
- Ceiling height is a constraint
- Standard is specified by customer
- Maximum stacking is needed
- Handling higher-density products
- Cost savings on freight is priority
- Mixing with existing 275-gal fleet
Considerations:
- Lower cost per container
- More units fit per truck (sometimes)
- 20% less capacity than 330
330-gallon (high cube)
Maximum capacity in the same footprint. Ideal when you want to minimize container counts and handling labor.
Choose 330-gallon when:
- Maximizing volume per container
- Reducing handling frequency
- Lower-density products (more volume)
- Storage space is premium
- Fewer containers means cost savings
- Ceiling height allows 53" containers
Considerations:
- Higher per-unit cost
- May limit stacking in some facilities
- Heavier when full
Space planning and footprint
Standard 48" x 40" footprint
Both 275-gallon and 330-gallon IBCs use the standard pallet footprint (48" x 40"), compatible with standard racking and handling equipment.
Floor space per IBC:
- 13.3 square feet per container
- 7.5 containers per 100 sq ft
- Compatible with pallet racking
Ceiling height requirements
Consider ceiling height for stacking and forklift clearance. Higher containers need more vertical space.
Height planning:
- 275-gal: 46" per level
- 330-gal: 53" per level
- 2-high stack: double + clearance
- Allow 12"+ for forklift mast
Aisle requirements
Plan adequate aisle width for your forklift type and operation style.
Typical requirements:
- Standard forklift: 12-14' aisles
- Narrow aisle: 8-10' aisles
- Very narrow aisle: 5-6' aisles
- Add buffer for safety
Truck loading
IBCs fit efficiently on standard trailers. Understanding truck capacity helps optimize shipping.
Typical truck capacity:
- 53' trailer: 20-22 IBCs single layer
- Double-stacked: 40-44 IBCs
- Weight limits may restrict before space
- Dense products limit quantity
Weight calculations
Understanding filled weights is critical for handling equipment capacity, floor loading, and transportation planning.
| IBC Size | Product SG | Product weight | Tare weight | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 gallon | 1.0 (water) | 2,293 lbs | ~145 lbs | ~2,440 lbs |
| 275 gallon | 1.2 | 2,752 lbs | ~145 lbs | ~2,900 lbs |
| 275 gallon | 1.5 | 3,440 lbs | ~145 lbs | ~3,585 lbs |
| 330 gallon | 1.0 (water) | 2,752 lbs | ~160 lbs | ~2,910 lbs |
| 330 gallon | 1.2 | 3,302 lbs | ~160 lbs | ~3,460 lbs |
| 330 gallon | 1.5 | 4,128 lbs | ~160 lbs | ~4,288 lbs |
SG = Specific Gravity. Water = 1.0. Heavier liquids (acids, syrups) have higher SG. Always verify your product's specific gravity.
Stacking guidelines
General stacking rules
IBCs are designed for stacking when properly filled and positioned. Follow these guidelines for safe stacking.
Stacking limits:
- Full IBCs: 2-high maximum (most)
- Empty IBCs: 4-high maximum
- Follow manufacturer rating
- Reduce for aged containers
Proper technique:
- Stack on level, solid surface
- Align corners precisely
- Never offset or overhang
- Check top frame condition
Product weight considerations
High-density products increase stack loading. Consider product weight when planning stacking heights.
Stack weight limits:
- SG 1.0-1.2: Standard 2-high OK
- SG 1.3-1.5: Verify stack rating
- SG 1.6+: May require single-high
- Check UN certification for limits
Safety factors:
- Seismic zones: Reduce stacking
- High-traffic areas: Consider barriers
- Temperature extremes: Verify HDPE rating
Pallet specifications by type
| Pallet type | Typical weight | Fork pocket size | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite (wood/plastic) | 35-45 lbs | 4" x 7" openings | General industrial use |
| Steel galvanized | 55-75 lbs | 4" x 7" openings | Heavy-duty, outdoor |
| Plastic (HDPE) | 25-35 lbs | 4" x 7" openings | Food-grade, washdown |
| Wood | 40-50 lbs | 3.5" x 7" openings | Economy, single use |
Valve sizing guide
Valve size affects flow rate and dispensing time. Choose based on product viscosity and required flow rates.
2" ball valve (standard)
Standard valve for most applications. Provides good flow for water-like viscosity products.
Specifications:
- Orifice: 2" (DN50)
- Flow rate: ~50-80 GPM (gravity)
- Best for: Water-like products
- Drain time: ~5-8 minutes
2" butterfly valve
Better flow control than ball valve. Popular for food and chemical applications.
Specifications:
- Orifice: 2" (DN50)
- Flow rate: ~60-90 GPM
- Best for: Controlled dispensing
- Variable flow control
3" butterfly valve
Larger opening for viscous products or when faster discharge is needed.
Specifications:
- Orifice: 3" (DN80)
- Flow rate: ~100-150 GPM
- Best for: Viscous products
- Drain time: ~3-5 minutes
Camlock adapters
Quick-connect fittings for efficient transfer operations. Multiple sizes available.
Common sizes:
- 1.5" - Small transfer lines
- 2" - Standard transfer
- 3" - High-volume transfer
- Match to your hose system
Fill height and headspace
Proper fill levels
Leave adequate headspace for thermal expansion, especially for products shipped or stored in varying temperatures.
Fill guidelines:
- Standard fill: 95% of capacity
- Hot fill: 90% of capacity
- Cold storage product: 97% OK
- Check product requirements
Thermal expansion
Liquid products expand when heated. Insufficient headspace can cause leaks or container damage.
Expansion factors:
- Water: ~0.02% per °F
- Oils: ~0.04% per °F
- Alcohols: ~0.06% per °F
- Allow 2-5% headspace typically
Size recommendations by application
| Application | Recommended size | Valve | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food ingredients (oils, syrups) | 275 or 330 | 2" butterfly | 330 for high-volume operations |
| Industrial chemicals | 275 standard | 2" ball | Match UN rating to product |
| Water treatment | 275 or 330 | 2" ball | 330 reduces container changes |
| Lubricants and oils | 275 preferred | 2" or 3" butterfly | Consider viscosity |
| Coatings and adhesives | 275 standard | 3" butterfly | Larger valve for viscous products |
| Agricultural chemicals | 275 or 330 | 2" ball | Verify chemical compatibility |
Frequently asked questions
What's the actual capacity vs. nominal capacity?
Nominal capacities (275, 330 gallon) are approximate. Actual usable capacity is typically 2-5% less when accounting for proper fill levels with headspace.
Will a 330-gallon IBC fit in my facility?
Measure your door heights, ceiling clearance, and forklift lift height. 330-gallon IBCs are 53" tall versus 46" for 275-gallon. Two-high stacking requires approximately 9' clearance for 275-gal and 10.5' for 330-gal.
How do I calculate filled weight for my product?
Multiply capacity in gallons × 8.34 lbs × specific gravity, then add tare weight. For example: 275 gal × 8.34 × 1.2 SG + 145 lbs tare = 2,897 lbs total.
Can I mix 275 and 330 gallon IBCs in storage?
Yes, they share the same footprint. However, don't stack different sizes on top of each other—stack like sizes together. Different heights can also complicate rack configurations.
Need help selecting the right size?
Our team can help you determine the optimal IBC size for your application, considering your product, handling equipment, and facility constraints.