IBC Tote Dimensions & Capacity: The Definitive Reference
The two most common IBC totes are the 275-gallon (approx. 40" L × 48" W × 46" H) and the 330-gallon (approx. 40" L × 48" W × 53" H). Both share a standard 40" × 48" footprint that matches a GMA pallet, so they ship two-wide and stack two-high — up to about 40 totes fit in a 53' dry van.
The genius of the IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) is standardization. A shared 40" × 48" footprint means totes palletize, stack, and ship predictably — which is exactly why they've displaced drums across so many industries.
Standard capacities
- 275 US gallons (1,040 L) — the workhorse size.
- 330 US gallons (1,250 L) — same footprint, taller bottle.
- Less common: 120, 180, and 550 gallon variants for specialized uses.
Footprint & stacking
Because the base matches a standard GMA pallet (40" × 48"), IBC totes load two-abreast in a 53' trailer and stack two-high when full (and higher when empty and nested-caged). Plan roughly 40 totes per truckload for full units — more for empties. See our size chart for the complete grid, tare weights, and freight-planning tables.
Empty totes weigh roughly 120–160 lbs depending on cage and pallet type; a full 275-gallon tote of water weighs about 2,400 lbs. Always account for both tare and gross weight in freight planning.
For the full data set — including cage types, valve sizes, cap threads, and material specs — visit our dedicated size-chart reference.
Related guides
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