A standard 275-gallon IBC tote measures about 48 x 40 x 46 inches (length x width x height). The 330-gallon IBC tote uses the same 48 x 40 inch base but stands about 53 inches tall. Both sit on a GMA pallet and work with a forklift or pallet jack.

This guide gives IBC tote dimensions in inches, cm and mm. It also covers capacity, weight and space planning for US buyers. You will find the 1000 litre, 600 litre and 500 litre sizes too.

Standard IBC Tote Dimensions & Capacity (2026)

An IBC tote is a reusable container on a pallet. People also call it an IBC tank, tote tank or intermediate bulk container. ISO 15867 defines an IBC as a container of 3,000 liters or less that can be handled by machine. That cap equals about 793 gallons.

Here are the standard IBC tote dimensions most US buyers see:

Size	L x W x H (in)	L x W x H (cm)	Capacity	Empty weight
275 gallon	48 x 40 x 46	121.9 x 101.6 x 116.8	275 gal (1,040 L)	about 118 lb
330 gallon	48 x 40 x 53	121.9 x 101.6 x 134.6	330 gal (1,250 L)	about 130 lb
1000 litre	47.2 x 39.4 x 45.7	120 x 100 x 116	1,000 L (264 gal)	about 121 lb (55 kg)
600 litre	47.2 x 31.5 x 31.5	120 x 80 x 80	600 L (159 gal)	about 88 lb (40 kg)

Heights include the pallet. Exact figures shift by a few inches between makers. For example, the Schütz Ecobulk MX 1000 datasheet lists 1,160 mm. The Mauser SM15 datasheet lists 1,162 mm.

Why does a 275 gallon tote say 1,000 L on the label? The label shows the nominal fill volume. The brimful capacity is about 1,040 L, or 275 gallons.

Totes also replace 55-gallon drums:

• A 275 gallon IBC equals five drums.
• A 330 gallon IBC equals six drums.
• A 550 gallon IBC equals ten drums.

The GMA pallet is the standard 48 x 40 inch US pallet. Most totes are built to fit it. Some models run closer to 45 x 45 inches.

IBC Tote Height, Width & Length by Size

Length and width stay fixed. Only IBC tote height grows with capacity. A 275 gallon tote is about 46 inches tall. A 330 gallon tote adds 7 inches. The 275 gallon bottle alone stands about 39.5 inches. The pallet adds about 6.5 inches.

Metal totes use a different base:

Type	Capacity	L x W x H (in)
Caged composite	275 gal	48 x 40 x 46
Caged composite	330 gal	48 x 40 x 53
Stainless or carbon steel	180 gal	42 x 48 x 27
Stainless or carbon steel	250 gal	42 x 48 x 35
Stainless or carbon steel	300 gal	42 x 48 x 41
Stainless or carbon steel	350 gal	42 x 48 x 47
Stainless or carbon steel	450 gal	42 x 48 x 59
Stainless or carbon steel	550 gal	42 x 48 x 71
Megatainer (plastic)	550 gal	81 x 48 x 60

The base pallet also matters. It changes the empty weight of a 275 gallon tote:

• Wood pallet: about 118 lb
• Plastic pallet: about 110 lb
• Steel pallet: about 145 lb

Wood is the lowest cost. Plastic suits food-grade use. Steel lasts the longest.

Writing

Choosing the right IBC tote dimensions helps you plan storage and warehouse space efficiently, and the same attention to measurements matters when selecting materials for construction or DIY projects. Understanding standard plywood sizes and thicknesses can help you choose the right sheets for shelving, platforms, and other practical applications.

1000 Litre, 600 Litre & 500 Litre IBC Sizes

The 1000 litre IBC is the standard outside the US. It measures about 1,200 x 1,000 x 1,160 mm. The footprint is about 1.2 square meters. Filled with water, it weighs about 1,055 kg.

To convert liters to US gallons, multiply by 0.264. So 1,000 L is about 264 gallons. A US 275 gallon tote is a little larger.

Smaller IBC tank sizes exist too:

• 800 litre: about 1,200 x 1,000 x 1,000 mm
• 600 litre: about 1,200 x 800 x 800 mm

The 600 litre model is the smallest common caged IBC. It still stacks and has an outlet valve.

What about 500 litre tanks? A standard caged IBC does not come in 500 L. Tanks near that size are usually barrel or drum style. Sizes vary by maker, so check the datasheet. Need a caged tote? Step up to 600 L.

Note the pallet too. A 1000 litre IBC base is 1,200 x 1,000 mm. A Euro pallet is only 1,200 x 800 mm.

IBC Tote Weight, Pallet Fit & Space Planning Tips

A full 275 gallon tote of water weighs about 2,413 lb. A full 330 gallon tote weighs about 2,882 lb. Water weighs 8.34 lb per gallon.

Use this formula for other liquids:

Gallons x 8.34 x specific gravity + empty weight = full weight

Example: 275 gallons of diesel (specific gravity 0.85) weighs about 2,067 lb. The same tote of corn syrup (1.38) weighs about 3,283 lb.

Check the UN rating before you fill. The rating sets the heaviest liquid the tote can hold:

• Z rating: specific gravity up to 1.2
• Y rating: up to 1.4
• X rating: up to 1.8

IBC performance rules sit in 49 CFR Part 178, Subpart N.

Run these fit checks before delivery:

• Doorways: a 40 inch wide tote will not pass a 36 inch door. Plan for 42 inches or more.
• Ceilings: two stacked 275 gallon totes stand 92 inches. Add room for sprinklers and lights.
• Floor load: a full 275 gallon tote presses about 181 pounds per square foot. Stacking two doubles it.
• Forklift aisles: plan about 12 feet for a sit-down forklift.
• Stacking: follow the UN marking and the maker’s limits.
• Pickup trucks: the footprint fits, but a full tote exceeds most payload ratings.

FAQs About IBC Tote Dimensions

What are the dimensions of a 275 gallon IBC tote?

A 275 gallon IBC tote measures about 48 x 40 x 46 inches (121.9 x 101.6 x 116.8 cm) with its pallet. It weighs about 118 lb empty.

What are the dimensions of a 1000 litre IBC?

A 1000 litre IBC measures about 1,200 x 1,000 x 1,160 mm (47.2 x 39.4 x 45.7 in). It weighs about 55 kg empty.

What are the dimensions of a 330 gallon IBC tote?

A 330 gallon IBC tote measures about 48 x 40 x 53 inches (121.9 x 101.6 x 134.6 cm). It shares the 275 gallon base but is 7 inches taller.

What are the dimensions of a 500 litre IBC tank?

There is no standard caged 500 litre IBC tank. Most 500 L tanks are barrel or drum style. Sizes vary by maker, so check the datasheet. For a caged tote, the next size up is 600 L.

What size is a 600 litre IBC tank?

A 600 litre IBC tank measures about 1,200 x 800 x 800 mm (47.2 x 31.5 x 31.5 in). It holds about 159 gallons and weighs about 40 kg empty.

What size is a 500 litre tank?

A 500 litre tank holds about 132 US gallons. Its shape and size depend on the maker, since there is no IBC standard for it. Always confirm the length, width and height on the product datasheet.

Conclusion

The standard IBC tote dimensions to remember are the 48 x 40 inch base, 46 inches tall for 275 gallons, and 53 inches tall for 330 gallons. Always check the weight, door width and floor load before delivery. Measure your space, then match the IBC tote size to your liquid and pallet. Confirm exact numbers on the maker’s datasheet.