IBC Size Guide — Dimensions, Weights & Specifications
The most comprehensive IBC specification reference available. Dimensions, weights, capacities, valve specs, stacking guidelines, UN markings, and everything else you need to know.
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275 vs 330 Gallon — Full Comparison
The two standard IBC sizes share the same 48" x 40" footprint but differ in height, capacity, and weight. Here's a complete side-by-side comparison.
| Specification | 275 Gallon | 330 Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (Gallons) | 275 | 330 |
| Capacity (Liters) | 1,041 | 1,249 |
| Length | 48" (1,219 mm) | 48" (1,219 mm) |
| Width | 40" (1,016 mm) | 40" (1,016 mm) |
| Height | 46" (1,168 mm) | 53" (1,346 mm) |
| Empty Weight | ~130 lbs (59 kg) | ~145 lbs (66 kg) |
| Full Weight (Water) | ~2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | ~2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) |
| Fill Opening | 6" (150 mm) | 6" (150 mm) |
| Discharge Valve | 2" butterfly | 2" butterfly |
| Bottle Material | HDPE | HDPE |
| Bottle Wall Thickness | 2-3 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Cage Material | Galvanized Steel | Galvanized Steel |
| Pallet Size | 48" x 40" | 48" x 40" |
| Pallet Options | Steel or HDPE Plastic | Steel or HDPE Plastic |
| Stackable | Yes — 2-3 high (full) | Yes — 2 high (full) |
| UN/DOT Rated | Yes (when certified) | Yes (when certified) |
| Forklift Compatible | Yes — 4-way entry | Yes — 4-way entry |
275 Gallon IBC
Most Popular Size
The industry standard. Fits through standard doorways, works with all standard forklifts and pallet jacks, and offers the best balance of capacity and maneuverability. This is the size we sell most.
View 275 Gallon IBCs330 Gallon IBC
Maximum Capacity
20% more capacity on the same pallet footprint. The extra 7 inches of height provides 55 additional gallons. Ideal for operations that want to maximize volume per container while maintaining forklift compatibility.
View 330 Gallon IBCsStacking Guidelines
Proper stacking is critical for safety and container longevity. Always check the manufacturer's stacking load rating on the IBC label before stacking. Here are general guidelines:
Full IBCs on Flat, Level Surface
2-3 HighMaximum stacking depends on the IBC manufacturer's rating, the weight of the contents, and pallet type. Steel pallets support higher stacking loads than plastic pallets. Never exceed the stacking load rating printed on the IBC label.
Full IBCs on Racking
Per Rack RatingWhen stored on industrial racking, follow the rack manufacturer's load specifications. Ensure the rack is rated for the combined weight of the IBC plus contents (up to 2,900 lbs per unit for 330-gallon). Use appropriate beam spacing for the 48" x 40" pallet footprint.
Empty IBCs
4-5 HighEmpty IBCs can be stacked higher due to reduced weight, but cage integrity must be verified. Damaged or bent cages reduce stacking safety. Stack on flat, level surfaces and ensure bottom IBCs are in good structural condition.
During Transport
2 High MaximumDuring truck transport, full IBCs should be stacked no more than 2 high and properly secured with strapping or blocking to prevent shifting. A standard 53-foot trailer can hold 56-60 empty IBCs or approximately 20 full IBCs depending on weight limits.
Important Safety Note
Never stack IBCs with damaged cages, bent frames, or cracked pallets. Always verify the stacking load rating stamped on the IBC label. When in doubt, do not stack. Improper stacking can result in container failure, spills, and serious injury. Contact us if you need guidance on safe stacking practices for your specific setup.
Pallet Dimensions & Types
The pallet is the foundation of your IBC. Choosing the right pallet type affects stacking capacity, weight, chemical compatibility, and cost.
Steel Pallet
Advantages
- Maximum durability and stacking strength
- Fully recyclable steel construction
- Best for outdoor and heavy-duty applications
- Longest service life
Limitations
- Heavier than plastic pallets
- Can rust if galvanizing is damaged
- Higher shipping cost due to weight
Plastic (HDPE) Pallet
Advantages
- Lighter weight reduces shipping costs
- Corrosion-proof and chemical resistant
- Easy to clean — ideal for food-grade
- No splinters or sharp edges
Limitations
- Lower stacking capacity than steel
- Can crack under extreme cold or impact
- May deform under sustained heavy loads
Valve Specifications
The discharge valve is one of the most important components of an IBC. Understanding valve types, sizes, and compatibility ensures proper flow control and leak-free operation.
2" NPS Butterfly Valve
Connection
2" NPS (National Pipe Straight) thread, 2.375" OD
Flow Rate
~80-100 GPM fully open
Material
Polypropylene body, EPDM or Viton gasket
Operation
Quarter-turn lever handle, 0-90 degree rotation
The industry standard for composite IBCs. Compatible with standard 2" cam-lock adapters, garden hose adapters, and pump connections. Replacement valves are widely available and easy to install.
2" Ball Valve
Connection
2" NPS thread, 2.375" OD
Flow Rate
~100-120 GPM fully open
Material
Polypropylene or stainless steel body, PTFE seats
Operation
Quarter-turn lever handle, full-bore flow path
Offers a more positive seal than butterfly valves and better flow characteristics for viscous liquids. Preferred for chemical applications requiring a drip-free shutoff. Slightly more expensive than butterfly valves.
3" Butterfly Valve
Connection
3" NPS thread, 3.500" OD
Flow Rate
~180-225 GPM fully open
Material
Polypropylene body, EPDM gasket
Operation
Quarter-turn lever handle
Available on select 330-gallon IBCs and as an upgrade option. Provides approximately 2.25x the flow rate of a 2" valve. Useful for viscous liquids and applications requiring fast discharge. Requires 3" adapters and fittings.
UN/DOT Marking Explanations
Every certified IBC carries a UN/DOT marking that tells you exactly what it's rated for. Understanding these codes is essential for regulatory compliance, especially when storing or transporting hazardous materials.
Composite IBC, rigid plastic inner receptacle with structural outer packaging
The "31" indicates a rigid IBC for liquids. "H" designates plastic material. "A" indicates the inner receptacle type. "1" means it is designed for solids that are loaded/discharged by gravity. This is the most common UN designation for composite IBCs.
Composite IBC, rigid plastic inner with rigid plastic outer
Similar to 31HA1 but with a plastic outer framework instead of steel. Less common in standard composite IBCs but used in all-plastic IBC designs.
I (highest danger), II (medium danger), III (lowest danger)
The packing group rating indicates the level of hazard the IBC is certified to contain. Most used composite IBCs are rated for Packing Group II or III. Packing Group I requires the most robust construction and testing.
UN symbol / IBC type / Packing group / Gross mass / Year of manufacture / Country / Manufacturer
Example: UN 31HA1/Y/1200/24/USA/MAUSER. This tells you it is a UN-certified composite IBC (31HA1), rated for Packing Group II & III (/Y), with a gross mass rating of 1,200 kg, manufactured in 2024, in the USA, by Mauser. Always check these markings when selecting an IBC for hazardous material transport.
How to Measure an IBC
Need to verify an IBC's dimensions or confirm compatibility with your setup? Here's how to accurately measure each key dimension.
Overall Height
Measure from the bottom of the pallet to the top of the cage frame. Include the fill cap if it protrudes above the cage. Standard heights are 46" (275 gal) and 53" (330 gal). This measurement is critical for warehouse clearance and racking compatibility.
Length (Front to Back)
Measure the longest dimension of the pallet base. Standard composite IBCs are 48" (1,219 mm). Measure at the pallet, not the cage, as some cages may be slightly narrower than the pallet.
Width (Side to Side)
Measure the shorter dimension of the pallet base. Standard is 40" (1,016 mm). This dimension, combined with length, determines compatibility with standard truck beds, racking, and doorways.
Fill Opening Diameter
Measure the inner diameter of the top fill opening. Standard is 6" (150 mm) with a screw-on cap. Some IBCs have larger 8" openings for viscous materials or applications requiring wider access. Note the thread type for replacement lid compatibility.
Valve Connection Size
Measure the outer diameter of the valve outlet thread. Standard is 2" NPS (2.375" OD). Verify whether it is NPS (straight thread) or NPT (tapered thread) — most IBCs use NPS. This determines adapter and hose compatibility.
Pallet Height
Measure the height of just the pallet from the ground to the top of the pallet deck. Steel pallets are typically 5-6" tall. Plastic pallets are typically 5-7" tall. This is important for calculating fork insertion height.
Weight Capacity vs Specific Gravity
An IBC's maximum fill volume depends on the specific gravity (density) of the liquid being stored. Heavier liquids require reduced fill volumes to stay within the container's gross weight rating. Here's a reference table for standard composite IBCs rated at 2,293 lbs (275 gal) and 2,751 lbs (330 gal) maximum gross weight.
| Specific Gravity | Example Material | 275 Gal Max Fill | 330 Gal Max Fill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Water | 275 gal / 2,293 lbs | 330 gal / 2,751 lbs |
| 1.2 | Syrups, light acids | 229 gal / 2,293 lbs | 275 gal / 2,751 lbs |
| 1.4 | Concentrated acids | 196 gal / 2,293 lbs | 236 gal / 2,751 lbs |
| 1.6 | Sulfuric acid | 172 gal / 2,293 lbs | 206 gal / 2,751 lbs |
| 1.8 | Heavy chemicals | 153 gal / 2,293 lbs | 183 gal / 2,751 lbs |
| 0.8 | Oils, solvents | 275 gal / 1,834 lbs | 330 gal / 2,201 lbs |
How to calculate: Divide the IBC's maximum gross weight by the specific gravity of your liquid, then subtract the tare (empty) weight to find the maximum fill weight. Divide by the liquid's weight per gallon to find the maximum fill volume. When in doubt, err on the side of a lower fill level and consult the IBC manufacturer's specifications.
Temperature Ratings
Different IBC components have different temperature tolerances. Understanding these limits is critical for ensuring safe storage, especially for hot-fill applications or cold-climate outdoor storage.
| Component | Temperature Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HDPE Bottle (standard) | -40°F to 150°F (-40°C to 65°C) | Most common. Can soften and deform above 150°F. Becomes brittle below -40°F. |
| HDPE Bottle (high-temp) | -40°F to 175°F (-40°C to 80°C) | Specially formulated HDPE for higher temperature applications. Less common. |
| Steel Cage | -60°F to 400°F (-51°C to 204°C) | Galvanized steel maintains structural integrity across a wide temperature range. |
| Polypropylene Valve | 32°F to 200°F (0°C to 93°C) | Standard valve material. Can crack below freezing if liquid inside expands. |
| EPDM Gasket | -40°F to 250°F (-40°C to 121°C) | Standard gasket material. Good for water-based liquids and mild chemicals. |
| Viton Gasket | -15°F to 400°F (-26°C to 204°C) | Premium gasket for aggressive chemicals and high temperatures. Higher cost. |
Temperature Note
The weakest component determines the overall temperature rating of the IBC assembly. For standard composite IBCs with HDPE bottles and polypropylene valves, the practical operating range is 32°F to 150°F (0°C to 65°C). For temperatures outside this range, contact us to discuss your options — including IBC heaters, insulation blankets, and alternative valve materials.
Need Help With Specifications?
If you have questions about IBC dimensions, compatibility, or which size is right for your application, our team is here to help. We've been working with IBC totes for over 15 years and can provide expert guidance on any specification question.
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