IBC sizing & specification grid
Find capacity, footprint, valve sizes, and stack ratings with detailed guidance for operations teams.
Core size chart
| Capacity | Typical footprint | Height | Valve size | Stack rating | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 gal | 48" x 40" | 46"-49" | 2" butterfly | 2-high (loaded) | Food, beverage, ingredients |
| 330 gal | 48" x 40" | 53"-56" | 2" camlock | 3-high (empty) | Chemical, manufacturing |
| 275 gal composite | 44" x 44" | 46"-50" | 2" valve | 2-high (loaded) | Agri blends, irrigation |
| Custom | Varies | Varies | 3" discharge | Custom | Hazmat, specialty |
Detailed sizing notes
Field guides
In-depth articles are available directly from this page.
Valve sizing quick view
| Valve size | Common type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | Butterfly | General liquids | Standard for most 275-330 gal totes |
| 3 in | Camlock | High-flow discharge | Often requested for rapid unload |
| 2 in | Ball valve | Food-grade | Smooth interior for cleaning |
Measurement tips
Measure from pallet base to cage top for accurate height. Include any lid or vent hardware in your measurement. Footprint is measured at the pallet base, not the cage.
Stacking guidance
Confirm weight and fill level before stacking above one level. Full totes are typically rated for 2-high stacking. Empty totes can often stack 4-high. Always verify cage condition first.
Spec sheets
We can email specific manufacturer spec sheets on request. Major brands include Schutz, Mauser, Greif, and custom configurations. Contact us with your requirements.
Detailed dimensions by configuration
| Configuration | Length | Width | Height | Tare weight | Max gross weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 gal / wood pallet | 48" | 40" | 46" | 120-135 lbs | 2,200 lbs |
| 275 gal / plastic pallet | 48" | 40" | 46" | 115-125 lbs | 2,200 lbs |
| 275 gal / steel pallet | 48" | 40" | 47" | 145-160 lbs | 2,500 lbs |
| 330 gal / wood pallet | 48" | 40" | 53" | 135-150 lbs | 2,700 lbs |
| 330 gal / plastic pallet | 48" | 40" | 53" | 130-140 lbs | 2,700 lbs |
| 330 gal / steel pallet | 48" | 40" | 54" | 165-180 lbs | 3,000 lbs |
Dimensions may vary by manufacturer. Always verify specific measurements for your application.
Pallet types compared
Wooden pallets
The most common pallet type. Affordable and widely compatible with standard pallet jacks and forklifts. Can be repaired or replaced easily. Not ideal for wet environments or chemical exposure.
Plastic pallets
Molded HDPE pallets offer chemical resistance and easy cleaning. Lighter than wood and won't splinter. Higher upfront cost but longer service life. Preferred for food-grade applications.
Steel pallets
Heavy-duty steel pallets handle the highest loads. Excellent for outdoor storage and rough handling. Heaviest option but most durable. Often used for hazmat and industrial applications.
Valve specifications detailed
Butterfly valves
The most common valve type. A disc rotates within the valve body to control flow. Simple operation with a lever handle. Good for general liquids but not ideal for highly viscous products.
Ball valves
A ball with a bore rotates to open or close flow. Provides better seal than butterfly valves. Smooth interior is easier to clean-preferred for food-grade applications. Handles viscous products better.
Camlock adapters
Quick-connect fittings that allow fast hose attachment. Available in various materials (aluminum, stainless steel, polypropylene). Can be added to existing valves for convenience.
Valve sizing chart
| Size | Flow rate | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 2" NPS | ~30 GPM | Standard discharge |
| 2.5" NPS | ~45 GPM | Medium flow |
| 3" NPS | ~70 GPM | High-volume discharge |
Flow rates are approximate and vary with product viscosity and head pressure.
Cage construction types
Welded tube steel
Most common cage construction. Square or round steel tubing welded into a frame. Galvanized coating provides corrosion resistance. Typical gauge: 14-16.
Reinforced steel frame
Thicker gauge steel (12-14) with additional corner bracing. Designed for demanding applications including stacking, outdoor storage, and rough handling.
Stainless steel cage
304 or 316 stainless steel construction for maximum corrosion resistance. Required for some food, pharmaceutical, and chemical applications. Premium pricing.
Liner and bottle specifications
HDPE bottle construction
IBC bottles are blow-molded from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Wall thickness typically ranges from 3mm to 5mm depending on manufacturer and rating. Thicker walls provide better chemical resistance and impact protection.
Liner options
Liner replacement is available for totes with sound cages but damaged bottles. Contact us for pricing and availability.
UN performance ratings
| UN code | Description | Max specific gravity | Test pressure | Service life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UN31A | Rigid plastic IBC | 1.2-1.9 | 14.5 PSI | 5 years from mfg |
| UN31H1 | Composite - plastic inner, rigid outer | 1.2-1.9 | 14.5 PSI | 5 years from mfg |
| UN31H2 | Composite - plastic inner, steel frame | 1.2-2.0 | 14.5 PSI | 5 years from mfg |
UN ratings are required for hazardous materials transport. Service life applies to DOT-regulated shipments only.
Transport and logistics considerations
Truck capacity
Standard 53-foot trailer: 20-24 totes (single layer). Box truck: 8-12 totes depending on size. Flatbed: 20-24 totes (single layer). Always verify weight limits.
Forklift requirements
Minimum 3,000 lb capacity forklift for handling full totes. Fork length: 42" minimum for standard pallets. Ensure adequate lift height for stacking operations.
Storage space planning
275-gallon totes: ~13.3 sq ft footprint each. 330-gallon totes: ~13.3 sq ft footprint each. Allow aisle space for forklift access (minimum 12 feet for standard equipment).
Sizing FAQ
What's the difference between 275 and 330 gallon?
The main difference is height-330-gallon totes are about 7" taller with the same footprint. This means more capacity without requiring more floor space. However, the taller height may affect stacking and storage arrangements.
Can I stack different sizes together?
We don't recommend mixing sizes when stacking. The height difference can cause instability. If you must stack different sizes, put larger/heavier totes on the bottom and ensure adequate support.
How do I measure for replacement parts?
For valves: measure the outlet diameter at the threads (usually 2" or 3" NPS). For caps: measure the opening diameter. For gaskets: measure inner and outer diameter plus thickness. We can help identify parts from photos.
What size fits a standard pallet rack?
Standard 275-gallon totes (48" x 40") fit standard pallet rack with 48" beams. Verify your rack's weight capacity before storing full totes. Most racks handle 2,500 lbs per shelf position.
Are there metric-sized IBCs?
Yes, European IBCs use metric dimensions (1000L = 264 gallons). These have different pallet sizes (typically 1200mm x 1000mm). We primarily stock US-standard sizes but can source metric on request.
How do I convert between gallons and liters?
275 gallons = 1,041 liters. 330 gallons = 1,249 liters. For quick math: multiply gallons by 3.785 to get liters, or divide liters by 3.785 to get gallons.
Our team can recommend specifications based on your application.