IBC Tank Size Guide
The most comprehensive guide to IBC tank dimensions, capacities, and specifications. Everything you need to choose the perfect tank for your application.
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Quick Size Reference
Click a tank size to see detailed specifications below
Detailed Specifications: 275 Gallons
Most common size in the US. Fits standard pallet dimensions. Perfect for standard warehouse racks.
Physical Dimensions
Capacity Conversions
Weight Specifications
Technical Specifications
Common Applications
Complete Dimensions Reference Table
All specifications at a glance for easy comparison
| Specification | 275 Gal 1041 L | 330 Gal 1250 L | 264 Gal 1000 L | 550 Gal 2082 L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length | 48" | 48" | 48" | 48" |
| Width | 40" | 40" | 40" | 45" |
| Height | 46" | 53" | 45" | 67" |
| Footprint (sq ft) | 13.3 | 13.3 | 13.3 | 15.0 |
| Capacity | ||||
| US Gallons | 275 | 330 | 264 | 550 |
| Liters | 1,041 | 1,250 | 1,000 | 2,082 |
| Cubic Feet | 36.8 | 44.1 | 35.3 | 73.5 |
| Barrels (42 gal) | 6.5 | 7.9 | 6.3 | 13.1 |
| Weight | ||||
| Empty (lbs) | 132 | 142 | 127 | 225 |
| Full - Water (lbs) | 2,420 | 2,885 | 2,315 | 4,785 |
| Floor Load (psf) | 182 | 216 | 174 | 319 |
| Technical | ||||
| Valve Size | 2 inches (50mm) | 2 inches (50mm) | 2 inches (50mm) | 2-3 inches (50-75mm) |
| Top Opening | 6 inches (150mm) | 6 inches (150mm) | 6 inches (150mm) | 8 inches (200mm) |
| Stack Full | 2 high | 2 high | 2 high | 1 high |
| Stack Empty | 4 high | 4 high | 4 high | 2 high |
Weight Calculator by Liquid Type
Different liquids have different densities. Calculate the total weight of your filled tank.
Calculate Total Weight
Weight by Liquid Type:
Liquid Density Reference
Weight varies significantly based on what you're storing. Here's a reference for common liquids.
| Liquid | lbs/gallon | kg/liter | Specific Gravity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 8.34 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Diesel Fuel | 7.10 | 0.85 | 0.85 |
| Gasoline | 6.30 | 0.75 | 0.76 |
| Vegetable Oil | 7.70 | 0.92 | 0.92 |
| Milk | 8.60 | 1.03 | 1.03 |
| Honey | 11.90 | 1.43 | 1.43 |
| Glycerin | 10.50 | 1.26 | 1.26 |
| Ethanol | 6.60 | 0.79 | 0.79 |
Important Weight Considerations
- Always verify forklift capacity before moving full tanks
- Check floor load ratings, especially for stacked tanks
- Consider truck axle weight limits for transportation
- Heavier liquids may reduce maximum stacking height
Forklift & Handling Requirements
Proper equipment is essential for safe IBC tank handling
275 Gallons
330 Gallons
264 Gallons
550 Gallons
Equipment Requirements
Forklift Specifications
- Minimum 3,000 lb capacity for 275-gallon tanks
- Minimum 4,000 lb capacity for 330-gallon tanks
- Minimum 5,000-6,000 lb capacity for 550-gallon tanks
- Fork length: minimum 42 inches
- Fork width: 4-6 inches standard
- Lift height: tank height + 6 inches minimum clearance
Pallet Jack Requirements
- Heavy-duty pallet jack rated for tank weight
- Fork width compatible with pallet entry points
- Not recommended for full 550-gallon tanks
- Suitable for moving empty or partial tanks
Handling Safety Guidelines
Do:
- Always center the load on the forks
- Tilt mast back slightly when lifting
- Travel with load low and tilted back
- Check for leaks before lifting
- Ensure area is clear before moving
Don't:
- Never exceed forklift capacity rating
- Don't lift from one side only
- Avoid sudden stops or turns
- Never stand under a raised load
- Don't push tanks across the floor
Storage & Stacking Guidelines
Maximize your storage space safely with proper stacking techniques
Stacking Limits
Storage Area Requirements
Floor Requirements
- 1Level concrete floor (slope < 1%)
- 2Minimum 250 PSF load capacity
- 3500+ PSF for stacked tanks
- 4Sealed to prevent liquid absorption
Clearance Requirements
- 136" minimum aisle width (forklift)
- 224-36" above top tank for filling
- 312-18" from walls for airflow
- 46" from fire sprinklers
Environmental Conditions
Stacking Weight Reference
| Configuration | 275 Gal | 330 Gal | 264 Gal | 550 Gal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Tank (Full) | 2,420 lbs | 2,885 lbs | 2,315 lbs | 4,785 lbs |
| 2 Tanks Stacked (Full) | 4,840 lbs | 5,770 lbs | 4,630 lbs | 9,570 lbs |
| Floor Load (2 stacked) | 363 PSF | 433 PSF | 347 PSF | 638 PSF |
| Total Stack Height (2 full) | 92" (7.7 ft) | 106" (8.8 ft) | 90" (7.5 ft) | 134" (11.2 ft) |
Container Type Comparison
How IBC tanks compare to other liquid storage options
55-Gallon Drum
- + Easy to move manually
- + Fits through doors
- + Low initial cost
- - Lower capacity
- - Multiple units needed
- - More sealing points
275-Gallon IBC
- + High capacity
- + Efficient storage
- + Easy dispensing
- - Needs forklift
- - Larger footprint
- - Higher initial cost
330-Gallon IBC
- + Maximum capacity/footprint
- + Same base as 275
- + Best value
- - Taller - check clearance
- - Heavier when full
- - Needs forklift
Vertical Storage Tank
- + Very high capacity
- + Permanent installation
- + Good for fixed storage
- - Not portable
- - Harder to clean
- - Installation required
Capacity Equivalents
How many of each container equals the capacity of one 275-gallon IBC?
Space & Footprint Calculator
Calculate how many IBC tanks fit in your available space
Enter Your Space Dimensions
Tip: 20 ft = 240 in | 10 ft = 120 in | 8 ft = 96 in
Your Space Can Hold:
Total Weight (Full with Water)
Common Space Configurations
20ft Container
20-foot shipping container
40ft Container
40-foot shipping container
10x20 Storage Unit
Standard storage unit
Transportation Requirements
Truck sizes, weight limits, and transport considerations
Pickup Truck
Only for empty or partially filled tanks. Secure properly.
Cargo Van / Box Truck (14ft)
Good for local delivery. Single layer only.
Box Truck (26ft)
Most common for medium deliveries. Can stack 2 high.
Flatbed Truck
Easier loading/unloading. Weather exposure.
Semi-Trailer (53ft)
Maximum capacity. Can stack 2 high. Best for bulk.
Intermodal Container
For shipping or storage. Standard 20ft or 40ft.
Weight Limits to Consider
Axle Weight Limits
Check state/federal limits (typically 20,000 lbs per axle)
Gross Vehicle Weight
Vehicle + cargo cannot exceed GVWR rating
Bridge Weight Limits
Many bridges have lower weight limits
Loading Dock Capacity
Verify dock can support total load
Transport Checklist
Quick Transport Weight Calculator
IBC Tank Anatomy
Understanding the components of an IBC tank
Top Lid/Fill Cap
Screw-on lid for filling. Some include vent. Gasket provides airtight seal.
HDPE Inner Bottle
High-Density Polyethylene container. UV-stabilized, FDA approved options available.
Steel Cage Frame
Protects the bottle, enables stacking, provides forklift access points.
Bottom Valve
Ball valve or butterfly valve for dispensing. Various connection types available.
Pallet Base
Wood, plastic, or steel. Integrated with cage. 4-way forklift entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IBC tank sizes and specifications
The 275-gallon (1,041-liter) IBC tank is the most common size in the United States. It fits perfectly on a standard 48x40 inch pallet and is compatible with most warehouse racking systems. For international applications, the 264-gallon (1,000-liter) is preferred as it represents a round metric number.
Yes, most standard IBC tanks can be stacked 2 high when full with water-weight liquids (specific gravity of 1.0 or less). For heavier liquids, consult the manufacturer specifications. Empty tanks can typically be stacked 4 high. Always ensure the floor can support the combined weight.
For a 275-gallon tank full of water (approximately 2,420 lbs), you need a forklift with at least a 3,000 lb capacity. For a 330-gallon tank (approximately 2,885 lbs), a 4,000 lb capacity is recommended. For 550-gallon tanks (approximately 4,785 lbs), you need a 5,000-6,000 lb capacity forklift.
A standard 275-gallon or 330-gallon IBC tank is 48 inches (4 feet) long and 40 inches wide. Standard commercial doors are typically 36 inches wide, so IBCs will NOT fit through standard doors. You need double doors (minimum 60 inches wide) or loading dock access. Always measure your access points before ordering.
A stack of two full 330-gallon tanks weighs approximately 5,770 lbs concentrated on a 13.3 sq ft footprint, creating about 434 lbs per square foot of pressure. Standard warehouse concrete floors (typically rated for 250-500 psf) should handle this. For multiple stacks, consult a structural engineer.
The 264-gallon tank holds exactly 1,000 liters, making it ideal for metric-based industries and international shipping. The 275-gallon tank holds 1,041 liters. Both use the same 48x40 inch footprint with slightly different heights. The 275-gallon is more common in the US market.
For filling operations, add 12-18 inches above the tank height for hose connections and filling equipment. For forklift operations, ensure you have at least 6 inches of clearance above the forks when the tank is raised. Total ceiling height should be tank height plus 24-36 inches minimum.
Yes, but only tanks specifically designed for food-grade or potable water applications. These tanks use FDA-approved HDPE plastic and have never been used for chemicals. Look for tanks labeled "food-grade" or "potable water approved." Used tanks should only contain previously food-safe liquids.
Empty weight varies by construction: 275-gallon tanks weigh 120-145 lbs, 330-gallon tanks weigh 130-155 lbs, and 550-gallon tanks weigh 200-250 lbs. Tanks with steel pallets are heavier than those with plastic or wood pallets. The weight can also vary based on wall thickness and cage construction.
On a standard 53-foot semi-trailer (102" wide interior): approximately 20 tanks single-layer or 40 tanks double-stacked. A 26-foot box truck holds about 8-10 tanks single-layer. A standard pickup truck bed can hold 1 tank. Always verify weight limits as a loaded truck can exceed axle weight limits before filling the floor space.
How to Measure Your Space Requirements
Follow these steps to determine your IBC tank storage capacity
Measure Floor Space
Measure length and width of available area. Account for columns, doors, and other obstacles.
- Use a laser measure for accuracy
- Mark out the area with tape
- Note any floor drains or slopes
Check Ceiling Height
Measure from floor to lowest obstruction (lights, sprinklers, pipes).
- Account for forklift reach
- Note sprinkler clearance requirements
- Consider filling equipment height
Plan Access Routes
Ensure adequate aisle width for forklift maneuvering and emergency access.
- Minimum 36" aisles
- Consider turn radius
- Mark fire lanes
Verify Floor Capacity
Check floor load rating and compare to your planned storage weight.
- Building plans show floor ratings
- Consult structural engineer if unsure
- Consider concentrated vs. distributed loads
Understanding IBC Tank Components
Inner Container
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) bottle that holds the contents. UV-stabilized for outdoor use. Wall thickness of 3-4mm provides durability while remaining lightweight.
Outer Cage
Galvanized steel cage provides structural support and protection during handling and storage. Enables safe stacking and includes forklift access points.
Pallet Base
Wooden, plastic, or steel pallet allows forklift handling and stacking. Integrated into the cage with 4-way entry for easy maneuvering.
Valve Assembly
Bottom discharge valve (usually 2") for controlled dispensing. Ball valve, butterfly valve, or camlock fitting options available.
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