The standard
5-gallon jerry can
stands
18.5 inches tall,
13.5 inches long, and
6.5 inches wide.
But that’s just the starting point. Jerry cans also come in compact, military, stackable, and heavy-duty fuel storage sizes for gasoline, diesel, water, and emergency transport.
From the compact 1.25-gallon ATV can to the heavy-duty 7.9-gallon industrial size, every jerry can has precise specs that affect vehicle rack fit, shelf storage, full weight handling, and neck compatibility.
Jerry Can Dimensions Chart
Size
Height (in)
Length (in)
Width (in)
Height (cm)
Empty Weight
Full Weight (Fuel)
Full Weight (Water)
1.25 gal / 5L
9.0
8.0
6.5
23
~1.1 lb
~8.5 lb
~12 lb
2.5 gal / 10L
11.5
9.0
8.0
29
~2.2 lb
~17 lb
~24 lb
5 gal / 20L
18.5
13.5
6.5
47
~4.4–9.7 lb
~34 lb
~45 lb
6.6 gal / 25L
19.5
14.5
7.0
50
~5.5 lb
~42 lb
~57 lb
7.9 gal / 30L
21.5
15.5
7.5
55
~6.6 lb
~51 lb
~68 lb
All measurements reflect exterior dimensions. Full weight varies based on contents — gasoline weighs approximately 6.3 lbs per gallon while water weighs 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Not all jerry cans are the same. Each size has a specific purpose, a specific audience, and specific numbers that matter for storage, transport, and rack compatibility.
5 Gallon / 20L Jerry Can Dimensions (The Standard)
It stands 18.5 inches (47 cm) tall, 13.5 inches long, and 6.5 inches wide. Empty weight runs 4.4 to 9.7 pounds depending on material. Filled with gasoline it reaches approximately 34 pounds — filled with water it hits 45 pounds.
2.5 Gallon / 10L Jerry Can Dimensions
It stands 11.5 inches (29 cm) tall, 9.0 inches long, and 8.0 inches wide. Empty weight runs approximately 2.2 pounds. Filled with gasoline it reaches approximately 17 pounds — filled with water it reaches 24 pounds.
1.25 Gallon / 5L Jerry Can Dimensions
It stands just 9.0 inches (23 cm) tall, 8.0 inches long, and 6.5 inches wide. Empty weight is approximately 1.1 pounds. Filled with gasoline it reaches approximately 8.5 pounds — filled with water it reaches 12 pounds.
6.6 Gallon / 25L Jerry Can Dimensions
It stands 19.5 inches (50 cm) tall, 14.5 inches long, and 7.0 inches wide. Empty weight runs approximately 5.5 pounds. Filled with gasoline it reaches approximately 42 pounds — filled with water it reaches 57 pounds.
7.9 Gallon / 30L Jerry Can Dimensions
At 21.5 inches (55 cm) tall, 15.5 inches long, and 7.5 inches wide, the 30L steps into industrial and farm-grade territory. Empty weight runs approximately 6.6 pounds. Filled with gasoline it reaches approximately 51 pounds — filled with water it reaches 68 pounds.
Metal vs. Plastic Jerry Can Dimensions Explained
Model
Material
Height (in)
Length (in)
Width (in)
Midwest Can
Steel
18.25
13.5
6.5
Scepter MFC
HDPE Plastic
18.3
14.3
6.9
Wavian NATO
Steel
17.75
13.4
6.7
Uline Square
Plastic
14.0
11.0
10.0
Steel cans have rigid walls that keep the profile slim and consistent — typically 6.5 inches wide. Plastic HDPE cans need a slightly wider base because the walls flex under pressure — typically 6.9 to 7.0 inches wide. That 0.4-inch difference sounds small but NATO-spec vehicle mounts are built for the 6.5-inch steel can profile. A plastic can may not seat flush in a standard jerry can rack and the bracket latch may not close properly.
Standard civilian jerry cans use a 38mm neck opening — compatible with most aftermarket flexible spouts and funnel adapters sold in the USA. NATO military-spec jerry cans use a wider 44mm neck opening. A standard 38mm replacement spout will not seal properly on a 44mm neck.
Standard flexible spouts run 10 to 12 inches long — enough to reach the filler neck on most passenger vehicles without spilling. For trucks with high-mounted filler openings like the Jeep Wrangler’s driver-side fender mount, a longer 14 to 16-inch spout extension is available separately.
Question’s
What are the standard dimensions of a 5-gallon jerry can?
A standard 5-gallon (20L) jerry can measures 18.5 inches tall, 13.5 inches long, and 6.5 inches wide (47 × 34 × 17 cm). Steel and plastic versions differ slightly — plastic cans tend to be about 0.4 inches wider at the base, which affects vehicle rack compatibility.
How tall is a 5-gallon jerry can in inches?
Most 5-gallon jerry cans stand between 18.0 and 18.5 inches tall. The Midwest metal can measures 18.25 inches. The Scepter plastic MFC measures 18.3 inches. The Uline square-style plastic can is shorter at 14.0 inches but significantly wider.
How much does a full 20-liter jerry can weigh?
Filled with gasoline, a 20L can weighs around 34 pounds (15.4 kg). Filled with water, it weighs closer to 45 pounds (20.4 kg). An empty steel can weighs 4 to 5 kg. An empty plastic can weighs 1.5 to 2 kg.
What is the neck size of a standard jerry can?
Most civilian jerry cans have a 38mm neck diameter. NATO military-spec jerry cans use a larger 44mm neck. This matters when buying replacement spouts, caps, or filters — a 38mm spout will not fit a 44mm neck and will cause vapor leaks.
Do metal and plastic jerry cans have the same dimensions?
No. At the same capacity, metal cans are typically 0.3 to 0.4 inches narrower than plastic versions. This directly affects vehicle rack compatibility — most NATO-style mounts are built for the slim steel profile and a plastic can may not seat flush or close the bracket latch properly.
What size jerry can fits best in a car trunk for emergencies?
The 2.5-gallon (10L) size is ideal. It stands 11.5 inches tall and 9.0 inches long — compact enough for most SUV cargo areas. It weighs around 17 to 24 pounds when full and holds enough fuel to cover 50 to 80 miles in most vehicles.
How many 5-gallon cans fit side by side in a standard truck bed?
Two 5-gallon cans placed side by side require approximately 27 to 28 inches of combined width. For a standard short-bed truck at 50 inches of interior width, up to three cans fit side by side with room to spare.
Do jerry can dimensions vary by brand?
Yes — unlike standardized beverage cans, jerry can dimensions vary by brand and material within the same capacity rating. The flat-sided rectangular design is consistent across brands, but stacking flush only works reliably with same-brand cans. Mixing brands creates uneven stacks and tip risks.
My name is Shehzad Ali. I am the admin and author of cansdimension.com. I write simple guides about can sizes and dimensions. I share information to help readers understand cans.
