The standard trash can size is
13 gallons,
measuring approximately
25–28 inches tall,
14–16 inches wide, and
12–15 inches deep.
About
70% of U.S. homes
use this size for kitchens, offices, and everyday household waste.
Kitchen trash can dimensions go far beyond just gallons. The height, width, depth, and shape all decide whether a can works in your actual kitchen — not just on paper.
Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions Chart
Gallons
Height
Height (cm)
Width
Depth
Diameter (Round)
Best For
2.5–4 gal
14–17 in
35–43 cm
10–12 in
8–10 in
10–11 in
Apartment, bathroom, under-sink
7–10 gal
18–24 in
46–61 cm
12–14 in
10–12 in
12–14 in
Small homes, couples
12–13 gal
24–28 in
61–71 cm
14–16 in
12–15 in
15–17 in
Most popular — average U.S. home
15–16 gal
26–30 in
66–76 cm
15–18 in
13–16 in
16–18 in
Growing families
20–21 gal
28–34 in
71–86 cm
16–20 in
14–18 in
18–20 in
Large families, heavy cooking
30+ gal
34–40 in
86–102 cm
20+ in
18+ in
20–24 in
Commercial kitchens, garages
All measurements reflect real-world brand specs used across the U.S. home goods industry.
Not all kitchen trash cans are the same. Each size has a specific purpose, a specific audience, and specific numbers that matter for placement and bag compatibility.
13-Gallon Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions (The Standard)
It stands 24–28 inches tall and measures 14–16 inches wide with a 12–15 inch depth. Round versions run 15–17 inches in diameter. It holds 13 gallons — approximately 49 liters of waste.
10-Gallon Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions
It stands 18–24 inches tall with a 12–14 inch width and 10–12 inch depth. Round versions measure 12–14 inches in diameter.
16-Gallon Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions
It stands 26–30 inches tall with a 15–18 inch width and 13–16 inch depth. Round versions measure 16–18 inches in diameter.
20-Gallon Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions
It stands 28–34 inches tall with a 16–20 inch width and 14–18 inch depth. Round versions measure 18–20 inches in diameter.
2.5–4 Gallon Mini Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions
It stands only 14–17 inches tall with a 10–12 inch width and 8–10 inch depth. Round versions measure 10–11 inches in diameter.
Kitchen Trash Can Diameter & Height Explained
Why 13-Gallon Became the USA Standard
In the 1980s and 1990s, trash bag manufacturers standardized their “tall kitchen bag” size around 13 gallons — roughly 24 × 30 inches flat. Can makers followed. Cabinet designers built around it. Today, about 70% of U.S. households use a 13-gallon kitchen trash can as their primary bin.
Round vs. Rectangular Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions
round-vs-rectangular-kitchen-trash-can-dimensions
Round cans need a circular floor footprint. A 13-gallon round model typically has a 15–17 inch diameter. It looks clean in open spaces but wastes corner area.
Rectangular cans hug walls and fit flush into corners. A 13-gallon rectangular model measures closer to 14 inches wide × 12 inches deep — a far smaller footprint.The verdict: For tight kitchens, rectangular wins.
Height comparison: A standard 13-gallon step-on can listed at 26 inches may need up to 38 inches of total vertical clearance when the lid swings open — nearly 12 inches more than its labeled height. That difference directly impacts placement under counters and in cabinet alcoves.
Question’s
What is the standard size for a kitchen trash can?
The standard is 13 gallons, measuring approximately 25–28 inches tall, 14–16 inches wide, and 12–15 inches deep. About 70% of U.S. homes use this size.
What are the dimensions of a 13-gallon trash can?
A rectangular 13-gallon can typically runs 24–28 inches high, 14–16 inches wide, and 12–15 inches deep. Round versions are 26–28 inches tall with a 15–17 inch diameter.
What is the normal size for a kitchen bin?
Normal range is 12–16 gallons. The most common choice is 13 gallons. It suits 2–4 person households and fits standard tall kitchen bags perfectly.
How big is a 13-gallon container?
A 13-gallon container holds approximately 3,003 cubic inches of volume. In physical form, expect around 25–28 inches tall, 14–16 inches wide, and 12–15 inches deep for rectangular models.
What are the dimensions of a 15-gallon trash can?
A 15-gallon trash can measures roughly 26–30 inches tall, 15–18 inches wide, and 13–16 inches deep. Round versions run about 16–18 inches in diameter.
Do kitchen trash can dimensions vary by brand?
Yes — unlike beverage cans, trash can dimensions are not fully standardized. A Simplehuman 13-gallon runs 25.5 × 14.9 × 17.2 inches. A Rubbermaid 13-gallon runs 26 × 15 × 12.6 inches. Same gallon rating, different physical footprints. Always measure your space before buying.
What size trash bag fits a 13-gallon can?
A standard tall kitchen bag measuring 24 × 30 inches flat fits a 13-gallon can. The opening needs at minimum a 15-inch round diameter or 12 × 12 inch square opening to seat properly without bunching.
Are under-sink trash can dimensions different from standard?
Yes. Under-sink cans must stay within roughly 18–20 inches tall, 11–13 inches wide, and 10 inches deep — after accounting for the garbage disposal, P-trap, drain pipes, and door hinge clearance. A 7–10 gallon slim rectangular bin is your best fit here.
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.
