A 1-gallon paint can stands 7.5 inches tall with a 6.6-inch diameter.
But that’s just the starting point. Paint cans come in many sizes,
from small touch-up containers to large 5-gallon buckets used for
commercial and industrial painting projects.
Paint Can Dimensions Chart
Can Size
Height (in)
Diameter (in)
Volume (oz)
Coverage (sq ft)
¼ Pint
2.0 – 2.13
2.38 – 2.5
4 oz
~12
½ Pint
2.88 – 3.0
2.88 – 3.0
8 oz
~25
1 Pint
3.94 – 4.0
3.44 – 3.5
16 oz
~50
1 Quart
4.875 – 5.0
4.25 – 4.3
32 oz
~100
½ Gallon
5.38 – 5.5
5.88 – 6.0
64 oz
~200
1 Gallon
7.5 – 7.68
6.625 – 6.63
128 oz
~400
5 Quart
9.5 – 9.63
6.5 – 6.63
160 oz
~500
5 Gallon
14.5 – 15.0
11.91 – 12.0
640 oz
~2,000
All measurements reflect exterior dimensions including lid. Coverage assumes a single coat on smooth, primed surfaces.
Not all paint cans are the same. Each size has a specific purpose, a specific audience, and specific numbers that matter for production and project planning.
1 Gallon Paint Can Dimensions (The Standard)
It stands 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) tall and measures exactly 6.6 inches (16.8 cm) in diameter. It holds 128 fluid ounces — 3.79 liters of paint.
This is the size most homeowners, contractors, and paint store staff default to for good reason. One gallon covers 350–400 square feet per coat — enough for a standard full room.
1 Quart Paint Can Dimensions
It stands 4.875 inches (12.4 cm) tall with a 4.25-inch diameter. It holds 32 fluid ounces — 0.95 liters of paint.
This is one of the most popular sizes for homeowners. One quart covers approximately 87–100 square feet per coat — enough to paint an 8×10 foot wall with two coats..
1 Pint Paint Can Dimensions
It stands 3.94 inches (10.0 cm) tall with a 3.44-inch diameter. It holds 16 fluid ounces — 0.47 liters of paint.
This is the go-to size for moderate detail work. One pint covers approximately 40–50 square feet per coat — suitable for trim repairs, single furniture pieces, or testing a color across a larger wall section before committing to a full quart or gallon.
¼ Pint and ½ Pint Paint Can Dimensions
The quarter pint stands just 2.0 inches tall with a 2.38-inch diameter. It holds 4 fluid ounces and covers approximately 10–12 square feet — just enough for a color sample or small touch-up patch.
The half pint stands 2.88 inches tall with a matching 2.88-inch diameter. It holds 8 fluid ounces and covers approximately 25 square feet — suitable for fixing scratches on trim, touching up a single chair, or testing a new color on a wall section.
5 Gallon Paint Bucket Dimensions
At 14.5 to 15.0 inches tall with an 11.91 to 12.0-inch diameter, the 5-gallon bucket steps up to a completely different form factor. It holds 640 fluid ounces — 18.93 liters of paint.
The industry uses a code system for can specs. The 1-gallon code 603 × 708 means 6-3/16 inches in diameter and 7-11/16 inches in height with the lid. This code matters when ordering bulk or comparing specs across manufacturers — most guides skip it entirely.
Metal wall thickness in standard paint cans typically ranges from 0.01 to 0.015 inches. This thin gauge affects actual internal paint capacity, which is always slightly less than the labeled total volume. The double-seamed lid on metal cans adds roughly 0.15 to 0.18 inches to the total height — a detail worth noting when calculating shelf clearance.
Paint Can Dimensions vs. International Metric Sizes
Container
Height (in)
Diameter (in)
Volume
Coverage (sq ft)
US 1 Pint
3.94
3.44
473 ml
~50
Metric 500 ml
3.50
3.30
500 ml
~60
US 1 Quart
4.875
4.25
946 ml
~100
Metric 1 Liter
5.00
4.00
1,000 ml
~120
US 1 Gallon
7.50
6.63
3,785 ml
~400
Metric 4 Liter
~7.50
~6.63
4,000 ml
~420
US 5 Gallon
14.5
11.91
18,930 ml
~2,000
Metric 20 Liter
15.0
11.00
20,000 ml
~2,100
Height comparison: A metric 4-liter can nearly matches a US gallon in physical dimensions but holds 5.5% more liquid — 4,000 ml versus 3,785 ml. That difference directly affects coverage calculations and cost comparisons when shopping international brands. Always account for it: 1 US gallon equals 3.785 liters, not 4.
Question’s
What are the standard dimensions of a 1 gallon paint can?
A standard 1-gallon paint can measures 7.5 inches tall and 6.6 inches in diameter. It holds 128 fluid ounces and covers 350–400 square feet per coat. The industry code is 603 × 708 — 6-3/16 inch diameter by 7-11/16 inch height with the lid on.
How tall is a quart paint can in inches?
A 1-quart paint can is 4.875 inches tall (12.4 cm). It measures 4.25 inches in diameter and holds 32 fluid ounces — covering approximately 87–100 square feet per coat.
What is the diameter of a 5-gallon paint bucket?
A 5-gallon paint bucket measures 11.91 to 12.0 inches in diameter and stands 14.5 to 15.0 inches tall. It holds 640 fluid ounces and covers up to 2,000 square feet per coat.
How big is a 32 oz can of paint?
A 32 oz can of paint is a 1-quart container. It stands 4.875 inches tall with a 4.25-inch diameter and covers approximately 87–100 square feet with a single coat.
What is the difference between a metal and plastic paint can?
Both hold the same volume, but plastic cans run 0.1 to 0.2 inches shorter in height than metal cans while keeping the same diameter. Metal cans are ideal for oil-based paints and solvent coatings. Plastic cans suit water-based and latex paints — they are lighter, dent-resistant, and rust-proof.
How big is a 1-liter paint can?
A 1-liter paint can measures about 5.0 inches in height and 4.0 inches in diameter. It holds 33.8 oz — more than a US quart but less than a half gallon — and covers approximately 120 square feet per coat.
Do paint can dimensions vary by brand?
No. Paint can dimensions follow standardized specs across US manufacturers. Paint colors, formulas, and finishes vary by brand — but the physical height, diameter, and volume measurements remain consistent within each size category across the US market.
What does the industry code 603 × 708 mean on a paint can?
It is a manufacturer spec code for the standard 1-gallon paint can. The first number indicates 6-3/16 inches in diameter. The second indicates 7-11/16 inches in height with the lid on. This code is used when ordering bulk cans or comparing specs across manufacturers.
Are US and international paint can sizes the same?
Not exactly. European markets use 500 ml, 1-liter, 2.5-liter, and 4-liter as standard sizes. The metric 4-liter can is the closest equivalent to a US gallon but holds 5.5% more liquid. Always account for this difference when comparing coverage and pricing across international brands.
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.
