Jerry can dimensions vary by capacity and material type. The most common size in the USA is the 5-gallon (20-liter) jerry can, measuring approximately 18.5 inches tall, 13.5 inches long, and 6.5 inches wide.
Metal NATO-standard cans follow precise military specifications at 17.75 inches in height, while plastic HDPE versions range from 18-19 inches due to safety features and EPA compliance requirements.
Understanding exact measurements helps with vehicle storage planning, garage organization, and regulatory compliance for fuel transport.
Standard Jerry Can Dimensions
Small Capacity Jerry Cans (1-5 Gallons)
Compact jerry cans serve light-duty applications perfectly. The 1.25-gallon size measures 9 inches tall with an 8-inch length and 6.5-inch width. These mini containers fit easily in motorcycle saddlebags, ATV storage compartments, and generator maintenance kits.
2.5-gallon containers stand at 11.5 inches tall with a 9-inch length. Uline and Blitz manufacture these mid-size options for lawn equipment, marine engines, and backup fuel reserves. Empty weight stays under 2.5 pounds for easy one-handed carrying during field operations.
Medium to Large Capacity Jerry Cans (5-7 Gallons)
The 5-gallon standard represents the sweet spot for most American users. Full containers reach 40-45 pounds depending on fuel density and material construction.
NATO military specifications define the global standard at exactly 17.75 inches tall, 13.5 inches long, and 6.5 inches wide. This precision ensures mounting compatibility across military vehicles, fuel depots, and civilian storage systems worldwide.
7-gallon industrial containers measure 20 inches tall with an 11-inch length. These heavy-duty options suit commercial applications and remote worksites where maximizing fuel capacity matters more than frequent manual handling. Filled weight exceeds 50 pounds, requiring two-person lifting or mechanical assistance.
Metal vs Plastic 5-Gallon Dimensions
Steel NATO cans maintain the strictest dimensional tolerances. Midwest Can Company produces metal containers at 18.25 inches tall, 13.5 inches long, and 6.5 inches wide. Empty weight reaches 9.69 pounds due to 24-gauge steel construction with epoxy coating for rust prevention.
HDPE plastic versions from Scepter measure 18.3 inches tall, 14.3 inches long, and 6.9 inches wide. The slightly wider base improves tip-over stability during transport. Empty weight drops to 4.8 pounds, making plastic options 50% lighter than steel equivalents for easier handling.
Weight and Handling Considerations
Empty weight varies significantly by material type. Steel cans range from 8-10 pounds empty, while plastic containers weigh 4-5 pounds.
Filled weight calculations require knowing fuel density. Gasoline weighs 6.3 pounds per gallon, making a full 5-gallon steel can weigh approximately 41 pounds (9.7 + 31.5). Diesel fuel at 7.1 pounds per gallon increases total weight to 45 pounds, approaching OSHA’s 50-pound single-person lifting limit.
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Jerry Can Dimensions by Material Type
Steel Jerry Can Dimensions
NATO-standard steel cans measure exactly 17.75 inches (450mm) tall with a 13.5-inch (345mm) length. Width stays at 6.5 inches (165mm) for consistent rack mounting. Wall thickness ranges from 0.9-1.2mm depending on manufacturer quality standards.
Wavian produces authentic NATO-specification cans in the USA.
Plastic (HDPE) Jerry Can Dimensions
HDPE construction allows slight dimensional flexibility. Scepter Military produces the most popular plastic option at 18.3 inches tall, 14.3 inches long, and 6.9 inches wide. The 0.3-inch height increase accommodates EPA-mandated flame arrestor screens and automatic shut-off spouts.
Wall thickness in quality HDPE cans measures 3-4mm compared to steel’s 1mm.
Aluminum Jerry Can Dimensions
Lightweight aluminum cans match steel dimensions at 17.75 inches tall but weigh only 5-6 pounds empty. Billet aluminum options from premium manufacturers cost 3-4 times more than steel equivalents.
Anodized finishes protect against corrosion without adding dimensional bulk. These specialty containers maintain the 13.5 x 6.5-inch footprint for standard mounting compatibility while reducing carrying weight by 40% compared to steel construction.
Type 1 vs Type 2 Gas Can Dimensions
EPA regulations create distinct dimensional categories. Pre-2009 Type 1 cans featured simple spouts with minimal safety features. Post-2009 Type 2 containers added child-resistant closures, automatic shut-offs, and vapor recovery systems that significantly altered overall dimensions.
Type 1 Jerry Can Dimensions
Traditional Type 1 cans measure 17-18 inches tall with straightforward pouring spouts. Midwest Can’s legacy models stood at 17.5 inches before EPA changes. Simple threaded caps added only 0.5 inches to container height, maintaining compact storage profiles.
Vintage jerry cans from pre-regulation era measured as small as 16.5 inches tall. Collectors and off-road enthusiasts seek these discontinued models for their minimal dimensional footprint despite lacking modern safety features required for legal fuel transport.
Type 2 Jerry Can Dimensions
Modern Type 2 compliance increases height to 18.5-19.5 inches due to complex spout assemblies. Scepter’s EPA-approved models measure 18.3 inches compared to older 17.5-inch designs. The 0.8-inch difference comes from spring-loaded shut-off valves and flame arrestor screens.
CARB California versions reach 19-20 inches in total height. Vapor recovery systems add bulky button-press mechanisms to spout assemblies. These dimensional increases frustrate users with limited vehicle storage space but comply with air quality protection mandates.
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How to Measure Jerry Can Dimensions for Storage
Vehicle Storage Space Requirements
Truck beds can mount four 5-gallon fuel cans in 6.5-ft beds, requiring 18-inch vertical clearance, 14-inch spacing, and DOT-approved solid barriers from passenger areas.
SUVs and sedans hold fewer containers: SUV cargo areas fit two 5-gallon cans with 19-inch clearance, while sedan trunks accommodate one 5-gallon or two 2.5-gallon cans maximum.
Shelf and Garage Storage Planning
Vertical clearance for 5-gallon fuel cans needs 22 inches minimum, plus 3–4 extra inches for safe lifting; industrial shelving (200+ lb rating) ensures secure fuel storage.
OSHA stacking guidelines allow three 5-gallon cans high or five 2.5-gallon cans, always using pallets or risers—never place containers directly on concrete floors.
Choosing the Right Jerry Can Size
- 5-Gallon Fuel Cans: Ideal for off-road and camping, providing 150–200 miles of backup fuel for trucks and SUVs. Carrying two 5-gallon cans extends range 300+ miles, perfect for remote wilderness travel.
- 2.5-Gallon Fuel Cans: Best for emergency preparedness kits. Smaller size allows rotation every 3–6 months to prevent fuel degradation. Storing four 2.5-gallon cans offers easier handling compared to two 5-gallon containers during power outages.
FAQ’s
What are the standard dimensions of a jerry can?
Standard jerry can dimensions are 18.5 inches tall, 13.5 inches long, and 6.5 inches wide for the common 5-gallon (20-liter) size used in the USA.
How tall is a 5-gallon jerry can?
A 5-gallon jerry can stands 18-19 inches tall depending on material type, with metal NATO cans at 17.75 inches and plastic EPA-compliant versions reaching 18.5 inches.
What are the dimensions of a 20-liter jerry can?
A 20-liter jerry can measures 18.5 inches in height, 13.5 inches in length, and 6.5 inches in width, matching the standard 5-gallon NATO specifications used globally.
How big is a 2.5-gallon jerry can?
A 2.5-gallon jerry can measures 11.5 inches tall, 9 inches long, and 8 inches wide, weighing approximately 2.2 pounds empty for easy portability.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 gas can dimensions?
Type 2 gas cans measure 1-2 inches taller than Type 1 due to EPA-mandated safety features including child-resistant closures and automatic shut-off valves added after 2009.
Do metal and plastic jerry cans have the same dimensions?
Metal and plastic jerry cans differ slightly, with steel NATO cans at 17.75 inches tall and plastic versions reaching 18.3-19 inches due to thicker walls and safety features.
How much space do I need to store a jerry can?
A 5-gallon jerry can requires 19 inches of vertical clearance and 0.6 square feet of floor space, with 22 inches recommended for comfortable shelf storage and removal.
What is the diameter of a standard jerry can?
Standard jerry can width measures 6.5 inches for metal versions and 6.9-7.0 inches for plastic models, providing stability while fitting standard mounting rack systems.
Conclusion
Jerry can dimensions directly impact storage efficiency and handling safety. The standard 5-gallon size at 18.5 x 13.5 x 6.5 inches serves most applications perfectly. Measure your storage space first, then select capacity based on available clearance and weight limitations.
Material choice affects dimensions by 0.5-2.0 inches across measurements. Steel NATO cans offer compact profiles while plastic EPA-compliant versions add safety features at the cost of slightly larger footprints. Always verify exact manufacturer specifications before purchasing for vehicle mounting or tight storage situations.
Hi, I’m Ethan Miller, the admin behind QueenDimensions.com. We make understanding Dimensions simple. Explore clear guides on realms, energy, and hidden layers of reality. No confusion, just clarity.
