Kitchen trash can dimensions typically range from 5 to 20 gallons in capacity, with heights spanning 17 to 35 inches and widths between 12 to 24 inches.
This guide breaks down exact measurements for every trash can size, explains how to measure your space correctly, and helps you match trash bag dimensions to your bin.
Standard Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions
The most common kitchen garbage can size in the USA is 13 gallons. This capacity handles daily waste for 2 to 4 people effectively. Smaller households often use 8 to 10-gallon bins, while larger families need 16 to 20-gallon options.
Kitchen Trash Can Height Ranges
Compact models stand 17 to 20 inches tall. These fit perfectly under standard kitchen sinks where cabinet space limits height. The under-cabinet clearance typically measures 20 inches after accounting for plumbing.
Standard height bins measure 23 to 26 inches. This range works for most freestanding placements and provides comfortable access without excessive bending. A 26-inch can sits about 10 inches below standard 36-inch counter height.
Tall capacity bins reach 27 to 35 inches. These maximize storage for large households but require dedicated floor space. The extra height means less frequent emptying—a practical benefit for busy families.
Width and Depth Measurements Explained
Round trash cans use diameter measurements instead of width. Standard diameters range from 14 to 18 inches. The circular shape fits easily in corner spaces without sharp edges catching on cabinet doors.
Rectangular bins measure 14 to 24 inches wide and 19 to 26 inches deep. The straight edges maximize capacity per square inch of floor space. This shape works best against walls or inside cabinets.
Width affects bag compatibility directly. A 15-inch wide can requires bags with at least 47 inches of material (circumference plus overhang).
Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions by Capacity
Small Kitchen Trash Cans (5-10 Gallons)
8-gallon bins typically measure 17 to 20 inches tall with 12 to 14-inch widths. These compact dimensions suit apartments, condos, or secondary kitchen bins for recycling.
A 10-gallon trash can stands 20 to 23 inches high and spans 13 to 15 inches wide. This size works perfectly for couples who generate moderate kitchen waste. You’ll empty it every 2 to 3 days under normal use.
Medium Kitchen Trash Cans (13 Gallons – Standard Size)
The 13-gallon kitchen trash can represents the American standard. Typical dimensions are 23 to 26 inches in height, 14 to 16 inches in width, and 12 to 14 inches in depth.
Popular models include the Glad 13 Gallon at exactly 14.7 inches deep by 18 inches wide by 25 inches high. The Amazon Basics 13.2 Gallon measures 14.7 by 16.7 by 25.9 inches.
Large Kitchen Trash Cans (16-20+ Gallons)
16-gallon bins measure 26 to 28 inches tall and 15 to 17 inches wide. The increased capacity reduces trips to outdoor bins but requires more floor space planning.
20-gallon models reach 28 to 35 inches in height with 16 to 24-inch widths. Rectangular large-capacity options can measure 24 inches wide by 20 inches deep by 32 inches tall.
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Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions by Type and Placement
Freestanding Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions
Freestanding bins typically measure 14 to 18 inches in diameter for round models. Rectangular freestanding options span 14 to 20 inches wide and 12 to 16 inches deep.
These bins need at least 20 by 20 inches of open floor space including lid clearance. A standard 13-gallon freestanding model requires about 24 inches total space for comfortable operation.
Under-Sink Trash Can Dimensions
Under-sink installations face strict height limits of 16 to 20 inches maximum. Standard kitchen cabinets measure 24 to 36 inches wide with roughly 20 inches of usable vertical space after plumbing.
The Home Zone Living Pull Out model measures 19.72 by 15.20 by 19.25 inches—designed specifically for cabinet constraints. This demonstrates ideal under-cabinet sizing that clears pipes and sink basins.
Most under-sink bins feature 14 to 18-inch depths to maximize capacity within cabinet limits.
Pull-Out/Slide-Out Trash Can Dimensions
Pull-out systems require cabinet drawers with at least 20 to 24 inches of depth for smooth sliding. Width requirements vary from 12 inches for single bins to 20-plus inches for dual-compartment setups.
The drawer opening must accommodate bin width plus 2 inches for mounting hardware on each side. Full-extension slides need adequate space behind the drawer front to operate properly.
Height limitations in pull-out installations max out at 18 to 22 inches due to drawer front dimensions. Consider total cabinet depth including the door when measuring—not just interior space.
Dual Compartment Trash Can Dimensions
Dual-compartment bins for trash and recycling require minimum widths of 16 to 20 inches. Combined dimensions typically measure 18 to 24 inches wide, 14 to 18 inches deep, and 20 to 26 inches tall.
Each individual compartment usually offers 6 to 10-gallon capacity. The Home Zone Living Pull Out dual system measures 19.72 inches wide total—fitting standard kitchen cabinets perfectly.
Plan for adequate clearance when doors or lids open on both compartments. Add 4 to 6 inches to width measurements for comfortable access during sorting.
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How to Measure Your Space for a Kitchen Trash Can
Measuring Height, Width, and Depth
Start by measuring the exact space where you plan to place your bin. Record width, depth, and height clearances in inches. For under-sink placement, measure from the cabinet floor to the lowest pipe or sink basin.
Use a tape measure to check cabinet openings, accounting for door swings and any plumbing reducing usable area.
Cabinet interior dimensions differ from exterior measurements. Always measure the inside space, not the cabinet face. This prevents ordering a bin 2 inches too wide for the actual opening.
Accounting for Lid Clearance and Door Swing
Add 2 to 4 inches of clearance space around all sides for comfortable lid opening and bag removal. A lid needs approximately 6 extra inches behind the can to open fully without hitting walls.
Foot pedal mechanisms require floor clearance in front of the bin. Test the area by opening and closing nearby cabinet doors to ensure no interference occurs during normal use.
Trash Bag Sizes and Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions
Understanding bag-to-can ratios ensures proper fit with adequate overhang.
Matching Bag Size to Can Dimensions
Calculate required bag size by adding can height plus circumference (or perimeter) plus 6 inches for overhang. For a round can with 15-inch diameter and 25-inch height, you need 25 + (15 × 3.14) + 6 = approximately 78 inches of bag material.
Rectangular cans require calculating perimeter: (width + depth) × 2. An 18-inch wide by 14-inch deep can has a 64-inch perimeter, needing bags with at least 70 inches of material total.
The Amazon Basics 13.2 Gallon dimensions of 16.7 by 14.7 inches work perfectly with standard tall kitchen bags measuring 24 by 30 inches flat. This provides proper coverage and secure rim placement.
Standard Trash Bag Size Guide (Gallons to Inches)
Small bags for 8 to 10-gallon bins measure approximately 24 inches wide by 27 inches tall when flat. These dimensions create proper overhang on cans measuring 20 to 23 inches in height with 13 to 15-inch widths.
Tall kitchen bags for 13-gallon capacity typically measure 24 by 30 inches. This fits cans standing 23 to 26 inches tall perfectly. The extra material allows drawstring placement 4 to 6 inches below the rim.
Large bags for 16 to 20-gallon bins expand to 30 by 33 inches or larger. Always match bag dimensions to your can height plus circumference to ensure proper fit without waste.
FAQ’s
What is the standard size for a kitchen trash can?
The standard kitchen trash can is 13 gallons with dimensions of 23 to 26 inches tall, 14 to 16 inches wide, suitable for 2 to 4 people.
What is the size of a 13 gallon trash can?
A 13-gallon trash can typically stands 23 to 26 inches tall with 14 to 16-inch diameter for round models or 16 to 18-inch width for rectangular designs.
How big is a 12″ L trash can?
A trash can with 12-inch length (depth) typically pairs with 14 to 16-inch width and 20 to 25-inch height, indicating 8 to 10-gallon compact capacity.
Is 50 liter 13 gallons?
Yes, 50 liters equals approximately 13.2 gallons—essentially the same capacity with nearly identical physical dimensions for bag compatibility.
Is an 8 gallon trash can big enough for a kitchen?
An 8-gallon can works for 1 to 2 people or as secondary bins, measuring 17 to 20 inches tall, requiring emptying every 1 to 2 days.
Is a 10 gallon trash can big enough for a kitchen?
A 10-gallon can suits couples with moderate cooking, measuring 20 to 23 inches tall, needing emptying every 2 to 3 days for most households.
What size trash bag fits a 13 gallon kitchen can?
Standard tall kitchen bags measuring 24 by 30 inches fit 13-gallon cans perfectly, providing proper overhang for drawstring placement and secure rim coverage.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions
Selecting proper dimensions transforms your daily waste management from frustrating to effortless. Standard 13-gallon models measuring 23 to 26 inches in height and 14 to 16 inches in width suit most households perfectly.
Understanding physical measurements ensures your bin fits your space and lifestyle. Whether you need compact 5-9 gallon dimensions for small kitchens or spacious 15-plus gallon capacity for large families, precise measurements matter more than capacity alone.
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.
