The standard 20L jerry can stands 18 inches tall with a 6.5-inch width. But that’s just the starting point. From the compact 5-liter field can to the heavy-duty 30-liter industrial container, each size carries precise specs that affect everything from truck bed fitment to garage shelf load limits.
Jerry Can Dimensions Chart
Keep this chart handy for storage planning, shelf layout, equipment rack fitment, or vehicle cargo sizing.
Jerry Can Dimensions Chart
| Can Size | Height (in) | Height (cm) | Length (in) | Width (in) | Volume (L) | Volume (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1L Compact | 7–8 | 18–20 | 5–6 | 3–4 | 1 | 0.26 |
| 5L Field Can | 10–12 | 25–30 | 8–9 | 4–5 | 5 | 1.32 |
| 10L Mid-Size | 14–16 | 35–40 | 10–11 | 5–6 | 10 | 2.64 |
| 20L Standard | 17–18 | 43–47 | 13–14 | 6–7 | 20 | 5.28 |
| 25L Large | 18–20 | 46–51 | 14–16 | 7–8 | 25 | 6.60 |
| 30L Industrial | 19–21 | 48–53 | 15–17 | 8–9 | 30 | 7.93 |
All measurements align with NATO military standards and Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) specs used across the U.S. market. Minor variation exists between brands and wall thickness.
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Standard Jerry Can Dimensions by Size
Not all jerry cans are the same. Each size has a specific purpose, a specific user, and specific numbers that matter for transport, storage, and safety.
20L Jerry Can Dimensions (The Standard)
It stands 17–18 inches (43–47 cm) tall, measures 13–14 inches long, and 6–7 inches wide. It holds 20 liters — exactly 5.3 gallons.
The NATO military spec version measures exactly 17.75 × 13.5 × 6.5 inches. These dimensions have stayed consistent since the design was adopted after World War II.
20L Sleek / Slim-Profile Jerry Can
Some manufacturers produce a slimmer 20L variant — narrower width at 5.5–6 inches but slightly taller at 18.5–19 inches. Same volume, different footprint.
This format is preferred for side-mounted vehicle storage where width clearance is tight. The slimmer body fits between frame rails on Jeeps and overlanding rigs where the standard 6.5-inch width won’t clear.
5-Liter Jerry Can Dimensions
It stands only 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) tall with an 8–9 inch length and 4–5 inch width. Empty weight is just 1.5 lbs.
This size fits under a car seat, inside a backpack, or in a motorcycle pannier. Hikers, motorcyclists, and campers rely on the 5L jerry can as an emergency fuel reserve.
10-Liter Jerry Can Dimensions
Stands 14–16 inches (35–40 cm) tall, 10–11 inches long, 5–6 inches wide.
Empty weight runs about 2.5 lbs. This is the go-to size for ATV riders, lawn equipment, and portable generators. It fits standard equipment racks without modification.
25-Liter Jerry Can Dimensions
Measures 18–20 inches tall, 14–16 inches long, 7–8 inches wide.
How many gallons is a 25L jerry can? About 6.6 gallons. Filled weight exceeds 55 lbs — borderline for solo carry. This size is better suited for stationary bulk storage at chemical depots, fuel farms, and industrial operations where portability is secondary to volume.
30-Liter Jerry Can Dimensions
The largest practical jerry can size for manual handling. Reaches 19–21 inches tall, 15–17 inches long, 8–9 inches wide.
Filled weight tops 70 lbs. Two-person lifting is standard practice. Most residential garage shelving cannot safely support a full 30L can without reinforcement. This size belongs in professional, industrial, or processing plant environments only.
Jerry Can Width, Length & Height Explained
The U.S. and NATO markets size jerry cans by capacity in liters — but the physical relationship between height, length, and width follows a consistent ratio across all sizes.
Width is always the smallest dimension. It determines whether a can fits in a vehicle rack, between frame rails, or on a standard shelf slot.
Length is the middle dimension — roughly double the width on most sizes. This is the dimension that determines how deep a storage slot needs to be.
Height is the tallest dimension and the one most people reference first. It determines whether a can clears a truck bed cover, fits under a shelf, or stacks safely.
The 20L NATO standard uses a height-to-width ratio of approximately 2.7:1 — a proportion deliberately chosen so the can remains stable upright but can also lie flat for transport without rolling.
Jerry Can Dimensions vs. Other Fuel Container Dimensions
Jerry cans and standard fuel jugs both store liquid — but their physical footprint is very different.
Jerry Can Dimensions vs. Other Fuel Container Dimensions
| Container | Height (in) | Width (in) | Volume | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20L Jerry Can (Steel NATO) | 17.75 | 6.5 | 5.3 gal | Steel |
| 20L Jerry Can (HDPE Plastic) | 17.5–18.5 | 6.5–6.9 | 5.3 gal | HDPE Plastic |
| Standard 5-Gal Fuel Jug | 14–15 | 9–10 | 5 gal | HDPE Plastic |
| 2-Gal Gas Can | 11–12 | 7–8 | 2 gal | HDPE Plastic |
| 6-Gal Wedge Tank | 10–11 | 16–18 | 6 gal | Polyethylene |
Height comparison: A standard 5-gallon fuel jug stands only 14–15 inches tall but sits 9–10 inches wide — far wider than a 20L jerry can at 6.5 inches. That width difference matters when fitting multiple containers side-by-side in a truck bed or cargo rack. Jerry cans win on space efficiency because of their narrow, rectangular profile.
Question’s
What are the standard dimensions of a jerry can?
The standard 20L jerry can measures 17.75 inches tall, 13.5 inches long, and 6.5 inches wide. It holds 20 liters (5.3 gallons). These specs are based on NATO military standards still in use today across the USA and globally.
How tall is a 20L jerry can in inches?
A 20L jerry can stands 17–18 inches tall. The NATO steel version measures exactly 17.75 inches. HDPE plastic versions range from 17.5 to 18.5 inches depending on brand and wall thickness.
What is the width of a standard jerry can?
The width of a standard 20L jerry can is 6.5 inches (165mm). Sleek or slim-profile variants can measure as narrow as 5.5 inches. The 25L and 30L sizes widen to 7–9 inches.
How tall is a 5-liter jerry can?
A 5-liter jerry can stands 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) tall. Length runs 8–9 inches and width 4–5 inches. Empty weight is just 1.5 lbs — compact enough for backpacks and motorcycle bags.
What is the difference between a steel and plastic jerry can?
A steel jerry can follows exact NATO tolerances and weighs 6–8 lbs empty. A plastic HDPE jerry can matches the same external dimensions but weighs only 1.5–2 lbs empty — about 40% lighter. Steel handles heat better; plastic resists rust and is available in food-grade versions for water storage.
How big is a 30-liter jerry can?
A 30-liter jerry can measures 19–21 inches tall, 15–17 inches long, and 8–9 inches wide. Filled weight exceeds 70 lbs. Two-person lifting is recommended. It holds 7.93 gallons — the largest practical size for manual handling.
Do jerry can dimensions vary by brand?
Slightly. NATO-certified cans from brands like Wavian and Scepter follow exact military tolerances. Non-certified plastic cans may vary by 0.5–1 inch in height or width depending on wall thickness and mold design. Volume remains consistent — dimensions are where variation occurs.
What is a CARB-compliant jerry can and is it bigger?
CARB (California Air Resources Board) compliant fuel cans include built-in vapor recovery systems. These add bulk around the spout and cap area — often increasing the overall profile by 1–2 inches. CARB-compliant cans are legally required for fuel storage and use in California. Standard EPA Type 2 cans are not sufficient.
Are jerry can dimensions the same internationally?
Not exactly. European NATO members use the same 20L (17.75-inch) steel standard. However, some Asian and Middle Eastern markets use 25L as the common standard — slightly taller at 18–20 inches. Australian markets frequently use both 20L and 25L. U.S. civilian markets are dominated by the 5.3-gallon (20L) format as the default benchmark.
Sara Khan is the admin of Suitcases Size. She manages website content, reviews measurement guides, and ensures readers get simple, accurate, and easy-to-understand information about sizes, dimensions, and travel measurements.