The standard 13-gallon kitchen trash can stands 25–28 inches tall with a 14–16 inch width. But that’s just the start. From the compact 8-gallon under-sink bin to the heavy-duty 30-gallon garage can, each size has exact specs that affect everything from cabinet fit to bag compatibility.
Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions Chart
Keep this chart handy for cabinet planning, kitchen layout design, bag purchasing, or pull-out installation specs.
Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions Chart
| Can Size | Height (in) | Height (cm) | Width (in) | Width (cm) | Depth (in) | Diameter (Round) | Volume (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini / Under-Sink | 14–17 | 36–43 | 10–12 | 25–30 | 8–10 | 10–11″ | 2.5–4 |
| Small | 18–24 | 46–61 | 12–14 | 30–36 | 10–12 | 12–14″ | 8–10 |
| Standard | 25–28 | 64–71 | 14–16 | 36–41 | 12–15 | 15–17″ | 13 |
| Medium-Large | 26–30 | 66–76 | 15–18 | 38–46 | 13–16 | 16–18″ | 15–16 |
| Large | 28–34 | 71–86 | 16–20 | 41–51 | 14–18 | 18–20″ | 20–21 |
| Extra Large | 34–40+ | 86–102 | 20+ | 51+ | 18+ | 20–24″ | 30+ |
All measurements reflect lid-closed position. Add 8–12 inches for full lid-open clearance on step-on and touchless sensor models.
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Standard Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions by Size
Not all kitchen trash cans are the same. Each size has a specific purpose, a specific household type, and exact numbers that matter for fit and function.
13-Gallon Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions (The Standard)
It stands 25–28 inches tall and measures 14–16 inches wide with a 12–15 inch depth. Round versions run 26–28 inches tall with a 15–17 inch diameter.
This size has dominated USA kitchens for decades. Simplehuman’s popular slim 13-gallon model measures exactly 25.5″ H x 10.5″ W x 16.5″ D — proof that slim rectangular builds can hit full 13-gallon capacity without a wide footprint.
13-Gallon Slim Trash Can — Taller, Narrower Profile
It measures 26–29 inches tall with a narrower 9–11 inch width. That’s nearly half the width of a standard rectangular model.
These fit between appliances, inside pantry gaps, and along narrow kitchen walls. The slim profile sacrifices zero capacity — still a full 13 gallons — while cutting the floor footprint significantly.
8–10 Gallon Small Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions
It stands 18–24 inches tall — roughly 4–7 inches shorter than the standard 13-gallon. Width runs 12–14 inches. Depth is 10–12 inches.
It holds 30–38 liters of waste. This size represents the top choice for single-person apartments, under-sink installations, and secondary bins in kitchens that already have a main can. A Rubbermaid 10-gallon model measures a compact 15 x 11 x 20 inches — a proven fit for tight spots.
20–30 Gallon Large Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions
It stands 28–34 inches tall. Width extends to 16–20 inches. Depth runs 14–18 inches.
It holds 75–114 liters of waste. 30-gallon-plus cans push past 34 inches tall with diameters reaching 20–24 inches on round models. These are best for garages, large outdoor kitchens, or commercial-style home setups.
Kitchen Trash Can Diameter & Height Explained
Height is always measured with the lid fully closed. It tells you whether the can fits under a counter, beside an appliance, or inside a cabinet pull-out frame.
Width and depth determine the floor footprint. Rectangular cans use width x depth. Round cans use a single diameter measurement instead.
Diameter matters for round cans. A 13-gallon round can typically measures 15–17 inches across. That circular footprint needs open floor space — it cannot hug a wall the way a rectangular can does.
Slim rectangular cans shrink the width to 8–11 inches while maintaining full capacity through added height. That trade-off — taller but narrower — is the geometry behind every slim trash can on the market.
Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions vs. Bag Dimensions
The can and the bag must match. A bag too small slips inside. A bag too large bunches up and wastes plastic.
Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions vs. Bag Dimensions
| Can Size | Height (in) | Width (in) | Volume | Bag Size Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 Gallon | 18–24 | 12–14 | 30–38 L | Small/Medium kitchen bags |
| 13 Gallon Standard | 25–28 | 14–16 | ~50 L | Tall kitchen bags (most common) |
| 13 Gallon Slim | 26–29 | 9–11 | ~50 L | Tall kitchen bags |
| 15–16 Gallon | 26–30 | 15–18 | ~61 L | Large tall kitchen bags |
| 20–21 Gallon | 28–34 | 16–20 | ~75 L | Heavy-duty bags |
| 30+ Gallon | 34–40+ | 20+ | 114+ L | Contractor / extra-heavy bags |
Bag thickness matters too. For cans under 13 gallons, standard 0.7–0.9 mil bags work fine. For 20-gallon-plus cans handling food waste and heavy loads, step up to 1.2–2.0 mil liner thickness to prevent tears and leaks.
Question’s
What are the standard dimensions of a kitchen trash can?
The standard 13-gallon kitchen trash can measures 25–28 inches tall, 14–16 inches wide, and 12–15 inches deep. Round versions are 26–28 inches tall with a 15–17 inch diameter. These specs fit most USA kitchen layouts and standard tall trash bags.
How tall is a standard 13-gallon kitchen trash can?
A standard 13-gallon can stands 25 to 28 inches tall with the lid closed. Slim models can reach up to 29 inches due to their added height compensating for reduced width. Add 8–12 inches for full lid-open clearance on step-on models.
What is the diameter of a round kitchen trash can?
A 13-gallon round kitchen trash can has a 15–17 inch diameter. Smaller 8–10 gallon round bins measure 12–14 inches across. Larger 20-gallon round cans reach 18–20 inches in diameter.
What size kitchen trash can fits under a sink?
Look for bins under 20 inches tall and 10–15 inches wide. A 10-gallon under-sink bin measuring around 15 x 11 x 20 inches is the most reliable fit. Always measure your cabinet interior — plumbing pipes reduce usable depth more than most people expect.
What is the difference between a slim and standard kitchen trash can?
A standard kitchen trash can is shorter and wider — typically 14–16 inches wide. A slim kitchen trash can is taller and narrower — as thin as 8–10 inches wide. Both hold the same 13 gallons. The slim format fits tight spaces; the standard format offers a more stable, wider base.
How big is a 30-gallon kitchen trash can?
A 30-gallon can stands 34–40 inches tall with a width of 20+ inches or a round diameter of 20–24 inches. It holds 114 liters of waste. This size is best for large families, garages, or high-volume cooking households. It requires heavy-duty contractor-grade liners to handle the load without tearing.
Do kitchen trash can dimensions vary by brand?
The gallon capacity stays consistent across brands, but physical dimensions can vary slightly. A 13-gallon Simplehuman slim can measures differently than a 13-gallon Rubbermaid standard model — same volume, different height-to-width ratios. Always check the product’s listed H x W x D measurements, not just the gallon size.
What is the rule for kitchen trash can sizing?
Use the 1–2 gallons per person per day rule. A family of four generates 4–8 gallons daily — making a 13 to 16-gallon bin the right match. Heavy home cooks should add 2–4 extra gallons and size up one category. If you empty the bin daily, a smaller size works. If you prefer every-other-day disposal, size up.
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.