The standard 1 gallon paint can stands 7.5 inches tall with a 6.6-inch diameter. But that’s just the starting point. From the tiny 1/4 pint sample can to the massive 5-gallon bucket, every size has precise specs that affect shelf storage, project planning, label design, and shipping costs.
Paint Can Dimensions Chart
Keep this chart handy for project planning, storage, label design, or retail display setup.
Paint Can Dimensions Chart
| Can Size | Height (in) | Height (cm) | Diameter (in) | Diameter (cm) | Volume (oz) | Volume (L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 Pint | 2.0–2.13 | 5.1–5.4 | 2.38–2.5 | 6.0–6.4 | 4 | 0.12 |
| 1/2 Pint | 2.88–3.0 | 7.3–7.6 | 2.88 | 7.3 | 8 | 0.24 |
| 1 Pint | 3.94–4.0 | 10.0–10.2 | 3.44–3.5 | 8.7–8.9 | 16 | 0.47 |
| 1 Quart | 4.875 | 12.4 | 4.25 | 10.8 | 32 | 0.95 |
| 1/2 Gallon | 5.4 | 13.7 | 5.9 | 15.0 | 64 | 1.89 |
| 1 Gallon | 7.5–7.68 | 19.1–19.5 | 6.6–6.63 | 16.8 | 128 | 3.79 |
| 5 Quart | 9.5 | 24.1 | 6.5 | 16.5 | 160 | 4.73 |
| 5 Gallon Bucket | 14.5–15.0 | 36.8–38.1 | 11.91–12.0 | 30.3 | 640 | 18.93 |
All measurements follow BASCO and Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) standards used across the U.S. paint industry.
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Standard Paint Can Sizes & Dimensions
Not all paint can sizes are the same. Each size has a specific purpose, a specific audience, and specific numbers that matter for storage, shipping, and project coverage.
1/4 Pint Paint Can Dimensions
It stands 2.0 to 2.13 inches tall and measures 2.38 to 2.5 inches in diameter. It holds 4 fluid ounces (0.12 liters).
This is the smallest standard paint can size in U.S. retail. Perfect for testing wall colors before committing to a full purchase. One can covers about 10 square feet with a single coat. Hardware stores sell these for under $5 — the most affordable way to sample any color.
1/2 Pint Paint Can Dimensions
It stands 2.88 to 3.0 inches tall with a 2.88-inch diameter. It holds 8 fluid ounces (0.24 liters).
BASCO specs confirm 3 inches tall by 2.88 inches wide. Great for touching up trim, door frames, scratches, and small cabinet sections. Covers roughly 25 square feet per coat — enough for a 4×5 foot closet wall.
1 Pint Paint Can Dimensions
It stands 3.94 to 4.0 inches tall and measures 3.44 to 3.5 inches in diameter. It holds 16 fluid ounces (0.47 liters).
BASCO confirms 3.99 inches high by 3.5 inches across as the fixed U.S. spec. This size fits standard paint can openers without wobble. Covers roughly 40 to 50 square feet per coat — ideal for a small bathroom wall or detail furniture work.
1 Quart Paint Can Dimensions
The DIY favorite. It stands 4.875 inches tall with a 4.25-inch diameter. It holds 32 fluid ounces (0.95 liters).
How big is a 32 oz can of paint? Exactly this quart size. BASCO specs confirm 4.875 inches tall by 4.25 inches wide. One quart covers a standard 8×10 foot accent wall with two coats.
1/2 Gallon Paint Can Dimensions
It stands 5.4 inches tall with a 5.9-inch diameter. It holds 64 fluid ounces (1.89 liters).
BASCO confirms 5.4 inches high by 5.9 inches diameter. This size bridges the gap when a quart is too small but a full gallon would leave too much leftover. Best for single rooms, kitchen accent walls, and mid-size renovation jobs.
1 Gallon Paint Can Dimensions
The industry standard for U.S. home painting. It stands 7.5 to 7.68 inches tall with a 6.625 to 6.63-inch diameter. It holds 128 fluid ounces (3.79 liters).
What are the dimensions of a 1 gallon paint can?
Height is 7.5 inches, diameter is 6.6 inches — the exact BASCO standard. The industry code 603×708 means 6-3/16 inch diameter by 7-11/16 inch height with the lid fully seated. One gallon covers 350 to 400 square feet — a standard 12×14 foot bedroom with a single coat.
Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and virtually every major U.S. paint brand package their flagship products in this exact gallon can format.
5 Quart & 5 Gallon Paint Can Dimensions
Two large-format options built for big jobs.
5 Quart Paint Can:
- Height: 9.5 inches (24.1 cm)
- Diameter: 6.5 inches (16.5 cm)
- Volume: 160 fl oz — covers ~437 sq ft
5 Gallon Paint Bucket:
- Height: 14.5 to 15.0 inches (36.8–38.1 cm)
- Diameter: 11.91 to 12.0 inches (30.3 cm)
- Volume: 640 fl oz — covers ~1,750–2,000 sq ft
The 5 gallon bucket is plastic construction with a metal bail handle. Five gallons paint a full 12×12 foot room with primer and two coats.
Paint Can Materials & How They Affect Dimensions
The U.S. paint industry uses three main paint can material types. Each affects the final height, weight, and storage behavior of the container.
Metal paint cans are the most common in U.S. retail. Made from tin-plated steel with an anti-rust interior lining. The double-seamed lid adds 0.18 inches to total height when fully seated — that’s why a gallon can measures 7.5 inches without the lid and 7.68 inches with it. Empty weight: roughly 8 oz.
Plastic paint cans use polyethylene or polypropylene construction. They run 0.1 to 0.2 inches shorter than metal equivalents at the same labeled diameter. Empty weight: roughly 4 oz — half that of metal. Preferred for latex and water-based paints where transport weight matters on large orders.
Hybrid (Monotop) cans combine a polypropylene body with a tin-plated steel sealing ring and metal lid. Interior wall coated with epoxy resin for corrosion and leak protection. Dimensions match metal cans exactly — same height, same diameter. Growing in U.S. commercial markets for specialty coatings and water-based paints.
Paint Can Dimensions vs. International Sizes
U.S. paint cans follow imperial standards. Global markets use entirely different sizing systems.
Paint Can Dimensions vs. International Sizes
| Container | Height (in) | Diameter (in) | Volume | Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 Pint Can | 2.0–2.13 | 2.38–2.5 | 118 ml | USA |
| 1 Quart Can | 4.875 | 4.25 | 946 ml | USA |
| 1 Gallon Can | 7.5 | 6.6 | 3.79 L | USA |
| 500 ml Tin | ~3.5 | ~3.3 | 500 ml | Europe / UK |
| 1 Litre Tin | ~5.0 | ~4.0 | 1 L | Europe / UK |
| 2.5 Litre Tin | ~6.5 | ~6.0 | 2.5 L | Europe / UK |
| 20 Litre Can | ~15.0 | ~11.0 | 20 L | Commercial Global |
Height comparison: A U.S. 1 gallon can at 7.5 inches is notably taller than the European 2.5 litre tin at 6.5 inches — even though both cover similar square footage. That difference directly impacts warehouse shelf planning and pallet stacking efficiency.
Question’s
What are the standard paint can sizes in the USA?
Standard U.S. paint can sizes are: 1/4 pint (4 oz), 1/2 pint (8 oz), 1 pint (16 oz), 1 quart (32 oz), 1/2 gallon (64 oz), 1 gallon (128 oz), 5 quart (160 oz), and 5 gallon (640 oz). All follow BASCO and CMI industry standards.
What are the dimensions of a 1 gallon paint can?
A 1 gallon paint can measures 7.5 inches tall and 6.6 inches in diameter without the lid. With the lid seated, height reaches 7.68 inches. It holds 128 fl oz (3.79 liters) and covers 350–400 square feet per coat.
How big is a 32 oz quart paint can?
A 1 quart paint can stands 4.875 inches tall with a 4.25-inch diameter. It holds 32 fl oz (0.95 liters) and covers 87–100 square feet per coat — enough for a standard bathroom wall with two coats.
What is the diameter of a 1 gallon paint can?
The body diameter is 6.625 inches (6.6 inches). The industry code 603×708 confirms this: 6-3/16 inch diameter by 7-11/16 inch height with lid. This spec is consistent across all U.S. metal paint can manufacturers.
How tall is a 5 gallon paint bucket?
A 5 gallon paint bucket stands 14.5 to 15.0 inches tall with a 12-inch diameter. It holds 640 fl oz (18.93 liters) and covers approximately 1,750–2,000 square feet — enough for a full house exterior with one coat.
What does the industry code 603×708 mean on a paint can?
It is a U.S. can sizing code. 603 = 6 and 3/16 inches (diameter). 708 = 7 and 8/16 inches (height with lid). This is the universal spec for all standard 1 gallon metal paint cans in the USA.
How many square feet does a quart of paint cover?
A 1 quart paint can covers approximately 87 to 100 square feet per coat on smooth surfaces. Textured walls drop coverage to 70–80 square feet. Always plan for two coats and add 15% extra for waste and touch-ups.
What is the difference between a metal and plastic paint can?
Metal cans weigh roughly 8 oz empty for a gallon size, seal tighter, and last longer in storage. Plastic cans weigh about 4 oz empty, run 0.1–0.2 inches shorter at the same diameter, and suit frequent transport better for water-based paints.
Are paint can dimensions the same internationally?
Not exactly. Europe uses 500 ml, 1 litre, and 2.5 litre as standard tin sizes. Commercial global markets use 20-litre cans (≈5.3 U.S. gallons). U.S. paint can dimensions follow the imperial pint-quart-gallon system unique to North America.
How do I choose the right paint can size?
Measure your wall area in square feet. Divide by 350 (standard coverage per gallon). Multiply by your number of coats. Add 15–20% for waste and touch-ups. Match that total volume to the nearest paint can size above your calculated need.
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.