Understanding beverage can dimensions is essential for brands, distributors, and anyone in the packaging industry. The right can size affects everything from production costs to shelf appeal and consumer experience.
In 2026, the US market continues to evolve with new formats while maintaining core standards.
Standard Beverage Can Dimensions
The 12 oz (355ml) standard can remains the backbone of the American beverage industry. This iconic format measures 4.83 inches (12.2 cm) in height and 2.6 inches (6.62 cm) in diameter.
The standard can uses a 202 end, which has a 2.05-inch (52mm) diameter. This end size is compatible with most filling and seaming equipment across North America.
The total weight of an empty standard aluminum can is approximately 9.66 grams, making it lightweight yet durable for shipping.
Other common US beverage can sizes include the 8.4 oz (250ml) energy drink format and the 16 oz (473ml) tallboy. The 8.4 oz can typically stands 4.75 inches tall with a 2.12-inch diameter.
The 16 oz tallboy measures approximately 6.2 inches in height and maintains the standard 2.6-inch diameter for production compatibility.
250ml and 500ml Can Dimensions Explained
The 250ml can (8.4 oz) is the go-to format for energy drinks and premium coffee beverages. In the sleek profile, it measures 4.53 inches (115mm) tall with a 2.24-inch (57mm) diameter.
The slim profile version stands taller at 5.28 inches (134mm) but narrows to just 2.09 inches (53mm) in diameter.
Both 250ml variants use different can ends. Sleek cans use the standard 202 end (52mm), while slim cans require a smaller 200 end (50mm). This difference impacts production line compatibility and availability of components.
500ml cans (16.9 oz) are popular for iced tea, sparkling water, and single-serve craft beers. The standard profile measures approximately 6.2 to 6.9 inches tall with the familiar 2.6-inch diameter.
Slim vs. Sleek vs. Standard
Standard can profiles use a 66mm (2.6-inch) diameter body with 202 ends. This traditional shape dominates the soda and mainstream beer categories.
The wider body offers excellent label space and requires minimal production line modifications for most facilities.
Sleek cans feature a 57mm (2.24-inch) diameter body while maintaining 202 end compatibility. This profile stands taller than standard cans for the same volume, creating a modern, premium appearance.
Slim cans are the narrowest option at 53mm (2.09-inch) diameter. They require specialized 200 ends and custom carriers. Red Bull built its brand identity around the slim 8.4 oz format.
Brand Can Dimensions: Coca-Cola, Red Bull & More
Coca-Cola’s standard can measures exactly 4.83 inches tall and 2.6 inches in diameter for the classic 12 oz format.
Coca-Cola also offers a 7.5 oz mini can at 3.5 inches tall and 2.25 inches in diameter for portion-conscious consumers.
Red Bull pioneered the slim energy can at 8.4 oz (250ml). Their signature format stands 5.28 inches tall with a narrow 2.09-inch diameter.
Monster Energy’s standard 16 oz can uses traditional dimensions: 6.2 inches in height and 2.6 inches in diameter.
However, Monster also produces a 24 oz can that reaches 8.46 inches tall while maintaining the standard diameter for single-serve consumption occasions.
Other Dimensions: Ammo Can Size Dimensions in 2026
FAQ’s
What are the dimensions of a drinks can?
The most common drink can in the US is the 12 oz standard, measuring 4.83 inches tall and 2.6 inches in diameter. However, dimensions vary based on volume and profile type. Energy drinks often use 8.4 oz cans at 4.75 inches tall and 2.12 inches wide.
What is the size of a standard can drink?
The standard can drink size in North America is 12 oz (355ml). This format has dominated the market since the 1960s. It provides an ideal single-serving volume for sodas, beers, and carbonated beverages while optimizing production efficiency.
What is the standard size of cans?
12 oz cans are considered standard, but 8.4 oz, 16 oz, and 19.2 oz formats are also widely used. The beverage category influences size selection—energy drinks favor 8.4 oz, craft beers prefer 16 oz, and mainstream sodas stick with 12 oz.
How big is a 250 mL can?
A 250ml can (8.4 oz) typically measures 4.53 to 5.28 inches in height and 2.09 to 2.24 inches in diameter. The exact dimensions depend on whether it’s a sleek or slim profile. Sleek versions are shorter and wider, while slim cans are taller and narrower.
How big is a 500 ml can?
A 500ml can (16.9 oz) generally stands 6.2 to 7.5 inches tall with a 2.6-inch diameter for standard profiles. Sleek 500ml versions are taller but maintain compatibility with most production lines. This size is popular for iced coffee, energy drinks, and craft beers.
How big is a 250ml coke can?
Coca-Cola doesn’t commonly produce a 250ml can in the US market. The closest size is the 7.5 oz mini can, which measures 3.5 inches tall and 2.25 inches in diameter. International markets may offer 250ml Coke cans with regional dimension variations.
What is the size of a Coca-Cola can?
The standard Coca-Cola can is 12 oz, measuring 4.83 inches in height and 2.6 inches in diameter. Coca-Cola also offers 7.5 oz mini cans and 16 oz tallboys, with dimensions adjusted proportionally while maintaining the recognizable brand aesthetic.
What size is a 202 can lid?
A 202 can lid (end) measures 2.05 inches (52mm) in diameter. This is the most common end size in the beverage industry, compatible with both standard and sleek can profiles. The 202 designation refers to the diameter measurement in sixteenths of an inch.
What are the dimensions of a 440mL can?
A 440ml can typically measures 5.9 to 6.1 inches tall with a 2.6-inch diameter. This format is standard in the UK and European craft beer markets and is increasingly adopted by American craft breweries seeking to differentiate their premium offerings.
Conclusion
Beverage can dimensions in 2026 remain rooted in proven standards while accommodating evolving brand strategies. The 12 oz standard, 8.4 oz energy format, and 16 oz tallboy dominate the American market with precise, production-friendly measurements.
Choosing between slim, sleek, and standard profiles depends on brand positioning, production capabilities, and target demographics. Understanding exact specifications—from 202 end diameters to body heights—ensures compatibility and cost efficiency throughout your supply chain.
I’m the admin of CanSizeDimensions.com, sharing clear and accurate Measurement Guides to make everyday decisions easier. I enjoy simplifying complex dimension details so Readers Can Quickly understand sizes, comparisons, and practical uses. My goal is to provide helpful, reliable information for everyone.