Paint can dimensions matter more than most people think. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a weekend DIYer, knowing the exact measurements helps you plan storage, calculate coverage, and choose the right container size for your project.

This guide breaks down every standard paint can size available in the US market. You’ll learn precise measurements, understand capacity differences, and discover which size works best for your specific needs.

Quarter pint cans measure approximately 2.5 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches tall. They hold 4 ounces of paint, perfect for small touch-ups and sample testing.

Half pint containers stand about 3 inches tall with a 3-inch diameter. These 8-ounce cans work well for trim work and minor repairs around your home.

Pint-sized paint cans feature dimensions of roughly 4 inches in height and 4 inches in diameter. The 16-ounce capacity covers approximately 50 square feet with one coat.

Quart paint cans are among the most popular sizes for homeowners. They measure 4.75 inches tall and 4.25 inches in diameter, holding 32 ounces that typically cover 100 square feet.

Half-gallon cans stand 5.5 inches tall with a 6.5-inch diameter. At 64 ounces, they provide enough paint for medium-sized rooms or multiple accent walls.

The one-gallon paint can represents the industry standard size. It measures 7.5 inches in height and 6.5 inches in diameter, with a capacity of 128 ounces covering 350-400 square feet per coat.

Five-gallon buckets dominate commercial and large residential projects. These containers measure 14.5 inches tall with a 12-inch diameter, holding 640 ounces that cover approximately 1,750-2,000 square feet.

Paint Can Measurements: Height, Width, and Capacity

Interior dimensions differ slightly from exterior measurements. Most manufacturers list exterior specs because they matter for shipping and storage planning. The metal thickness typically ranges from 0.01 to 0.015 inches, affecting actual paint capacity.

Fill capacity represents about 90% of total volume. A gallon can holds 128 ounces but manufacturers fill to approximately 115 ounces, leaving headspace for mixing and preventing spills during transport.

Weight considerations become important for storage and handling. An empty gallon can weighs roughly 8 ounces, while a full one reaches 11-12 pounds depending on paint density and formulation type.

International Paint Can Dimensions

A 500ml paint can measures approximately 3.5 inches tall with a 3.3-inch diameter. This size equals roughly 17 ounces or slightly more than a US pint, covering about 60 square feet per coat.

One liter containers stand about 5 inches tall with a 4-inch diameter. At 33.8 ounces, they fall between US quart and half-gallon sizes, providing coverage for approximately 120 square feet.

The 2.5 litre tin represents Europe’s most popular size. It measures 6.5 inches tall and 6 inches in diameter, holding 84.5 ounces—slightly less than a US gallon but covering similar square footage of 300-350 feet.

Twenty liter paint cans dominate commercial markets internationally. These large containers measure 15 inches tall with an 11-inch diameter, holding approximately 5.3 US gallons and covering 2,100 square feet per coat.

Conversion accuracy matters for project planning. One US gallon equals 3.785 liters, not 4 liters as commonly assumed. This 5% difference affects coverage calculations and cost comparisons when shopping international brands.

Paint Can Dimension Changes and Industry Updates for 2026

Manufacturing standards continue evolving in 2026 with focus on sustainability and user convenience. The paint and coatings manufacturing sector generated over $30 billion in revenue during 2024, driving innovation in container design.

Eco-friendly modifications include thinner metal gauges that reduce material usage by 8-12% without compromising strength. Several major brands now offer recycled steel cans with identical dimensions but 25% lower carbon footprints compared to traditional containers.

Custom paint can sizes have expanded beyond standard offerings. Specialty suppliers now produce 2-gallon and 3-gallon containers for commercial applications, filling the gap between residential and contractor needs.

Smart packaging integration represents 2026’s newest trend. Some manufacturers embed QR codes directly into can lids that link to coverage calculators, color matching tools, and disposal guidelines.

Other Dimensions: Monster Can Size Dimensions in 2026

Question’s

What are the sizes of paint cans?

Paint cans come in seven standard sizes: quarter pint (4 oz), half pint (8 oz), pint (16 oz), quart (32 oz), half gallon (64 oz), gallon (128 oz), and five gallons (640 oz). Each size serves different project needs from small touch-ups to whole-house painting.

What is the width of a paint can?

Paint can width varies by size. Pints measure 4 inches across, quarts span 4.25 inches, gallons reach 6.5 inches in diameter, and five-gallon buckets measure 12 inches wide. These measurements represent the exterior diameter at the widest point.

How big is a 500ml tin of paint?

A 500ml paint tin stands approximately 3.5 inches tall with a 3.3-inch diameter. This metric size holds about 17 ounces, covering roughly 60 square feet with one coat. It’s slightly larger than a standard US pint.

How big is a 1 liter paint can?

One liter paint cans measure about 5 inches in height and 4 inches in diameter. They hold 33.8 ounces—more than a quart but less than a half gallon—providing approximately 120 square feet of coverage per coat.

How big is a 2.5 litre tin of paint?

A 2.5 litre paint tin measures 6.5 inches tall and 6 inches in diameter. Holding 84.5 ounces, it’s slightly smaller than a US gallon but covers similar square footage of 300-350 square feet per coat.

How much is 20 liters of paint?

Twenty liters of paint equals approximately 5.3 US gallons. These large containers measure 15 inches tall with an 11-inch diameter, covering about 2,100 square feet per coat. They’re commonly used for commercial projects outside the United States.

How to know size in paint?

Check the label on the paint can for volume markings listed in ounces, gallons, or liters. Most cans display size prominently on the front label. You can also measure the can’s height and diameter, then compare against standard dimension charts.

How many inches tall is a paint can?

Paint can height depends on size. Pints stand 4 inches tall, quarts measure 4.75 inches, gallons reach 7.5 inches, and five-gallon buckets extend to 14.5 inches.

Conclusion

Paint can dimensions saves time, money, and storage space on every project. Standard sizes from quarter pints to five-gallon buckets offer options for any job scale, while metric conversions help with international products.

Choose your paint container size based on project coverage needs and storage capabilities. The right dimensions ensure you buy enough paint without excess waste, making your next painting project more efficient and cost-effective.