Trash Bag Size Chart: Can Liner Sizes by Gallon and Can Type
Trash bags and can liners are sized width x length in inches, and the gallon label is only a guide. A standard 32 gallon round can takes a 33" x 39" or 33" x 40" liner, a 44 gallon can a 40" x 46" or 40" x 48", and a 55 gallon can a 43" x 48". The chart below lists the liner size for each common can, how to measure your own, and how thick the liner should be for what you throw away.
Trash Bag Sizes by Can
| Can | Typical can size (in) | Liner size (W x L) | Also fits | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-7 gal small wastebasket | varies; measure yours | 17 x 17 (4-6 gal), 20 x 21 (7 gal) | 20 x 22 (by quote) | 4-16 gallon |
| 7-10 gal wastebasket (28 qt deskside) | about 14½ x 10¼ x 15 | 24 x 23, 24 x 24 | 22 x 25 (by quote) | 4-16 gallon |
| 12-16 gal (41 qt deskside, 10 gal round can) | 10 gal round: about 15½ dia x 17 | 24 x 32, 24 x 33 | 25 x 30 | 4-16 gallon |
| 13 gal kitchen can | varies, about 25 tall | 24 x 32, 24 x 33 (longer fold) | 24 x 27 to 24 x 28 kitchen bags (by quote) | 4-16 gallon |
| 16 gal slim can | about 22 x 11 x 25 | 30 x 36, 30 x 37 | 33 x 39; 30 x 43 longer (by quote) | 20-30 gallon |
| 20 gal round can | about 19½ dia x 23 | 30 x 36, 30 x 37 | 20-30 gallon | |
| 23 gal slim can | about 22 x 11 x 30 | 33 x 39, 33 x 40 | 28 x 45 or 29 x 44 snug fit (by quote) | 33 gallon |
| 32 gal round can | about 22 dia x 27¾ | 33 x 39, 33 x 40 | 40 x 46 or 40 x 48 in high density; 33 x 44 longer fit (by quote) | 33 gallon |
| 44 gal round can | about 24 dia x 31½ | 40 x 46, 40 x 48 | 37 x 50 snug fit (by quote) | 40-45 gallon |
| 55 gal round can | about 26½ dia x 33 | 43 x 48, 42½ x 47 | 38 x 58 or 36 x 58: longer and narrower, tight on a wide can | 55-60 gallon |
| 56 gal square container | measure the opening | 43 x 48, 42½ x 47 | 55-60 gallon | |
| 55 gal steel drum | about 22½ dia x 33½ | 38 x 60, 38 x 58 | 38 x 64, 38 x 65 for a deeper fold | Drum liners |
| 64-65 gal wheeled cart | about 29 x 24 x 38-42 | 50 x 60 flat, or 40 x 10 x 53 gusseted | Request a quote | |
| 95-96 gal wheeled cart | about 36 x 30 x 43 | 61 x 68 flat, or 39 x 18 x 65 gusseted | Request a quote |
Can sizes are typical published dimensions (outside, top diameter for round cans); brands vary by an inch or two, so measure yours if it's close. Sizes marked by quote aren't stocked; we can quote them. Gusseted liners are listed as width x gusset x length; their flat-equivalent width is the width plus the gusset. Browse every size in our trash bags and can liners.
How to Measure a Trash Can for a Liner
- Width: for a round can, measure the diameter across the top and multiply by 3.14, then divide by 2 (half the circumference). For a square or rectangular can, add the length and width of the opening.
- Length: measure the can's height, add half the diameter of the bottom (half the diagonal for a square can), then add 3" to 4" to fold over the rim.
- Pick the closest stock size. A liner an inch or two narrower usually still fits, especially linear low density, which stretches. High density doesn't stretch, so if it's tight, go to the next width up.
Example: a 32 gallon round can is about 22" across and 27¾" tall. Width: 22 x 3.14 ÷ 2 = 34½". Length: 27¾ + 11 + 3 = about 42". A 33" x 40" linear low liner fits it with a little stretch, and a 33" x 44" gives a fuller fold. Cans taper, so the bottom is narrower than the top and a 39" or 40" length usually reaches the bottom.
Why Trash Bag Size Charts Disagree
- Gallons aren't a standard. The gallon on the box is the can size a liner is meant for, not a measurement, so two "33 gallon" liners can be different sizes.
- Stretch film vs. stiff film. Linear low density liners stretch, so they're often cut narrower than the can. High density liners don't stretch and need the full width or more.
- Standard vs. snug-fit sizes. Some makers sell longer, narrower "snug fit" sizes (37 x 50 for a 44 gallon can) next to the older standard sizes (40 x 46). Both work; snug sizes reach the bottom with less extra film.
- Different overhang. Charts allow anywhere from 3" to 5" over the rim.
High Density vs. Linear Low Density Trash Bags
| High density (HDPE) | Linear low density (LLDPE) | |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness measured in | Microns | Mil (1 mil = 25.4 microns) |
| Feel | Thin, stiff, crinkly | Soft and stretchy |
| Strength | Carries more weight at a thinner gauge | Stretches instead of splitting |
| Puncture and tear resistance | Good, but tears easily once punctured | Best |
| Cost per bag | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Paper, office and restroom waste, food waste without sharp edges | Glass, cans, plastic cutlery, wood, cardboard, yard waste, anything sharp or heavy |
Because the films are so different, don't compare them by number: a 16 micron high density liner (0.63 mil) and a 0.63 mil linear low liner aren't the same bag. Low density (LDPE) liners, often white, are soft and opaque, for offices and restrooms.
Trash Bag Thickness Chart
| What goes in it | Can size | High density | Linear low density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper, office trash, restroom towels | 4-16 gal | 6-8 micron | 0.35-0.45 mil |
| 20-33 gal | 8-10 micron | 0.45-0.6 mil | |
| 40-60 gal | 10-13 micron | 0.6-0.8 mil | |
| General, kitchen and food waste | 4-16 gal | 8-10 micron | 0.5-0.6 mil |
| 20-33 gal | 12-14 micron | 0.7-0.9 mil | |
| 40-60 gal | 14-17 micron | 0.9-1.2 mil | |
| Heavy, wet or sharp: glass, cans, yard waste, construction debris | 4-16 gal | not recommended | 0.8-1.0 mil |
| 20-33 gal | not recommended | 1.2-1.5 mil | |
| 40-96 gal | not recommended | 1.5-3 mil |
These are starting points. If liners split or tear, go up a step; if they never come close, a thinner gauge saves money on every case.
Trash Bag Size FAQ
What size trash bag fits a 32 gallon can? A 33" x 39" or 33" x 40" liner is the standard. For a fuller fold over a round 32 gallon can, use 33" x 44".
What size bag fits a 55 gallon trash can? A 43" x 48" or 42½" x 47" liner for a 55 gallon round can. A 55 gallon steel drum is narrower and needs more fold over the rim, so it takes a 38" x 58" or 38" x 60" drum liner.
What size liner fits a 23 gallon slim can? The snug fit is 28" x 45" or 29" x 44". A 33" x 39" or 33" x 40" liner also works; it's shorter, so in a full-depth can it may not reach all the way into the bottom corners.
What size bags fit 64 and 96 gallon wheeled carts? About 50" x 60" flat (or 40" x 10" x 53" gusseted) for 64-65 gallon carts, and 61" x 68" flat (or 39" x 18" x 65" gusseted) for 95-96 gallon carts. We supply cart liners by quote: request a quote with your cart size, color and quantity.
What size is a 13 gallon trash bag? Kitchen 13 gallon bags are about 24" x 27" to 24" x 28". A 24" x 32" or 24" x 33" commercial liner fits the same cans with more fold over the rim.
Clear or black trash bags? Black hides what's inside. Clear shows it, which helps with recycling and with spotting things thrown out by mistake.
What is a star seal bottom? The bottom of the bag is gathered and sealed in a star pattern, so it fills out a round can without corners and spreads the weight. Most high density liners have one.
How many microns is 1 mil? 25.4. A 16 micron high density liner is about 0.63 mil, but it's stronger than a 0.63 mil linear low liner for paper and smooth trash, and weaker against sharp objects.
How can I save money on trash bags? Use the smallest size and lightest gauge that hold up, and high density wherever the trash isn't sharp. For high volumes, a custom run in your exact size usually costs less per bag, and recycled-content resin lowers the price further when the liners don't need to be food grade. Request a quote.
Can you print custom trash bags? Yes. We make custom printed can liners and poly bags with your logo, text or a warning message on custom runs, in the size, gauge and color you need. Request a quote with the size, colors and quantity.
Can't find your size? Request a quote with your can's measurements and we'll find the closest stock liner or quote a custom size.