Our garbage bag size calculator is useful tool that helps you determine the appropriate size of garbage bags for various containers or waste volumes.
You have a trash can with a capacity of 13 gallons. The calculator can help you find the right garbage bag size in liters or dimensions in inches or centimeters.
Garbage Bag Size Calculator
| Container Volume (gallons) | Bag Size (gallons) | Bag Dimensions (inches) | Bag Dimensions (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 8 | 22 x 24 | 55.9 x 61 |
| 10 | 13 | 24 x 27 | 61 x 68.6 |
| 15 | 20 | 30 x 30 | 76.2 x 76.2 |
| 20 | 30 | 30 x 39 | 76.2 x 99.1 |
| 25 | 33 | 34 x 40 | 86.4 x 101.6 |
| 30 | 40 | 37 x 52 | 94 x 132.1 |
| 40 | 55 | 40 x 56 | 101.6 x 142.2 |
| 50 | 72 | 48 x 60 | 121.9 x 152.4 |
| 60 | 80 | 48 x 72 | 121.9 x 182.9 |
| 80 | 96 | 54 x 72 | 137.2 x 182.9 |
Small Kitchen Bin (5 gallons): Height = 24 inches, Diameter = 12 inches
Bag Width = (Circumference/2) + 4 inches = (π × 12) / 2 + 4 ≈ 24.28 inches
Bag Length = Height + (Diameter/2) + 6 inches = 24 + 6 + 6 = 36 inches
Recommended Bag Size: 22 x 24 inches
Medium Kitchen Bin (10 gallons): Height = 30 inches, Diameter = 14 inches
Bag Width = (Circumference/2) + 4 inches = (π × 14) / 2 + 4 ≈ 26.96 inches
Bag Length = Height + (Diameter/2) + 6 inches = 30 + 7 + 6 = 43 inches
Recommended Bag Size: 24 x 27 inches
Outdoor Trash Can (20 gallons): Height = 36 inches, Diameter = 18 inches
Bag Width = (Circumference/2) + 4 inches = (π × 18) / 2 + 4 ≈ 30.83 inches
Bag Length = Height + (Diameter/2) + 6 inches = 36 + 9 + 6 = 51 inches
Recommended Bag Size: 30 x 39 inches
Industrial Waste (40 gallons): Height = 48 inches, Diameter = 24 inches
Bag Width = (Circumference/2) + 4 inches = (π × 24) / 2 + 4 ≈ 39.76 inches
Bag Length = Height + (Diameter/2) + 6 inches = 48 + 12 + 6 = 66 inches
Recommended Bag Size: 40 x 56 inches
Heavy-Duty Outdoor Waste (80 gallons): Height = 60 inches, Diameter = 30 inches
Bag Width = (Circumference/2) + 4 inches = (π × 30) / 2 + 4 ≈ 50.71 inches
Bag Length = Height + (Diameter/2) + 6 inches = 60 + 15 + 6 = 81 inches
Recommended Bag Size: 54 x 72 inches
Garbage Bag Size Tabular Chart
| Gallons | Liters | Dimensions (cm) | Dimensions (inches) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 11.4 | 38.1 x 45.7 | 15 x 18 | Small bathroom bins |
| 4 | 15.1 | 40.6 x 50.8 | 16 x 20 | Small kitchen waste |
| 8 | 30.3 | 55.9 x 61 | 22 x 24 | Medium kitchen waste |
| 10 | 37.9 | 61 x 66 | 24 x 26 | Office waste |
| 13 | 49.2 | 61 x 68.6 | 24 x 27 | Standard kitchen trash |
| 20 | 75.7 | 76.2 x 76.2 | 30 x 30 | Yard waste, larger kitchen bins |
| 30 | 113.6 | 76.2 x 99.1 | 30 x 39 | Heavy-duty yard waste |
| 33 | 124.9 | 86.4 x 99.1 | 34 x 39 | Outdoor cleanup |
| 40 | 151.4 | 94 x 132.1 | 37 x 52 | Construction debris |
| 55 | 208.2 | 94 x 132.1 | 37 x 52 | Large outdoor or industrial waste |
| 72 | 272.5 | 81 x 96 | 32 x 38 | Heavy-duty commercial use |
| 80 | 302.8 | 81 x 96 | 32 x 38 | Construction and demolition debris |
| 96 | 363.5 | 96 x 122 | 38 x 48 | Bulk waste disposal |
Notes on Usage
- Small Bags (3-10 gallons): Ideal for light waste, often used in bathrooms and offices.
- Medium Bags (13-30 gallons): Suitable for kitchen waste and general household use, providing a good balance between size and capacity.
- Large Bags (33-55 gallons): Designed for heavy-duty use, these bags are perfect for outdoor waste, yard debris, or construction materials.
- Extra Large Bags (72-96 gallons): Typically used in commercial settings or for significant clean-up projects, these bags can handle substantial waste volumes.
Garbage Bag Size Calculation Formula
The formula for calculating garbage bag volume is:
V = π r² hWhere:
- V = Volume in cubic units
- r = Radius of the bag (half the width)
- h = Height of the bag
- 1 gallon ≈ 3.78541 liters
- 1 inch ≈ 2.54 centimeters
For a bag with dimensions 24" x 27":
V = π (12")² 27" ≈ 12,230 cubic inches ≈ 53 gallonsHow do I know what size garbage bag I need?
If your trash can measures 20″ in diameter and 30″ in height:
V = π (10″)² 30″ ≈ 9,425 cubic inches ≈ 41 gallons
Choose a 45 or 50-gallon bag for a comfortable fit.
- Measure your trash can: Get the height and diameter (or width and depth for rectangular cans).
- Calculate the volume: Use the formula above or a calculator.
- Add extra space: Choose a bag slightly larger than your calculated volume to allow for easy tying and removal.
How many cans fit in a 20-gallon garbage bag?
- 12 oz aluminum cans: About 90-100 cans
- 16 oz plastic bottles: About 70-80 bottles
- 2-liter soda bottles: About 10-12 bottles
If you’re collecting 12 oz aluminum cans for recycling, a 20-gallon bag can hold approximately 95 cans, considering some space for crushing and air pockets.
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