Jerry Can Dimensions: Size, Width, Height & Diameter 2026
A standard 5-gallon (20-liter) jerry can stands 18.5 inches (47 cm) tall a reliable fuel and water container used by military units, overlanders, farmers, and emergency preppers worldwide. That height sits close to the length of a standard laptop computer, roughly half the height of a kitchen countertop, or about as tall as three stacked hardcover novels.
Whether you’re outfitting a vehicle for overlanding, building an emergency fuel reserve, or calculating storage space in a cargo trailer, knowing exact jerry can dimensions gives you an instant reference point.
Standard Jerry Can Dimensions
Jerry cans follow a shape developed by German engineers in the 1930s for military use. The original design featured a flat, rectangular body with a distinctive X-brace on the front face. That shape stacks efficiently, resists pressure, and maximizes fuel storage in tight spaces.
Modern jerry cans both metal and plastic follow similar proportions. The 5-gallon (20-liter) size is the global standard. Smaller formats serve portable and aviation needs. Larger formats handle farm, marine, and expedition use.
| Measurement | Inches | Centimeters | Millimeters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height (5-gal standard) | 18.5 in | 47.0 cm | 470 mm |
| Width | 9.5 in | 24.1 cm | 241 mm |
| Depth | 4.5 in | 11.4 cm | 114 mm |
| Handle height (above body) | 2.5 in | 6.4 cm | 64 mm |
| Spout length | 5.0 in | 12.7 cm | 127 mm |
All measurements represent exterior dimensions. Interior volume varies slightly between metal and plastic models due to wall thickness differences.
5-Gallon (20-Liter) Jerry Can Dimensions
The 5-gallon jerry can is the most common size on the market. It holds exactly 5 US gallons (18.9 liters or 18,927 ml) of fuel or water. Most manufacturers label it as “20 liters” using the metric equivalent.
Exterior Dimensions:
- Height: 18.5 inches (47.0 cm / 470 mm)
- Width: 9.5 inches (24.1 cm / 241 mm)
- Depth: 4.5 inches (11.4 cm / 114 mm)
Weight:
- Empty (metal): 10–12 pounds (4.5–5.4 kg)
- Empty (plastic): 4–6 pounds (1.8–2.7 kg)
- Full (gasoline): approximately 43 pounds (19.5 kg)
- Full (water): approximately 52 pounds (23.6 kg)
The 5-gallon can stands about as tall as the distance from your elbow to your wrist — easy to grip with one hand on the handle. Its 9.5-inch (24.1 cm) width means two cans sit side by side in exactly 19 inches (48.3 cm) of shelf space.
Overlanders mount pairs of 5-gallon cans on rear bumper racks or roof platforms. Each can extends a vehicle’s fuel range by roughly 100 to 150 miles (161 to 241 km) depending on engine size. Military logistics teams, wildland firefighters, and disaster relief agencies all stock these cans by the dozens.
Smaller Jerry Can Sizes: 1-2.5 Gallon Dimensions
Smaller jerry cans serve portable, aviation, and marine applications where weight and space matter most. They share the same rectangular body shape as the 5-gallon standard but scale down proportionally.
1-Gallon Jerry Can
The 1-gallon jerry can holds 3.785 liters (3,785 ml) of liquid. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for small engines, generators, and backup fuel for motorcycles and ATVs.
- Height: 10.5 inches (26.7 cm / 267 mm)
- Width: 5.5 inches (14.0 cm / 140 mm)
- Depth: 3.0 inches (7.6 cm / 76 mm)
- Weight empty: 1.5–2.5 pounds (0.7–1.1 kg)
At just 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) tall, this can fits easily in a saddlebag, backpack side pocket, or under a motorcycle seat. Hikers and ultralight campers use the 1-gallon format for stove fuel on extended trips.
2.5-Gallon Jerry Can
The 2.5-gallon jerry can holds 9.46 liters (9,463 ml) exactly half the volume of the standard 5-gallon can. It offers a lighter carry weight while still providing meaningful fuel or water storage.
- Height: 13.5 inches (34.3 cm / 343 mm)
- Width: 7.5 inches (19.1 cm / 191 mm)
- Depth: 4.0 inches (10.2 cm / 102 mm)
- Weight empty: 2.5–4.0 pounds (1.1–1.8 kg)
At 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) tall, this can fits comfortably in most truck toolboxes alongside other gear. Boaters, snowmobilers, and RV users favor the 2.5-gallon size for easy handling and precise fueling of smaller engines.
Larger Jerry Can Sizes: 7-Gallon and Beyond
Large-format jerry cans serve farms, construction sites, marine vessels, and expedition vehicles. They hold more per carry but require two hands — or a cart — when full.
7-Gallon Jerry Can
The 7-gallon jerry can holds 26.5 liters (26,496 ml). It gives overlanders and farmers more capacity without needing multiple smaller cans.
- Height: 20.5 inches (52.1 cm / 521 mm)
- Width: 11.0 inches (27.9 cm / 279 mm)
- Depth: 5.5 inches (14.0 cm / 140 mm)
- Weight full (gasoline): approximately 49 pounds (22.2 kg)
Standing 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) tall, this can reaches just above your knee for most adults. Farmers use 7-gallon cans to refuel tractors and equipment in remote fields without carrying multiple smaller containers.
10-Gallon Jerry Can
The 10-gallon jerry can holds 37.9 liters (37,854 ml) exactly double a standard 5-gallon can. It requires a two-person lift when full of fuel or water.
- Height: 24.0 inches (61.0 cm / 610 mm)
- Width: 13.0 inches (33.0 cm / 330 mm)
- Depth: 6.0 inches (15.2 cm / 152 mm)
- Weight full (gasoline): approximately 62 pounds (28.1 kg)
At 24.0 inches (61.0 cm) tall, the 10-gallon can reaches mid-thigh on most adults. Marine operators, wildland fire crews, and large farm operations use this format for high-volume fueling without constant refills.
Metal vs. Plastic Jerry Cans
Metal and plastic jerry cans share similar exterior dimensions in each size class. The key differences show up in wall thickness, weight, and approved fuel types.
| Feature | Metal Jerry Can | Plastic Jerry Can |
|---|---|---|
| Wall thickness | 0.047 in (1.2 mm) | 0.120 in (3.0 mm) |
| Weight (5-gal empty) | 10–12 lb (4.5–5.4 kg) | 4–6 lb (1.8–2.7 kg) |
| Approved for gasoline | Yes | Yes (HDPE only) |
| Approved for diesel | Yes | Yes (HDPE only) |
| Approved for water | Yes (lined) | Yes |
| UV resistance | Excellent | Good (varies) |
| Impact resistance | Moderate | High |
| Lifespan | 20–30 years | 5–10 years |
| Interior volume difference | Slightly larger | Slightly smaller |
Plastic cans have thicker walls — 0.120 inches (3.0 mm) versus metal at 0.047 inches (1.2 mm). That wall difference reduces interior volume slightly in plastic cans even when exterior dimensions match. A plastic 5-gallon can may hold only 4.75 gallons (18.0 liters) of usable space compared to a metal can’s full 5 gallons (18.9 liters).
Metal cans are heavier but last decades longer. Plastic cans resist cracking on impact and weigh less a full plastic 5-gallon water can weighs about 4 pounds (1.8 kg) less than the same metal can. Both types must meet UN/DOT approval ratings for fuel transport on public roads.
Factors Influencing Jerry Can Dimensions
Several practical factors drive the specific dimensions of each jerry can format. Understanding these helps you choose the right can for your exact situation.
Regulatory limits set the maximum single-can capacity at 5 gallons (18.9 liters) for road transport of flammable liquids in most U.S. states. Larger cans exist but require special permits or are restricted to commercial and agricultural use. This explains why the 5-gallon format dominates civilian markets.
Stackability shapes the rectangular body profile. A 5-gallon can at 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) deep stacks three cans deep in 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) of storage space. Round containers waste corner space. The flat rectangular shape uses shelf and cargo space efficiently.
Handle placement and grip clearance add 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) to the stated height when measuring for overhead clearance. Always add this to your measurement when checking if a can fits under a shelf or in a cargo compartment.
Material choice affects final dimensions. Two cans with identical exterior dimensions will have different interior volumes if one uses metal walls at 0.047 inches (1.2 mm) and the other uses plastic walls at 0.120 inches (3.0 mm). Check interior volume specs — not just exterior dimensions when maximizing fuel capacity.
Choosing the Right Jerry Can Based on Dimensions
Match your jerry can dimensions to your specific use case. The right size improves safety, handling, and storage efficiency.
For motorcycles, ATVs, and backpacking: Choose the 1-gallon can at 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) tall. It fits in saddlebags and packs without adding excessive weight. One can provides enough emergency fuel for most small engines.
For passenger vehicles, SUVs, and light trucks: The 2.5-gallon can at 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) fits in most trunks without removing cargo space. Two cans give you 5 gallons (18.9 liters) of reserve fuel with manageable individual carry weight.
For overlanding, camping, and emergency preparedness: The 5-gallon (20-liter) can at 18.5 inches (47.0 cm) is the universal choice. It balances capacity and carry weight better than any other format. Most roof racks and rear bumper mounts are designed exactly for this size.
For farms, construction sites, and marine use: Choose the 7-gallon or 10-gallon formats. The 7-gallon stands 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) tall and handles comfortably by one person when not full. The 10-gallon at 24.0 inches (61.0 cm) requires two people when full but cuts refueling trips in half.
Compare Table
| Size | Volume | Height | Width | Depth | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Gallon | 3.8 L | 10.5 in (26.7 cm) | 5.5 in (14.0 cm) | 3.0 in (7.6 cm) | Motorcycles, backpacking |
| 2.5-Gallon | 9.5 L | 13.5 in (34.3 cm) | 7.5 in (19.1 cm) | 4.0 in (10.2 cm) | SUVs, boats, snowmobiles |
| 5-Gallon | 18.9 L | 18.5 in (47.0 cm) | 9.5 in (24.1 cm) | 4.5 in (11.4 cm) | Overlanding, emergency prep |
| 7-Gallon | 26.5 L | 20.5 in (52.1 cm) | 11.0 in (27.9 cm) | 5.5 in (14.0 cm) | Farming, expedition |
| 10-Gallon | 37.9 L | 24.0 in (61.0 cm) | 13.0 in (33.0 cm) | 6.0 in (15.2 cm) | Marine, commercial |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of a standard 5-gallon jerry can?
A standard 5-gallon jerry can measures 18.5 inches (47.0 cm) tall, 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) wide, and 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) deep on the exterior. Metal versions weigh 10–12 pounds (4.5–5.4 kg) empty and roughly 43 pounds (19.5 kg) full of gasoline. These dimensions fit standard rear bumper and roof rack mounts designed for overlanding use.
How tall is a 2.5-gallon jerry can?
A 2.5-gallon jerry can stands 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) tall with a width of 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) and depth of 4.0 inches (10.2 cm). It weighs 2.5 to 4.0 pounds (1.1 to 1.8 kg) empty. This size fits in most passenger vehicle trunks alongside regular cargo without sacrifice.
What is the difference in size between a metal and plastic jerry can?
Metal and plastic jerry cans share nearly identical exterior dimensions in each size class. The difference lies in wall thickness metal walls run 0.047 inches (1.2 mm) while plastic walls run 0.120 inches (3.0 mm). This means a plastic 5-gallon can holds slightly less usable interior volume than a same-sized metal can, even though they look identical on the outside.
How many 5-gallon jerry cans fit on a standard roof rack?
Most standard roof racks accommodate 2 to 4 five-gallon cans depending on rack width and mounting system. Two side-by-side cans require 19 inches (48.3 cm) of width at minimum. Four cans in a two-by-two arrangement need approximately 38 inches (96.5 cm) wide and 37 inches (94.0 cm) long of usable rack space.
Can a 5-gallon jerry can hold water as well as fuel?
Yes metal jerry cans with a food-safe interior lining and HDPE plastic cans are both approved for potable water storage. Never use a can previously used for fuel to store drinking water, as contamination is irreversible. Dedicated water-rated cans are typically blue in color to distinguish them from red fuel cans.
How does handle height affect total jerry can storage clearance?
The folding handle adds approximately 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) above the stated can height when upright. A 5-gallon can at 18.5 inches (47.0 cm) tall requires at least 21 inches (53.3 cm) of vertical clearance when the handle is raised. Always measure clearance with the handle up when fitting cans under shelves, racks, or cargo lids.
Conclusion
Jerry can dimensions span a practical range — from the compact 1-gallon at 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) tall to the heavy-duty 10-gallon at 24.0 inches (61.0 cm) with the universal 5-gallon can at 18.5 x 9.5 x 4.5 inches (47.0 x 24.1 x 11.4 cm) serving as the global standard in 2026. Two standard 5-gallon cans placed side by side span exactly 19 inches (48.3 cm) — about as wide as a standard laptop screen.
Now that you know exact jerry can dimensions, you can select the right size for your vehicle, plan rack and storage space precisely, and compare metal versus plastic options with confidence.
