A standard jerry can holds 20 liters (5.3 gallons). This is the most common jerry can size used across the United States.
It stands about 18 inches tall and fits easily in most truck beds, SUV cargo areas, and garage shelves.
Whether you need it for fuel, water, or chemicals — knowing the exact jerry can dimensions saves you from buying the wrong size.
What Is a Jerry Can & Standard Jerry Can Dimensions
The jerry can was first built in Germany in 1937. The German military called it the Wehrmachtkanister. It was designed to carry fuel safely across rough terrain during wartime.
These numbers cover the most widely available jerry can dimensions in the US market. Minor variations exist between brands and materials.
Jerry Can Weight (Empty & Filled)
Weight matters a lot — especially when you are lifting a full can alone.
A 20-liter steel jerry can weighs about 4 lbs empty. Fill it with water and it hits 48 lbs. Fill it with gasoline and it weighs around 37–40 lbs because fuel is lighter than water.
A 20-liter plastic jerry can weighs only 1.5–2 lbs empty — much easier to handle. Filled with fuel it reaches 35–38 lbs.
Always factor in the filled weight, not just the empty can, before you buy.
Jerry Can Sizes by Capacity
Jerry can sizes range from compact 1-liter bottles to heavy-duty 30-liter containers. Each size serves a different real-world purpose. Choosing the right one saves space, money, and effort.
5-Liter Jerry Can Dimensions
The 5-liter jerry can measures roughly 10–12 inches tall, 8–9 inches long, and 4–5 inches wide.
Empty weight is only 1.5 lbs. It is small enough to fit under a car seat or inside a backpack. Campers, motorcyclists, and hikers prefer this size. It is also used for storing small amounts of emergency fuel or water.
How big is a jerry can at 5 liters? Think roughly twice the height of a standard soda can. Compact but very useful.
10-Liter Jerry Can Dimensions
The 10-liter jerry can stands 14–16 inches tall, 10–11 inches long, and 5–6 inches wide.
Empty weight runs about 2.5 lbs. This is the go-to size for ATV riders, lawn equipment, and small generators. It fits easily in standard equipment racks. Agriculture workers also use 10L cans daily for chemical field applications.
20-Liter Jerry Can Dimensions
The 20-liter jerry can is the most popular size worldwide. It stands 17–18 inches tall, 13–14 inches long, and 6–7 inches wide.
How many gallons does a jerry can hold at this size? Exactly 5.3 gallons. That is the NATO standard. Most people in the USA simply call it the 5-gallon jerry can.
5-gallon jerry can dimensions average: height 18.5 inches, length 13.5 inches, width 6.5 inches. The Midwest metal version measures exactly 18.25 × 13.5 × 6.5 inches.
This size dominates industrial, military, off-road, and household fuel storage markets in the USA.
25-Liter Jerry Can Dimensions
The 25-liter jerry can measures 18–20 inches tall, 14–16 inches long, and 7–8 inches wide.
How many gallons in a jerry can at 25L? About 6.6 gallons. This size is better suited for stationary storage. Filled weight exceeds 55 lbs, which makes it hard to carry alone. Industrial operations, chemical storage, and bulk fuel depots use this size most.
30-Liter Jerry Can Dimensions
The 30-liter jerry can is the largest practical size for manual handling. It reaches 19–21 inches tall, 15–17 inches long, and 8–9 inches wide.
Filled weight exceeds 70 lbs. Two-person lifting is recommended. Most standard garage shelves cannot safely hold a full 30L can without reinforcement. This size belongs in professional, industrial, or processing plant environments.
Jerry Can Dimensions by Material Type
The material your jerry can is made from changes its weight, durability, and even its exact dimensions. Two main materials dominate the market: metal and HDPE plastic.
Metal (Steel & Aluminum) Jerry Can Dimensions
Steel jerry cans follow strict NATO military dimensions. The standard 20L steel can measures exactly:
- Height: 17.75 inches (450mm)
- Length: 13.5 inches (345mm)
- Width: 6.5 inches (165mm)
Wall thickness runs 1–2mm on steel, adding real weight. Empty weight sits at 6–8 lbs for steel construction.
Aluminum jerry cans use the same external dimensions as steel. But empty weight drops to 4–5 lbs. Aviation and motorsport industries favor aluminum for its strength-to-weight advantage. It also resists rust without any coating needed.
HDPE Plastic Jerry Can Dimensions
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) cans match metal versions closely in overall size. Wall thickness runs 2–4mm, which barely changes external measurements.
A 20L HDPE can weighs about 40% less than a steel equivalent when empty. It is flexible enough to resist cracking in extreme cold. FDA food-grade HDPE versions use identical dimensions but are certified safe for drinking water and food liquids.
UV-resistant and chemical-resistant HDPE versions are also available in the same sizes — making them versatile for many industries.
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Types of Jerry Cans & Their Dimensions
Not all jerry cans are the same. Different types exist for different fluids, regulations, and environments. This is the section most competitor blogs skip — and it matters a lot for USA buyers.
NATO Military Jerry Can Dimensions
The NATO military jerry can is the gold standard. It holds exactly 20 liters and measures 17.75 × 13.5 × 6.5 inches in steel construction.
Its three-handle design allows one or two soldiers to carry it. The welded seams and locking cap make it leak-proof under pressure. Brands like Wavian and Scepter manufacture NATO-certified cans available to civilians in the USA.
Type 1 vs Type 2 Gas Can Dimensions (EPA Standards)
This is something most blogs never explain clearly.
Type 1 gas cans have a single opening and a simple pour spout. They are older style, pre-2009 designs. A Type 1 five-gallon can typically stands about 17 inches tall with basic closure caps.
Type 2 gas cans were required after 2009 EPA regulations. They include child-resistant closures, automatic shut-off valves, and vapor recovery vents. These safety additions increase overall height by 2–3 inches compared to Type 1 models.
If you buy a new gas can in the USA today, it is almost certainly a Type 2 — and it will be slightly taller and bulkier than older cans you may remember.
Water Jerry Can Dimensions
Water jerry cans use the exact same external dimensions as fuel versions. A 20L water jerry can stands 17–18 inches tall, same footprint as a fuel can.
The key difference is the material. Water cans are made from FDA-approved food-grade plastic — usually white or translucent. They have no fuel residue risk and include food-safe caps.
How many liters in a jerry can used for water? The standard is still 20 liters (5.3 gallons). Some emergency preparedness kits use 10L water cans for easier daily handling.
CARB-Compliant Jerry Can Dimensions (USA Specific)
California has the strictest fuel container laws in the USA. CARB (California Air Resources Board) compliant cans include vapor recovery systems built into the spout assembly.
These vapor control systems add noticeable bulk around the cap and spout area — sometimes adding 1–2 inches to the overall profile. If you live in California or ship products into California, you must use CARB-compliant jerry cans. Standard EPA cans are not legal for fuel use there.
FAQs About Jerry Can Dimensions
What are the standard dimensions of a jerry can?
The standard jerry can dimensions for a 20L NATO can are 17.75 inches tall, 13.5 inches long, and 6.5 inches wide. This is the most common benchmark used globally and in the USA.
How tall is a 20L jerry can?
A 20L jerry can typically stands 17–18 inches tall. Steel NATO-spec cans measure exactly 17.75 inches. Plastic versions range from 17.5 to 18.5 inches depending on brand and wall design.
How big is a 5-litre jerry can?
A 5-litre jerry can measures roughly 10–12 inches tall, 8–9 inches long, and 4–5 inches wide. It weighs about 1.5 lbs empty — compact enough for backpacks and car trunks.
How many litres is a standard jerry can?
A standard jerry can holds 20 litres (5.3 gallons). This size became the worldwide standard after World War II based on NATO military specifications still in use today.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 gas cans?
Type 1 gas cans have a basic pour spout with no safety mechanisms. Type 2 gas cans include child-resistant caps, automatic shut-off, and vapor recovery vents required by EPA regulations after 2009. Type 2 cans are slightly taller and bulkier as a result.
Are all fuel cans the same size?
No. Fuel cans range from 1-liter compact sizes to 30-liter industrial containers. Size, material, regulatory compliance (Type 1 vs Type 2), and intended use all affect the final dimensions significantly.
Hi, I’m Ava Addams, the author at HowIsLong.com. I help simplify measurements with easy-to-use tools and clear explanations—so you can convert units quickly and accurately.Explore our guides to understand lengths, distances, and everyday measurements with confidence.
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