Paint Can Dimensions Chart

Choosing the right paint can size can save you money and headaches. Whether you’re touching up a wall or painting an entire room, understanding standard paint can dimensions helps you buy exactly what you need.

This guide breaks down every paint container size available in the USA, from tiny half-pints to jumbo 5-quart cans. You’ll learn the exact measurements, coverage areas, and which size works best for your project.

Standard Paint Can Sizes and Dimensions

The paint industry uses six standard sizes in the United States. Each paint can measurement follows industry specifications for consistency across brands.

Most common paint can sizes range from half-pint (8 ounces) to 5-quart (160 ounces). The 1-gallon size accounts for roughly 75% of all paint can sales in the residential market.

Paint Can Dimensions Chart

Detailed Measurements for Each Paint Can Size

Half-Pint Paint Cans measure 3 inches tall and 2.88 inches wide. These tiny containers hold 8 fluid ounces, perfect for small touch-up jobs or craft projects.

1-Pint paint can dimensions are 3.99 inches in height with a 3.5-inch diameter. They contain16 ounces, ideal for painting furniture or small accent areas.

1-Quart paint cans stand 4.875 inches tall with a 4.25-inch width. This 32-ounce size works great for bathroom walls or single pieces of furniture.

Half-gallon containers reach 5.4 inches high and 5.9 inches across. These 64-ounce cans handle small bedrooms or accent walls efficiently.

The standard 1-gallon paint can is the most popular choice. At 7.5 inches tall and 6.6 inches in diameter, this 128-ounce workhorse covers most residential painting needs.

5-Quart paint cans are the largest standard size at 9.5 inches high and 6.5 inches wide. Professional painters love these 160-ounce containers for big jobs.

Paint Can Diameter and Width Specifications

Paint can width matters more than you might think. Storage shelves, paint shakers, and carrying handles all depend on consistent diameter specifications.

The narrowest paint cans (half-pint) measure just 2.88 inches across. The widest standard cans (1-gallon and 5-quart) span 6.6 inches in diameter.

Lid diameter typically matches the can opening exactly. Standard paint can lids range from 2.75 inches to 6.5 inches, creating an airtight seal when properly closed.

Storage tip: A standard 12-inch shelf can hold two 1-gallon cans side by side with room to spare. Plan for at least 7 inches of depth to accommodate the can diameter plus clearance.

How Much Area Does Each Paint Can Cover?

Paint coverage depends on surface texture, paint type, and application method. These numbers use industry-standard estimates for smooth walls with one coat.

Half-pint coverage: approximately 21.9 square feet. Perfect for touching up door frames or small patches.

1-pint coverage: roughly 43.75 square feet. Covers a small bathroom or closet with ease.

1-quart coverage: about 87.5 square feet. Handles most furniture pieces or feature walls under 10 feet wide.

Half-gallon coverage: around 175 square feet. Ideal for standard bedrooms measuring 10×12 feet.

1-gallon coverage: typically 350 square feet per gallon. This industry standard covers a 12×15 foot room with 8-foot ceilings in one coat.

5-quart coverage: approximately 437 square feet. Great for large master bedrooms or open living spaces.

Pro tip: The Paint Quality Institute recommends buying 10-15% more paint than your calculations suggest. Textured walls, dark colors, and porous surfaces require additional coats and material.

Choosing the Right Paint Can Size for Your Project

Small repairs and touch-ups need half-pint or 1-pint cans. Don’t buy a gallon when you only need to fix a nail hole or scuff mark.

Furniture refinishing projects work best with 1-quart containers. A single quart covers most dressers, nightstands, or small tables with paint to spare.

Single accent walls typically require half-gallon cans. Measure your wall’s square footage and match it to the coverage chart above.

Full room painting demands 1-gallon cans as the go-to choice. Most homeowners buy two gallons per average-sized room to ensure complete coverage with two coats.

Large spaces or multiple rooms justify 5-quart purchases. The cost per ounce drops significantly, and you’ll have consistent color matching across all surfaces.

Cost efficiency: Buying larger paint container sizes reduces your per-gallon cost by 15-30%. However, paint has a shelf life of 2-10 years depending on storage conditions. Only buy what you’ll use within that timeframe.

Conclusion

Understanding paint can dimensions helps you buy the right amount for every project. From compact half-pints to spacious 5-quart containers, each size serves a specific purpose.

Measure your space, calculate coverage needs, and choose the appropriate paint container size. You’ll save money, reduce waste, and always have the perfect amount on hand.

FAQs

What are the sizes of paint cans?

Standard paint can sizes in the USA include half-pint (8 oz), 1-pint (16 oz), 1-quart (32 oz), half-gallon (64 oz), 1-gallon (128 oz), and 5-quart (160 oz). The 1-gallon size is the most commonly purchased option for residential projects.

Each size serves specific purposes, from tiny touch-ups to large-scale painting jobs. Hardware stores stock all six sizes year-round.

What is the diameter of a can of paint?

Paint can diameter varies by size. The smallest half-pint cans measure 2.88 inches across, while 1-pint cans span 3.5 inches. Quart sizes reach 4.25 inches in width.

Larger paint can widths include 5.9 inches for half-gallons and 6.6 inches for both 1-gallon and 5-quart containers. These measurements represent the outer rim diameter.

What is the size of a regular can of paint?

A regular paint can refers to the standard 1-gallon size. This container measures 7.5 inches tall and 6.6 inches in diameter, holding 128 fluid ounces of paint.

This size became the industry standard because it covers approximately 350 square feet. That’s enough for most single-room projects with two coats.

How wide are paint cans?

Paint can width ranges from 2.88 inches (half-pint) to 6.6 inches (1-gallon and 5-quart). The 1-pint size measures 3.5 inches, while quarts span 4.25 inches across.

Half-gallon containers reach 5.9 inches in width. These standard dimensions ensure compatibility with paint mixers, storage systems, and pouring spouts.