Finding the right coffee can dimensions matters whether you’re planning a DIY project or just curious about container sizes. Most coffee cans follow standard measurements, but sizes vary widely across brands.
This guide breaks down every standard coffee can size with exact measurements. You’ll find precise dimensions for popular brands like Folgers and Maxwell House, plus helpful charts for quick reference.
Standard Coffee Can Sizes and Dimensions
Height: ~4 inches
Diameter: ~3.5 inches
Ideal for single households or small storage
Height: ~6 inches
Diameter: ~5 inches
Most common size in American grocery stores
Height: ~7.5 inches (48 oz)
Diameter: ~6 inches
Best value for heavy coffee drinkers
Sizes are approximate — actual dimensions can vary slightly by brand.
| Can Size (oz) | Height (inches) | Diameter (inches) | Height (cm) | Diameter (cm) | Approximate Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.5 oz | 4.0″ | 3.5″ | 10.2 cm | 8.9 cm | 90 cups |
| 13 oz | 4.2″ | 3.7″ | 10.7 cm | 9.4 cm | 110 cups |
| 26 oz | 5.5″ | 4.5″ | 14.0 cm | 11.4 cm | 200 cups |
| 30.5 oz | 6.0″ | 5.0″ | 15.2 cm | 12.7 cm | 240 cups |
| 33.9 oz | 6.5″ | 5.2″ | 16.5 cm | 13.2 cm | 270 cups |
| 39 oz | 7.0″ | 5.5″ | 17.8 cm | 14.0 cm | 310 cups |
| 48 oz | 7.5″ | 6.0″ | 19.1 cm | 15.2 cm | 380 cups |
How to Measure Coffee Can Dimensions
Measuring coffee can height is straightforward. Place the can on a flat surface and measure from bottom to top rim using a ruler or tape measure. Don’t include the plastic lid in your measurement.
The diameter measurement requires measuring across the widest part of the can’s body. Most coffee cans have consistent diameter from top to bottom, unlike tapered soda cans. Measure across the center for accuracy.
Converting between units helps when following international DIY plans. Multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimeters. For example, a 5-inch diameter equals 12.7 centimeters.
Metal cans may show slight variations from listed dimensions. Manufacturing tolerances typically allow 1-2 millimeters of difference. Always measure your specific can if precision matters for your project.
Popular Coffee Brand Can Dimensions

Folgers coffee cans use the industry-standard 30.5-ounce size most commonly. The classic red Folgers container measures 6 inches tall with a 5-inch diameter. Their smaller 11.3-ounce cans stand 4 inches high.
Maxwell House dimensions match Folgers almost exactly at 6″ × 5″ for their standard size. According to packaging industry data, major brands standardized these measurements in the 1980s for manufacturing efficiency.
Café Bustelo cans come in distinctive sizes. Their popular 10-ounce brick measures 5″ × 3″ × 2.5″, while cylindrical cans follow standard dimensions. The bright yellow 36-ounce Bustelo can stands 6.8 inches tall.
Store brands and generic coffee typically mirror name-brand dimensions exactly. This standardization allows retailers to stock different brands efficiently without adjusting shelf spacing.
| Coffee Brand | Size (oz) | Height | Diameter | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Folgers Classic | 30.5 oz | 6.0″ | 5.0″ | Cylindrical |
| Folgers Small | 11.3 oz | 4.0″ | 3.5″ | Cylindrical |
| Maxwell House | 30.5 oz | 6.0″ | 5.0″ | Cylindrical |
| Café Bustelo | 10 oz | 5.0″ | 3.0″ × 2.5″ | Brick |
| Café Bustelo | 36 oz | 6.8″ | 5.3″ | Cylindrical |
| Chock full o’Nuts | 30.5 oz | 6.0″ | 5.0″ | Cylindrical |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | 30 oz | 6.0″ | 5.0″ | Cylindrical |
Coffee Can Size Chart by Weight and Volume

Small coffee cans (11-13 oz) hold enough grounds for approximately 90-110 cups of brewed coffee. These compact containers work well for occasional drinkers or testing new flavors.
Medium-sized cans (26-30.5 oz) are America’s favorite. A 30.5-ounce can contains roughly 240 servings based on standard brewing ratios. This size typically lasts a regular coffee drinker about one month.
Large bulk containers (33.9-48 oz) offer the best price per cup. A 48-ounce can provides approximately 380 servings. Research from the National Coffee Association shows bulk buyers save 15-25% compared to smaller sizes.
The weight-to-dimension ratio stays consistent across brands. Coffee density doesn’t vary much between roasts, so a 30-ounce can from any manufacturer will have similar dimensions. This industry standardization simplifies packaging and shipping logistics.
Creative Uses for Empty Coffee Cans by Size

Small coffee cans (11-13 oz) make excellent desk organizers for pens, scissors, and office supplies. Their compact 3.5-inch diameter fits perfectly in desk drawers or on narrow shelves.
These smaller containers work brilliantly as seed starter pots for gardening. Punch 3-4 drainage holes in the bottom and fill with potting soil. The 4-inch depth provides ideal room for seedling root development.
Standard 30.5-ounce cans transform into kitchen storage for dry pasta, rice, or baking supplies. The 5-inch diameter accommodates most utensils perfectly. Many crafters use them for yarn storage with the plastic lid creating a thread dispenser.
Large 48-ounce containers serve as sturdy planters for herbs or small flowers. Their 6-inch diameter and 7.5-inch height accommodate bigger root systems. The metal construction provides excellent drainage when properly punctured.
The durable tin construction withstands outdoor conditions. Many gardeners use coffee cans as protective collars around young plants to prevent cutworm damage. Simply remove both ends and press the cylinder into soil around seedlings.
| Can Size | Dimensions | DIY Project Ideas | Storage Uses | Garden Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.5–13 oz | 4″ × 3.5″ | Pencil holder, candle mold, small planter | Spices, tea bags, rubber bands | Seed starters, plant collars |
| 26–30.5 oz | 6″ × 5″ | Utensil holder, yarn dispenser, piggy bank | Pasta, rice, baking supplies | Herb planters, tool storage |
| 33.9–48 oz | 7.5″ × 6″ | Large planter, storage bin, drum craft | Bulk grains, pet food, hardware | Tomato seedlings, garden caddy |
Recycle creatively! Always clean cans thoroughly and use food-safe paint or liners when needed for plants/food storage.
Conclusion
Coffee can dimensions follow consistent industry standards that make measuring and repurposing easy. The 30.5-ounce size at 6″ × 5″ dominates American shelves for good reason.
Whether you need exact measurements for crafts or just want to understand standard can sizes, these dimensions remain reliable across brands. Keep this guide handy for your next DIY project or storage solution.
FAQs
What is the size of a coffee can?
The most common coffee can size is 30.5 ounces, measuring approximately 6 inches tall with a 5-inch diameter. This standard size holds about 2 pounds of ground coffee and provides roughly 240 servings.
Smaller options include 11.5-ounce and 13-ounce cans that stand about 4 inches tall. Larger bulk containers range from 33.9 to 48 ounces with heights up to 7.5 inches.
What is the standard can size?
The standard can size for coffee in the United States is the 30.5-ounce container. This size became the industry norm because it holds approximately 870 grams of coffee, which manufacturers found optimal for pricing and shelf life.
This standardization helps retailers stock shelves efficiently. Major brands like Folgers, Maxwell House, and Chock full o’Nuts all use this exact dimension for their regular offerings.
What is the diameter of a Folger coffee can?
A Folgers coffee can diameter measures 5 inches across for their standard 30.5-ounce size. This measurement applies to the can body and remains consistent from top to bottom.
Smaller Folgers containers like the 11.3-ounce size have a 3.5-inch diameter. The diameter directly correlates with the can’s volume capacity and follows industry packaging standards.
What size is a tin can?
Coffee tin can sizes vary from 3.5 to 6 inches in diameter depending on capacity. Height ranges from 4 inches for small 11-ounce cans to 7.5 inches for large 48-ounce containers.
The metal thickness typically measures 0.2-0.3 millimeters for food-grade steel. Modern coffee cans use electrolytic tinplate that prevents rust while maintaining structural integrity during shipping and storage.
What’s a standard coffee size?
A standard coffee serving size is 6 ounces of brewed coffee, though most American mugs hold 8-12 ounces. For ground coffee, the standard measurement is 2 tablespoons (10 grams) per 6-ounce cup.
The 30.5-ounce can became standard because it provides a month’s supply for average consumers. This size balances freshness concerns with value, as coffee stays fresh for about 30 days after opening when properly stored.

Burhan Ali is the founder and author of DimensionsChart.com, providing accurate size charts, measurements, and guides for smarter buying decisions.









