Choosing the right jerry can starts with knowing exact dimensions. Whether you need fuel containers, water storage, or chemical transport, a detailed jerry can dimensions chart helps you plan space and meet safety standards.
This guide provides precise measurements for all standard jerry can sizes from 1-liter to 30-liter capacities. You’ll find comprehensive charts with height, length, width, and weight specifications for every container type available in the USA market.
| Capacity | Height | Length | Width | Empty Weight | Filled Weight (Water) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Liter | 7–8″ (18–20cm) | 5–6″ (13–15cm) | 3–4″ (8–10cm) | 0.5 lbs (0.2kg) | 2.7 lbs (1.2kg) |
| 2 Liters | 8–9″ (20–23cm) | 6–7″ (15–18cm) | 4–5″ (10–13cm) | 0.8 lbs (0.4kg) | 5.2 lbs (2.4kg) |
| 5 Liters | 10–12″ (25–30cm) | 8–9″ (20–23cm) | 4–5″ (10–13cm) | 1.5 lbs (0.7kg) | 12.5 lbs (5.7kg) |
| 10 Liters | 14–16″ (36–41cm) | 10–11″ (25–28cm) | 5–6″ (13–15cm) | 2.5 lbs (1.1kg) | 24.5 lbs (11.1kg) |
| 15 Liters | 16–17″ (41–43cm) | 11–12″ (28–30cm) | 6–7″ (15–18cm) | 3 lbs (1.4kg) | 36 lbs (16.4kg) |
| 20 Liters | 17–18″ (43–46cm) | 13–14″ (33–36cm) | 6–7″ (15–18cm) | 4 lbs (1.8kg) | 48 lbs (21.8kg) |
| 25 Liters | 18–20″ (46–51cm) | 14–16″ (36–41cm) | 7–8″ (18–20cm) | 5 lbs (2.3kg) | 60 lbs (27.3kg) |
| 30 Liters | 19–21″ (48–53cm) | 15–17″ (38–43cm) | 8–9″ (20–23cm) | 6 lbs (2.7kg) | 72 lbs (32.7kg) |
Jerry Can Size Categories
Small (1–5 Liters)
Height: 7–12 inches
Best For: Personal use, emergency kits
Portable: Very lightweight & compact
Medium (10–15 Liters)
Height: 14–17 inches
Best For: Camping, car storage
Balance: Portability + Capacity
Large (20–30 Liters)
Height: 17–21 inches
Best For: Commercial & fuel storage
Industry Standard: 20L NATO Spec
Small to Medium Jerry Can Sizes (1-15 Liters)
Compact containers from 1 to 15 liters serve personal and light commercial needs perfectly. The 5-liter jerry can measures approximately 10-12 inches tall and weighs only 1.5 pounds empty. This size fits easily in car trunks, under seats, and in standard cabinets.
10-liter containers stand 14-16 inches high with a 10-11 inch length. They balance portability with practical capacity for camping trips and automotive applications. The 15-liter size adds minimal height at 16-17 inches while providing 50% more volume than the 10L option.
Large Jerry Can Dimensions Chart (20-30 Liters)
The 20-liter jerry can represents the industry standard worldwide. It measures exactly 17.75 inches (450mm) tall, 13.5 inches (345mm) long, and 6.5 inches (165mm) wide following NATO military specifications. This size dominates commercial fuel storage and industrial applications.
25-liter containers measure 18-20 inches tall with 14-16 inch length. Filled weight exceeds 60 pounds, requiring careful handling. The 30-liter jerry can reaches 19-21 inches in height and holds maximum capacity for stationary storage needs.
How to Read a Jerry Can Dimensions Chart
Jerry Can Measurements
Height measurement runs from the base to the top of the cap assembly. This vertical dimension determines shelf clearance and stacking ability. Most manufacturers list height as the first specification in product details.
Length and width measure the container’s footprint at its widest points. Handles add 2-3 inches to overall width when extended. Spout assemblies increase height by 1-2 inches on Type 2 gas cans with safety features.
Jerry Can Weight Chart Explained
Empty weight varies significantly by construction material. Steel containers weigh 4-5 pounds for 20L capacity, while HDPE plastic versions weigh only 1.5-2 pounds. Aluminum options fall between at 3-4 pounds empty.
Filled weight depends on liquid type and density. Water weighs approximately 8.34 pounds per gallon, while gasoline weighs about 6.3 pounds per gallon. A 20-liter jerry can holds 5.3 gallons, resulting in 44 pounds when filled with water or 33 pounds with gasoline.
Jerry Can Size Chart for Different Applications
Selecting Jerry Can Size by Use
Automotive applications work best with 5-10 liter containers for easy handling and storage. These sizes fit perfectly in vehicle emergency kits and provide sufficient fuel reserve for roadside assistance. Motorcycle riders prefer the 5L capacity for compact storage solutions.
Camping and outdoor activities benefit from 10-20 liter sizes. The 20L jerry can serves as the optimal choice for extended trips, offering enough water or fuel for several days. RV owners typically stock multiple 10L containers for flexible distribution and easier carrying.
Jerry Can Dimension Requirements for Storage
Shelf height must accommodate container dimensions plus 2-3 inches clearance for safe removal. A 20L jerry can needs minimum 20-inch shelf height, while 30L containers require 24+ inches. According to OSHA storage guidelines, maintain proper clearances around all stored containers.
Floor space calculations multiply length by width for each container’s footprint. A 20L jerry can occupies approximately 0.6 square feet of floor space. Stack no more than three containers high for 20-25L sizes to prevent toppling hazards.
Material Type and Jerry Can Dimension Variations
Metal Jerry Can Dimensions (Steel & Aluminum)
Steel jerry cans follow precise NATO standards for 20-liter capacity. Dimensions measure exactly 17.75″ H × 13.5″ L × 6.5″ W. Wall thickness ranges from 0.9-1.2mm, adding structural integrity without significantly changing external measurements.
Aluminum containers use identical external dimensions as steel versions. Weight drops to 4-5 pounds empty compared to 6-8 pounds for steel construction. Racing and aviation industries prefer aluminum for superior strength-to-weight ratio in professional applications.
Plastic Jerry Can Dimensions (HDPE)
HDPE jerry cans maintain consistent dimensions across production batches. Wall thickness typically ranges from 2-4mm, minimally affecting external measurements. A 20-liter HDPE container matches metal equivalents in height but weighs 40% less empty.
FDA food-grade specifications don’t change dimensional standards in the USA market. Chemical-resistant HDPE formulations add protective compounds without altering container size, ensuring compatibility with standard storage systems and mounting brackets.
Conclusion
Jerry can dimensions vary from compact 1-liter sizes to industrial 30+ liter containers. The comprehensive dimensions chart above provides exact measurements for selecting the right capacity for your storage, transport, and application needs.
Understanding precise height, length, width, and weight specifications ensures proper fit and safe handling. Always verify manufacturer dimensions before purchase to guarantee compatibility with your storage space and regulatory requirements.
FAQs
What size is a standard jerry can?
The standard jerry can holds 20 liters (5.3 gallons). This originated from WWII military specifications and remains the benchmark worldwide. The 20L NATO container measures 17.75 inches tall, 13.5 inches long, and 6.5 inches wide.
What size is a 20 liter jerry can?
A 20 liter jerry can measures 17-18 inches (432-457mm) in height, 13-14 inches (330-355mm) in length, and 6-7 inches (152-178mm) in width. Metal versions follow exact NATO dimensions at 17.75″ × 13.5″ × 6.5″.
What are the dimensions of a 30L jerry can?
A 30L jerry can stands 19-21 inches (483-533mm) tall, 15-17 inches (381-432mm) long, and 8-9 inches (203-229mm) wide. Empty weight reaches 6 pounds, while filled weight exceeds 72 pounds with water.
How heavy is a 25l jerry can?
A 25L jerry can weighs 4-5 pounds empty for steel construction or 2-3 pounds for plastic versions. When filled with water, total weight reaches 60 pounds (27.3kg). Gasoline-filled weight drops to approximately 48 pounds.
How tall is a jerry can?
Jerry can height ranges from 7-8 inches for 1L containers to 19-21 inches for 30L capacity. The most common 20L size stands 17-18 inches tall. Type 2 gas cans add 2-3 inches from safety features.
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Burhan Ali is the founder and author of DimensionsChart.com, providing accurate size charts, measurements, and guides for smarter buying decisions.
