Every aluminum can dimension follows a set standard, whether it’s holding soda, beer, or an energy drink. This guide breaks down every can size, height, and diameter so you always know exactly what you’re grabbing off the shelf.

Standard Aluminum Can Dimensions Chart

The aluminum can dimensions below follow the sizing used across the USA beverage industry. This chart covers everything from small specialty cans to bulk crowler formats.

Can Type	Volume	Diameter	Height	End Size
Standard 12 oz	12 oz / 355 mL	2.6″	4.8″	202
Standard 16 oz	16 oz / 473 mL	2.6″	6.2″	202
Standard 11 oz	11 oz / 330 mL	2.6″	4.5″	202
Sleek	12 oz / 355 mL	2.24″	6.1″	200
Slim	8.4 oz / 250 mL	2.05″	5.3″	202
Mini	7.5 oz / 222 mL	2.6″	3.5″	202
Crowler	32 oz / 946 mL	2.86″	7.6″	300

Aluminum is one of the most sustainable packaging materials on the market. According to the International Aluminium Institute, 75% of all aluminum beverage containers ever produced are still in use today through recycling — learn more at international-aluminium.org.

Common Aluminum Can Sizes Explained

Each aluminum can size below is broken down by its exact diameter, height, and typical use. Use this section to match a can to its real name and spec.

Standard 12 oz Can Dimensions

The standard 12 oz aluminum can is the most recognized can size in the USA. It measures about 2.6 inches in diameter and 4.8 inches in height, holding 355 mL of liquid.

This aluminum can dimension has stayed largely unchanged since the 1960s. It’s the default choice for soda, craft beer, and ready-to-drink teas.

Standard 16 oz Can Dimensions

The 16 oz standard can shares the same 2.6-inch diameter as its 12 oz sibling but stretches to about 6.2 inches tall. It holds 473 mL, making it a popular pick for energy drinks and craft beer.

Keeping the same diameter across sizes lets brands use the same filling and sealing equipment for multiple can dimensions, which cuts production costs.

Sleek Can Dimensions

A sleek can offers a slimmer, more premium look. It measures roughly 2.24 inches in diameter and 6.1 inches in height, while still holding a full 355 mL.

Because of the narrower width, sleek cans use a smaller 200 end rather than the standard 202. You’ll spot this can size on energy drinks and craft sodas aiming for shelf standout.

Slim Can Dimensions

The slim can is the narrowest common aluminum can dimension, at about 2.05 inches wide and 5.3 inches tall. It holds 250 mL, a popular volume for energy drinks.

Its tall, thin shape feels modern in hand and packs tightly during shipping, which trims freight costs for brands moving large volumes.

Crowler Can Dimensions (32 oz)

A crowler can is the largest common format, built for draft beer to go. It measures about 2.86 inches in diameter and 7.6 inches tall, holding a full 32 oz, or 946 mL.

Breweries fill these on demand at the counter, so the larger end size — a 300 diameter — helps seal in carbonation right after pouring.

Mini Can Dimensions (8 oz)

Mini cans run around 7.5 to 8 ounces, roughly 222 to 237 mL. They typically keep the standard 2.6-inch diameter but drop to about 3.5 inches in height.

This smaller can size suits portion-controlled drinks, kids’ beverages, and cocktail mixers where a full 12 oz pour isn’t needed.

More Posts: Food Can Dimensions: Complete Size, Height & Width Guide (2026)

How to Read Aluminum Can End and Diameter Codes

Every aluminum can dimension ties back to a simple 3-digit code. The first digit is the number of whole inches in the diameter, and the next two digits are sixteenths of an inch.

For example, a 211 end means 2 and 11/16 inches, or about 2.6875 inches wide. You’ll also notice that can diameter can vary slightly between manufacturers — some 16 oz cans use a 207 code instead of 211, which changes the height needed to hold the same volume.

Aluminum Can Dimensions in Milliliters

Outside the USA, can sizes are almost always listed in milliliters rather than ounces. Knowing both units makes it easier to compare aluminum can dimensions across markets.

A standard 12 oz can equals 355 mL, while the 16 oz can holds 473 mL. Smaller formats like 330 mL, 250 mL, and 200 mL are common for imported sodas, energy drinks, and single-serve mixers, typically sharing the same 2 to 2.6-inch diameter range with a shorter height to match the lower volume.

Aluminum Can Dimensions for Recycling and Value

Keeping a can’s shape intact matters more than most people realize. Crushed aluminum cans can jam sorting machines at recycling centers, which costs facilities time and money.

Value ties directly to weight, not size. It typically takes 32 to 35 empty 12 oz cans to make one pound of aluminum, and scrap prices commonly range from $0.50 to $0.70 per pound across the USA, depending on location and market conditions.

Aluminum Can Dimensions FAQs

What are the dimensions of a 500ml can?

A 500 mL can typically measures about 2.6 inches in diameter and 6.5 inches in height. It shares the same width as a standard 16 oz can but stands slightly taller to hold the extra volume.

What are the dimensions of a 200ml can?

A 200 mL can is one of the smallest common aluminum can sizes, usually measuring around 2.05 inches in diameter and 4.2 inches in height. Exact figures vary slightly by manufacturer.

What are the dimensions of a 250ml can?

A 250 mL can, often called a slim can, measures about 2.05 inches wide and 5.3 inches tall. This can size is common for energy drinks and single-serve mixers.

How big is a standard can size?

A standard can size in the USA is 12 oz, measuring about 2.6 inches in diameter and 4.8 inches in height. This aluminum can dimension has been the industry default for decades.

How big is a standard aluminum can?

A standard aluminum can holds 12 oz, or 355 mL. Its diameter runs about 2.6 inches, and its height measures close to 4.8 inches, using a 202 end size.

What is the size of a small can?

Small aluminum cans usually fall between 200 mL and 250 mL, with dimensions as compact as 2.05 inches wide by 4.2 to 5.3 inches tall. These sizes suit energy drinks, mixers, and portion-controlled beverages.

Conclusion

Knowing your aluminum can dimensions takes the guesswork out of packaging, buying, and recycling. Whether you’re reaching for a slim 250 mL can or a bulk crowler, these standard sizes keep production and shopping consistent every time.