A standard 20 litre (5 gallon) jerry can is about 18.5″ tall, 13.5″ long and 6.5″ wide. The NATO steel version is 17.75″ x 13.5″ x 6.5″.

This guide covers every common jerry can size, plus weight, neck size, and price.

Standard Jerry Can Dimensions Chart (Height, Length, Width)

Start with the chart. The details follow below.

Height runs top to bottom. Length is the longest side. Width is the narrow side, and it decides how cans sit side by side.

Capacity	Height	Length	Width	Height (cm)	Empty Weight
1 L (0.26 gal)	7–8″	5–6″	3–4″	18–20	about 0.5 lb
5 L (1.3 gal)	10–12″	8–9″	4–5″	25–30	about 1.5 lb
10 L (2.6 gal)	14–16″	10–11″	5–6″	35–40	about 2.5 lb
15 L (4 gal)	16–17″	11–12″	6–7″	41–43	about 3 lb
20 L (5.3 gal)	17–18″	13–14″	6–7″	43–47	about 4 lb
25 L (6.6 gal)	18–20″	14–16″	7–8″	46–51	about 5 lb
30 L (7.9 gal)	19–21″	15–17″	8–9″	48–53	about 6 lb

Jerry cans began as WWII fuel carriers. The NATO steel can set the pattern most makers still follow.

Exact sizes vary by brand. Measure your own can before you buy a rack or shelf.

More Posts: Aluminum Can Dimensions: Complete Size, Height & Diameter Guide (2026)

20 Litre (5 Gallon) Jerry Can Dimensions

What are the dimensions of a 20 litre jerry can? About 18.5″ x 13.5″ x 6.5″ (47 x 35 x 16 cm). It holds 5.3 gallons.

NATO Steel Jerry Can Size

The military standard is 17.75″ tall, 13.5″ long and 6.5″ wide. Most US steel cans copy it.

A common 5-gallon Midwest steel can measures 18.25″ x 13.5″ x 6.5″. It weighs about 9.7 lb empty.

Plastic 20 L Jerry Can Size

A typical HDPE can, like the Scepter, is about 18.3″ x 14.3″ x 6.9″. Plastic runs wider and lighter than steel.

Jerry Can Fit: Truck Bed, Rack and Shelf

Two 20 L cans set side by side need about 27–28″. A short-bed truck with 50″ of interior width fits up to three.

Height under 19″ clears most shelves. Vehicle racks are built around the 20 L size.

10 Litre and Other Jerry Can Sizes

Smaller cans suit lighter jobs. Bigger cans need more care.

10 Litre Jerry Can Dimensions

A 10 litre jerry can is about 14–16″ tall, 10–11″ long and 5–6″ wide. It weighs about 2.5 lb empty.

It is the go-to size for ATVs, lawn equipment, and small generators.

What are the dimensions of a 10 litre container? It depends on the shape. A jerry can uses the numbers above. A bucket or drum is squatter and rounder.

Small Jerry Cans (1–5 Litre)

A 1 litre can is about 7–8″ x 5–6″ x 3–4″.

A 5 litre can is about 10–12″ tall, 8–9″ long and 4–5″ wide. It fits car trunks and RV storage.

Cans up to 5 L almost always use a 38 mm neck.

Large Jerry Cans (25–30 Litre)

A 25 litre can is about 18–20″ x 14–16″ x 7–8″. A 30 litre can is about 19–21″ x 15–17″ x 8–9″.

A full 30 L can weighs over 70 lb. Lift it with two people.

Metal vs Plastic Jerry Can Dimensions

Steel runs slimmer. Plastic runs wider.

Type	Example	Height	Length	Width
NATO steel	Military pattern	17.75″	13.5″	6.5″
Metal, 5 gal	Midwest steel	18.25″	13.5″	6.5″
Plastic, 20 L	Scepter HDPE	18.3″	14.3″	6.9″

An industrial UN-rated steel 5-gallon can lists at about 14″ x 6″ x 19″ and 10 lb. Always check the spec sheet of the model you plan to buy.

Steel resists dents, but it can rust. Plastic is lighter and never rusts.

Vent systems add height to modern cans. Plastic can also swell a little when full or warm, so leave a small gap when you stack.

Jerry Can Weight, Neck Size and Price

Size is only part of the picture. Weight, neck, and cost matter too.

Empty vs Filled Weight

A 20 L can weighs about 4–9.7 lb empty. Filled with gasoline it reaches about 34 lb. Filled with water it reaches about 45 lb.

Water is heavier than gasoline, so plan for the liquid you store.

Jerry Can Neck Size

Cans up to 5 L use an SK38 neck, which is 38 mm across on the outside.

Stackable UN cans use DIN necks. Check the code on the cap: 45, 51, 61 or 71. If it is missing, measure the opening including the thread.

• DIN45: 44.2 mm outside, 35 mm inside
• DIN51: 53.5 mm outside, 43.6 mm inside
• DIN61: 59.5 mm outside, 48.5 mm inside
• DIN71: 71 mm outside, 57.4 mm inside

Steel fuel cans share one bayonet fitting, so spouts usually swap. Plastic fuel cans and cans with a tap rarely share a neck.

Color Codes and Certifications

In the USA, a red can usually means gasoline, a yellow can means diesel, and a blue can means kerosene. Look for UN, DOT, and EPA/CARB marks.

Safety rules are tightening. The CPSC defines a portable fuel container as one holding five gallons or less, and it now requires flame mitigation devices on gas cans.

How Much Is a 20 Litre Jerry Can?

How much is a 20 litre jerry can? As of September 2026, most metal 20 L cans list between about $29 and $120 at big retailers. A DOT-certified Midwest can sits near $70. Industrial UN-rated steel cans cost about $115 to $120.

UN-rated plastic 20 L jugs start near $14 to $15 each. Certification, brand, and spout type move the price most.

Jerry Can Dimensions FAQs

What are the dimensions of a 20 litre jerry can?

A 20 litre jerry can is about 18.5″ x 13.5″ x 6.5″ (47 x 35 x 16 cm). The NATO steel version is 17.75″ tall. Plastic models run slightly wider, at about 14.3″ x 6.9″.

What is the standard size of a jerry can?

The standard jerry can holds 20 litres, or about 5.3 US gallons. It is the size most people mean by “jerry can”. Smaller 5, 10 and 15 litre cans are also common.

What are the dimensions of a metal jerry can?

A NATO-style steel can is 17.75″ x 13.5″ x 6.5″. A typical 5-gallon metal model is about 18.25″ x 13.5″ x 6.5″. Industrial UN-rated steel cans can be about 14″ x 6″ x 19″.

What are the dimensions of a 10 liter jerry can?

A 10 liter jerry can is about 14–16″ tall, 10–11″ long and 5–6″ wide. It weighs about 2.5 lb empty. That is about 35–40 cm tall.

How much is a 20 litre jerry can?

Most metal 20 L cans cost about $29 to $120 in the US. DOT-certified models sit near $70, and UN-rated steel cans run about $115 to $120. Plastic UN-rated jugs start near $14 to $15.

What are the dimensions of a 10 litre container?

For a jerry can-style container, it is about 14–16″ x 10–11″ x 5–6″. Buckets and drums use different shapes, so their numbers change. Check the product spec sheet.

Conclusion

A 20 litre jerry can dimension is about 18.5″ x 13.5″ x 6.5″. Sizes shift by brand and material, so measure the exact can. Check the neck size and safety marks before you buy.