Buying trash can liners by the gallon number on the box is the fastest way to end up with bags that slip into the can, split at the rim or leave half the bag unused. A liner is really sized by its flat width and length in inches. This trash can liner size chart shows which dimensions fit the most common commercial containers, how to measure a can you already own, and which thickness to pick.
Trash Can Liner Size Chart
| Can capacity | Typical liner size (W x L) | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|
| 7–10 gallon | 24 x 24 in | Office desks, restrooms, exam rooms |
| 12–16 gallon | 24 x 32 or 24 x 33 in | Kitchens, break rooms, slim office cans |
| 20–30 gallon | 30 x 36 in | Classrooms, lobbies, small restaurants |
| 33 gallon | 33 x 39 or 33 x 40 in | Standard kitchen and outdoor cans |
| 40–45 gallon | 40 x 46 in | Restaurant back-of-house, janitorial carts |
| 44–45 gallon round utility cans | 37 x 50 in | Tall round utility containers in warehouses and kitchens |
| 43–48 gallon / 56 gallon (wide cans) | 42 x 47 or 43 x 47 in | Wide square or round cans |
| 55–60 gallon | 38 x 58 in | Drums, large outdoor and industrial cans |
These sizes are a starting point. Cans from different brands can have the same gallon rating but a different shape, so measure when you can.
A liner that fits the rim stays in place as the can fills up.
How to Measure Your Trash Can for the Right Liner
Width comes from the can's circumference; length comes from its height plus the bottom and an overhang.
Round cans
- Liner width = half the circumference of the can. Wrap a tape measure around the can and divide by two. (If you only know the diameter, multiply it by 3.14 and divide by two.)
- Liner length = can height + half the diameter (to cover the bottom) + 3–4 in of overhang to fold over the rim.
Square or rectangular cans
- Liner width = half the distance around the top opening (add all four sides and divide by two).
- Liner length = can height + half the width of the bottom + 3–4 in of overhang.
Example: a round can 20 in across and 28 in tall has a circumference of about 63 in, so the liner width should be about 31–32 in. The length should be 28 + 10 + 3 = 41 in or a little more. A 33 x 40 in liner is a good match.
Choosing Thickness: Mil Guide for Can Liners
The right thickness depends on what goes into the bag, not only on the can size. Low-density (LLDPE) liners are measured in mil and stretch before they puncture, which makes them the usual choice for heavy, wet or sharp waste. Thin high-density liners are measured in microns and work well for light, dry waste.
- 0.4–0.9 mil: paper, packaging, light office and restroom waste.
- 1.0–1.35 mil: mixed kitchen waste, food scraps, everyday restaurant use.
- 1.5–2 mil: wet waste, bottles, yard debris, heavier janitorial loads.
- 3 mil: construction debris, sharp objects and the heaviest industrial waste.
For more detail on how thickness affects cost and performance, read Trash Bag Thickness: How It Affects Performance and Cost.
38 x 58 in liners fit most 55–60 gallon drums and large outdoor cans.
TP Plastic USA Liners by Size
- 10 gallon: Waste Top 24 x 24 in, black, 0.4 mil and the clear version.
- 12–16 gallon: 24 x 32 in, 0.9 mil and Waste Top 24 x 33 in, 0.4 mil.
- 20–30 gallon: 30 x 36 in, 0.9 mil and 30 x 36 in, 1 mil.
- 33 gallon: 33 x 39 in, 1 mil, 33 x 39 in, 1.5 mil, clear 33 x 39 in, 1.5 mil and clear 33 x 40 in, 1.35 mil.
- 40–45 gallon: 40 x 46 in, 1.35 mil, 1.5 mil and 1.7 mil.
- 44–45 gallon round utility cans: 37 x 50 in black, 1.35 mil and clear.
- Wide 43–56 gallon cans: 42 x 47 in, 2 mil and 43 x 47 in, 1.35 mil.
- 55–60 gallon: 38 x 58 in, 1.35 mil, 1.5 mil, 1.7 mil, 2 mil and 3 mil.
See the full range on our LD trash bags page.
40 x 46 in liners are the usual choice for 40–45 gallon restaurant cans.
Signs Your Liner Is the Wrong Size
- The bag slides into the can: too narrow or too short. Go up one width.
- Staff tie knots in the rim to hold it: too wide. Go down one width.
- The bottom stretches and tears when full: too short. The bag is carrying the load instead of the can.
- Staff double-bag: the thickness is too low for the waste. Moving up one step in mil is usually cheaper than using two bags.
Different can sizes need different liner widths and lengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size liner fits a 32 or 33 gallon can?
Most 32–33 gallon cans take a 33 x 39 in or 33 x 40 in liner.
What size liner fits a 44 gallon round can?
Tall 44 gallon round utility cans usually need a 37 x 50 in liner. Shorter, wider 40–45 gallon cans take 40 x 46 in.
What size bag fits a 55 gallon drum?
A 38 x 58 in liner fits most 55–60 gallon drums and cans.
Are black or clear liners better?
Black liners hide the contents and are common in front-of-house areas. Clear liners let staff and recycling crews see what is inside, which helps with recycling programs and security checks.
Need liners for several can sizes? Request a quote with your can sizes and monthly volume, and we will match each can to the right liner and case pack.
2 thoughts on “Trash Can Liner Size Chart: Find the Right Bag for Any Can”
Comments are closed.