What size trash bag fits a 13-gallon kitchen can?

A standard 13-gallon bag, which typically measures 23 to 24 inches wide and 35 to 39 inches long, fits a can that is 16 to 18 inches wide and 25 to 30 inches tall. Check the bag's dimensions against your can's measurements, since not all 13-gallon cans have the same proportions.

Is a 13-gallon bag too big for an 8-gallon can?

Yes, usually. A 13-gallon bag is wider and longer than an 8-gallon can needs, so it will bunch up around the rim and may slip down. An 8-gallon bag is designed for cans that are roughly 14 to 16 inches wide and 20 to 24 inches tall.

How do I measure my trash can for a bag?

Measure the width across the top of the can at its widest point, and measure the height from the floor to the top rim. Then choose a bag whose width is at least as wide as the can's top and whose length is about twice the can's height, so it can fold over the rim and still tie.

What is the difference between 8-gallon and 10-gallon trash bags?

The main difference is size: 8-gallon bags fit cans about 14 to 16 inches wide and 20 to 24 inches tall, while 10-gallon bags fit slightly taller or wider cans, roughly 14 to 16 inches wide and 22 to 26 inches tall. The bag dimensions vary by brand, so compare the printed measurements.

Kitchen Trash Bag Sizes Chart: What Fits Standard Cans

What size trash bag fits a standard kitchen can?

Most standard kitchen trash cans hold between 8 and 13 gallons. An 8-gallon can typically measures 14 to 16 inches wide and 20 to 24 inches tall, while a 13-gallon can is usually 16 to 18 inches wide and 25 to 30 inches tall. Bags sold as 8-gallon or 13-gallon are designed to match these dimensions.

Smaller cans, such as under-sink bins or countertop compost pails, usually take 4 to 5-gallon bags. These cans are often 10 to 12 inches wide and 14 to 18 inches tall. If your can falls outside these ranges, measuring the width and height directly is more reliable than guessing by gallon size.

A 10-gallon bag is a middle option, fitting cans roughly 14 to 16 inches wide and 22 to 26 inches tall. Some manufacturers also sell 12-gallon bags for slightly taller 13-gallon-style cans that need a bit more length.

4-5 gallon: under-sink bins, small bathroom-style cans, compost pails
8 gallon: compact kitchen cans, office bins, laundry room cans
10 gallon: mid-size kitchen cans, utility bins
13 gallon: the most common full-size kitchen can

A standard kitchen trash can with a drawstring bag pulled over its rim

Why 13-gallon bags are the kitchen default

The 13-gallon bag is the reference point for most kitchen trash bags because the most widely sold kitchen cans hold roughly that volume. These cans are usually about 16 inches in diameter and 29 inches tall, which is why 13-gallon bags are typically 23 to 24 inches wide and 35 to 39 inches long.

That extra length matters. A 13-gallon bag must be tall enough to fold over the rim of the can and still leave room to tie off when full. If a bag is too short, it slips into the can; if too long, it bunches up and makes tying awkward.

Drawstring bags in this size are common because they cinch closed without requiring a separate twist tie. The drawstring also helps pull the bag tight around the rim, which keeps it from sliding down as the can fills.

Bag size	Typical can width	Typical can height	Typical bag dimensions
4-5 gallon	10-12 inches	14-18 inches	18-20 x 24-26 inches
8 gallon	14-16 inches	20-24 inches	20-22 x 28-30 inches
10 gallon	14-16 inches	22-26 inches	22 x 32-34 inches
13 gallon	16-18 inches	25-30 inches	23-24 x 35-39 inches

How to tell if a bag actually fits your can

The gallon rating on a bag is a volume estimate, not a guarantee of fit. A bag labeled 13 gallons will fit a can that holds 13 gallons only if the can's proportions are close to the industry standard. A tall, narrow 13-gallon can needs a longer bag than a short, wide one.

To check fit without measuring, place the bag in the can and pull it up over the rim. The bag should cover the rim completely and extend at least 4 to 6 inches down the outside of the can. That overhang gives you material to gather and tie when the bag is full.

If the bag is too tight around the rim, the can's top diameter is larger than the bag's width. If the bag hangs loose and slumps, the can is smaller than the bag is designed for. Both situations are common when mixing brands, since bag dimensions vary even within the same gallon rating.

A person holding a measuring tape across the top of an open trash can

Small bags: 4 to 5 gallons for under-sink and counter cans

Four-gallon and 5-gallon bags serve the same role: fitting small cans that hold food scraps, coffee grounds, or occasional trash. These bags are often sold as 'small kitchen' or 'countertop' bags, and they measure roughly 18 to 20 inches wide and 24 to 26 inches long.

Under-sink cans are typically 10 to 12 inches wide and 14 to 16 inches tall, which makes a 4-gallon bag a snug fit. A 5-gallon bag is slightly larger and works better if your can is at the bigger end of that range. Both sizes usually come on a roll of 50 to 100 bags.

Because these bags are small, they fill quickly. Many people use them for compost collection or for a liner inside a larger bin that gets emptied frequently. If your under-sink can is deeper than 18 inches, a 5-gallon bag may be too short; you might need an 8-gallon bag instead.

When an 8 or 10-gallon bag is the right choice

An 8-gallon bag is the step between small under-sink bins and the full-size 13-gallon can. It fits cans that are about 14 to 16 inches wide and 20 to 24 inches tall, which includes many compact kitchen cans, laundry room bins, and office wastebaskets that are too large for a 5-gallon bag.

A 10-gallon bag is less common but useful for cans that are wider than an 8-gallon but not as tall as a standard 13-gallon. For example, a can that is 16 inches wide and 22 inches tall holds about 10 gallons. A 13-gallon bag would be too long and bunch up; an 8-gallon bag might be too short.

Both sizes are often sold in the same aisle as 13-gallon bags, but with fewer options for thickness and closure style. If you have a can in this range, check the bag's length rather than just the gallon label, because a 10-gallon bag from one brand may be the same length as an 8-gallon from another.