How Big Is a 20 Gallon Trash Can? Dimensions and Sizing Guide

A 20-gallon trash can is roughly 22–27 inches tall and 19–20 inches wide, but the exact size varies widely by shape and model.

For the full breakdown, see our best 20 Gallon Trash Can With Lid guide.

If you’re shopping for a new 20-gallon trash can, the first thing to know is that “20 gallons” is a capacity label, not a fixed footprint. A round commercial-style can measures very differently from a slim rectangular one, even though both hold the same volume. That difference matters when you’re fitting a can under a desk, beside a counter, or into a cabinet. This guide breaks down the dimensions of the most common 20-gallon models so you can measure your space before you buy.

Why 20-Gallon Trash Cans Vary So Much In Size

Capacity describes volume, and volume can be shaped in unlimited ways. A 20-gallon can that’s tall and skinny takes up far less floor space than a short, wide one, even though both hold the same amount of trash.

The practical takeaway: never assume two 20-gallon cans will fit the same space. Always check the listed height, width, and depth against your intended spot, and pay close attention to three things on any product page:

• Outside vs. inside dimensions. Outside measurements include the walls; inside measurements reflect usable space. The difference is usually about an inch.
• Whether the height includes the lid or handles. Some listings measure the can alone, while others include the lid, which can add several inches.
• Whether a lid is even included. The Uline listing for the round 20-gallon Rubbermaid BRUTE model explicitly notes that the lid is not included.

Common 20-Gallon Trash Can Dimensions

To give you a sense of the range, here are the verified dimensions of several popular 20-gallon models.

Round commercial 20-gallon cans, like the Rubbermaid BRUTE, cluster tightly around 19.5 inches in diameter and 22.9 inches in height. McMaster-Carr’s 20-gallon trash can category lists these models with the same general footprint.

Rectangular models, meanwhile, split the difference differently. The Behrens 20-gallon galvanized steel can with lid measures 18 x 18 x 26.5 inches, meaning it’s taller than the round BRUTE but takes up less floor space. Skinny 20-gallon cans go further in that direction, with one plastic home and office model measuring just 11.25 inches wide by 27 inches tall.

Matching The Can To Your Space

The right size depends entirely on where the can will live. Measure the intended spot before you order, and keep these fit scenarios in mind.

For under-counter placement or narrow gaps between appliances, a slim rectangular 20-gallon can is the only realistic option — a round commercial can at 19.5 inches in diameter simply won’t fit. For a garage, utility room, or outdoor patio, the round BRUTE-style cans are sturdy and easy to move, with handles that add a couple of inches to their working width.

If you’re outfitting a kitchen or office and want a can that seals in odors, check whether a lid is included and whether the model accepts standard 20-gallon trash bags. Many 20-gallon cans pair with 30–33 gallon bags because the bag needs extra length to fold over the rim. For specific product recommendations on cans with included lids, our [roundup of the best 20-gallon trash cans with lids](https://gadgetsfeed.com/best-20-gallon-trash-can-with-lid/) covers the tested options.

FAQs

Do all 20-gallon trash cans fit the same trash bags?

Most standard 20-gallon cans work with common 30-gallon trash bags, since the bags need height to fold over the rim. Slim or unusually tall models may require smaller bags for a snug fit, while wide-mouth commercial cans accept larger ones. Check the can’s rim diameter against the bag’s open width before buying.

Are 20-gallon trash cans measured with or without the lid?

It depends on the manufacturer. Some product pages, like the Behrens galvanized can, state that the listed dimensions include the lid. Others measure the can body alone and sell the lid separately, as with the round Rubbermaid BRUTE. Always confirm which method a listing uses so the height matches your clearance.

How tall is a typical 20-gallon trash can?

Most 20-gallon cans stand between 22 and 27 inches tall. Round commercial models trend toward the lower end at about 23 inches, while slim and rectangular designs reach the upper end near 27 inches. The exact height depends on the model’s shape and whether the manufacturer includes the lid in the measurement.