A 13-gallon trash can typically stands 24 to 26 inches tall, 15 to 16 inches wide, and 12 to 13 inches deep, though exact dimensions vary by shape and brand.
Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen bin or squeezing one under a sink, the dimensions of a 13 gallon trash can matter more than the gallon rating. The capacity tells you how much it holds—not how much floor space it needs. Two cans with the same 13-gallon volume can differ by several inches in every direction, so measuring your space first is the only way to avoid a bin that won’t fit.
Here’s what actual 13-gallon cans measure, what to check before you buy, and the one measurement people skip that turns a perfect fit into a headache.
How Big Is A 13 Gallon Trash Can In Inches?
Most rectangular kitchen models land in a similar range, but three current product listings show just how much the footprint can vary.
| Model | Width x Depth | Height |
|---|---|---|
| simplehuman CW1816 Rectangular Step Can | 19.8 x 12.8 in | 25.7 in |
| Target 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Can (50L) | 13.7 x 17.6 in | 24 in |
| McMaster-Carr Rectangular Can (4499T21) | 16.5 x 11.5 in | 26.5 in |
Simplehuman’s CW1816 rectangular step can is the widest of the three at 19.8 inches, while Target’s 13-gallon soft-close can is nearly as tall but noticeably narrower at 13.7 inches wide. McMaster-Carr’s commercial-style option splits the difference. All three hold the same 13 gallons, and all three demand a different footprint.
What To Measure Before Buying A 13 Gallon Trash Can
Skip the tape measure and you risk a bin that blocks a cabinet door, jams under a counter, or crowds your walkway. Check these four numbers against your intended spot:
- Exterior height—measure from floor to the top of the closed lid, not the rim of the bucket.
- Lid-open clearance—soft-close and step-pedal lids swing upward; Target’s can, for example, reaches 34.6 inches tall with the lid open, a full 10 inches higher than its closed height.
- Width and depth—measure the actual floor area, accounting for baseboard trim and cabinet overhangs.
- Cabinet depth with plumbing—for under-sink use, pipes often reduce usable depth to 14 to 16 inches even when the cabinet itself is deeper.
If you’re eyeing a step can for a tight corner, check whether it also comes in a smaller footprint. Our roundup of the best 13-gallon plastic trash cans covers lighter, budget-friendly picks that trade a bit of width for easier placement.
Does Shape Change The Size?
Yes, and more than most buyers expect. Rectangular cans pack efficiently against cabinets and under counters, which is why they dominate kitchen use. Round cans use less width but often run taller and need more diameter clearance on every side, so they suit open corners better than tight gaps.
Footprint planning is not one-size-fits-all, and neither is liner fit. Some listings separately specify inner-bucket dimensions—Target’s inner bucket, for instance, is 16.8 inches long, 10.3 inches wide, and 22.5 inches tall. If you buy bags by the box, confirm the liner size against the interior bucket, not the exterior shell.
FAQs
Will a 13-gallon trash can fit under my kitchen sink?
It depends on the cabinet and the plumbing. Usable depth often drops to 14–16 inches once pipes are accounted for, so a 12-to-13-inch-deep rectangular can like the simplehuman or McMaster-Carr models usually fits, while wider or rounder options may not. Measure depth at the pipe location, not just the cabinet opening.
Why do 13-gallon cans have different exterior sizes?
The gallon rating describes volume, not footprint. A taller, narrower can holds the same 13 gallons as a shorter, wider one, and lid design adds more height variation. Brands also target different placements—commercial models favor durable compact footprints, while residential step cans prioritize pedal reach and lid mechanics.
Is 13 gallons the same as 50 liters?
Effectively yes—13 gallons converts to about 49.2 liters, so retailers like Target list the same can as both 13 gallons and 50 liters. If a listing shows one label, you can safely assume the other applies, but check the product page when a bin falls between standard sizes.
References & Sources
- The Home Depot. “simplehuman 13 Gallon Rectangular Step Kitchen Trash Can, CW1816” Lists the 25.7 x 19.8 x 12.8-inch dimensions cited in the comparison table.
- Target. “13-Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, 50L” Provides the 24-inch height, 34.6-inch lid-open height, and inner-bucket dimensions.
- McMaster-Carr. “13 gal. Trash Cans” Documents the 16.5 x 11.5 x 26.5-inch rectangular can dimensions.