How Big Is a 27 Gallon Tote? | Real Dimensions by Brand

A 27-gallon tote is a large plastic storage bin measuring roughly 30 x 20 x 14 inches, though exact dimensions vary by brand.

Whether you are stacking seasonal gear in the garage or filling bins for a move, the size of a 27 gallon tote determines how much it holds and where it fits. The number refers to volume, not footprint, so two totes with the same capacity can look noticeably different on a shelf. Most measure about 28 to 30 inches long, 19 to 20 inches wide, and 14 to 15 inches tall, and 27 gallons equals 108 quarts.

What Does 27 Gallons Look Like In Practice?

A 27-gallon tote handles the bulky items that smaller bins cannot. You can fit roughly four or five medium-sized blankets, a full set of winter coats, or a dozen shoe boxes in one. The rectangular shape and flat lid also make these totes stackable, which is why they are a common choice for attic and garage storage.

Because the capacity is a volume measurement, the exterior footprint depends on how tall and tapered the bin is. Some brands build wider, shorter totes; others go narrower and deeper. Always check the listed exterior dimensions against the space you plan to fill before buying.

Brand-Specific Dimensions For Popular 27-Gallon Totes

Retailers list different numbers for different models, and the variation matters more than you might expect. The table below shows the exterior and interior measurements for several widely sold 27-gallon totes.

The HDX model from Home Depot carries a 75 lb weight capacity, which tells you what these bins can reasonably hold before the plastic strains. If you are planning to lift and carry fully loaded totes frequently, the version with wheels and a handle is worth considering. For a full breakdown of the best options available this year, see our tested roundup of the best 27 gallon totes on the market.

Why the Listed Size Differs From the Usable Space

The single biggest surprise for most buyers is the gap between exterior and interior dimensions. Tote walls are thick, and the sides taper inward toward the bottom, so the usable footprint at the base is significantly smaller than the top opening. The HDX clear tote, for example, measures 28.5 inches long at the top but only 22.98 inches at the bottom interior—a difference of more than five inches.

That taper is a design trade-off: it lets empty totes nest inside each other for compact storage, but it means long, rigid items like tools or lamps may not lie flat at the bottom. If you need to store something specific, measure the item against the interior bottom dimensions, not the exterior ones.

Another common mistake is assuming every “27-gallon” tote shares the same footprint. The IRIS USA bin runs almost two inches longer than the HDX model, and even different versions of the same brand vary slightly. Always compare the exact model number, not the capacity, when you are looking to match an existing stack.

What 27 Gallons Holds and How Much It Costs

In practical terms, 27 gallons translates to about 3.6 cubic feet of space. That is enough for roughly 15 to 20 stacked hardcover books, a full set of queen-size bedding, or a collection of holiday decorations like wreaths and string lights.

Prices vary widely because many 27-gallon totes ship in multi-packs. IRIS USA currently lists its 4-pack of heavy-duty bins at a regular price of $89.99, though a Blue / 4 Pack option shows $59.99. A single HDX tote from Home Depot costs noticeably less per bin, but you give up the per-unit savings of buying in bulk. Check whether the price you see is for the pack or the individual tote before you compare.