A 13 gallon trash can holds about 49 liters and usually stands about 24 to 28 inches tall, 15 to 18 inches wide, and 13 to 15 inches deep.
A 13 gallon can is the standard U.S. kitchen size, and the number on the label tells you volume — never footprint. Two cans that both hold 13 gallons can differ by four inches in height and five in width. That single gap is why a can that fit your old cabinet can stubbornly refuse to fit the new one.
What follows is a real spec breakdown from current models, the clearance you need above and around a step can, and a quick way to measure your own space before you buy.
What Are the Typical 13 Gallon Trash Can Dimensions?
Rectangular 13 gallon cans generally land between 24 and 28 inches tall, 15 to 18 inches wide, and 13 to 15 inches deep, while round cans run about 15 to 17 inches in diameter. IKEA’s KNÖCKLA step can, for instance, measures 24 ½ inches tall, 19 inches wide, and 11 ¾ inches deep — and despite holding 13 gallons, it weighs just 4 lb 8 oz.
Here’s the shape problem in one line: slimmer pans and deeper bodies trade width for depth, so a can can gain inches in one direction while losing them in another. The table below shows how much that varies across popular 13 gallon models.
| Model | Height × Width × Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IKEA KNÖCKLA step can | 24 ½ × 19 × 11 ¾ in | 4 lb 8 oz, dark gray |
| Amazon Basics soft-close rectangular | 25.9 × 16.7 × 14.7 in | Listed as 50 L / 13.2 gal |
| Glad 13 gallon kitchen can | 25 × 18 × 14.7 in | Target listing matches |
| Target stainless steel step-on | 24.6 × 15.9 × 13.3 in | Pedal lid |
| Target 13/18.5 gal combo | 28 × 15.4 × 15.4 in | Rated 13.21 gal / 50 L |
| Round 13 gallon cans | 15–17 in diameter | Varies by brand |
How Do You Measure Your Space Before Buying?
Measure height, width, and depth of the intended spot, then add extra room above the can for the lid to swing open. That second step is where most buyers get burned.
A step can lid travels upward and often backward, so you need clearance for the full arc. Leave a couple of inches behind the can for door or cabinet swing as well. Flat, level surfaces work best — some manufacturers specify that directly.
- Height: can height plus lid travel plus a little breathing room.
- Width and depth: body size plus clearance for the lid hinge and any nearby cabinet door.
- Bag fit: many 13 gallon cans take standard tall kitchen bags, but check the specific model — dimensions vary enough that a bag that fits one 13-gallon can may slip or bunch in another.
If you’re weighing pedal lids against sensor lids, our tested roundup of the best 13 gallon automatic trash can covers fit and clearance differences across the top current models.
What Else Affects Whether a 13 Gallon Can Fits?
Lid style, placement rules, and material limits decide fit as much as raw dimensions do. A wide can with a recessed lid fits tighter spaces than a narrow can with a tall pedal housing.
Some models are marked indoor use only, and at least one maker advises against hot liquids, corrosive chemicals, or sharp objects inside the bin. Those are small print details that matter for a kitchen can placed near a stove or under a sink.
If you’re measuring a tight cabinet or want to avoid a return, note the exact height and depth of your space before you compare anything. The Dumprecycle family size guide recommends writing down all three measurements in advance — height, width, and depth — before you shop. This trash can size guide for families walks through the same clearance logic.
FAQs
Is a 13 gallon can the same as 50 liters?
Close. 13 U.S. gallons converts to about 49.2 liters, so many brands round up and label the same can as 50 L or 13.2 gallons. The physical can is the same size — the numbers on the box just reflect whether the maker used gallons or liters.
Will standard tall kitchen bags fit any 13 gallon can?
Most 13 gallon cans are designed for standard tall kitchen bags, but a few wide or deep models will stretch the bag or leave slack. Check the specific model’s bag recommendation if fit matters. Bag height and width vary enough between brands to make a difference.
Do step cans need more clearance than open-top cans?
Yes. A step can lid swings upward and often backward, so you need extra room above and behind the can for the full arc. An open-top can requires no clearance above — just enough width and depth to sit flat on the floor.
References & Sources
- IKEA. “KNÖCKLA Step Trash Can, Dark Gray, 13 Gallon” Source for KNÖCKLA dimensions (24 ½ × 19 × 11 ¾ in) and 4 lb 8 oz weight.
- Dumprecycle. “Trash Can Size Guide for Families” Source for the measure-height-width-depth and lid-clearance sizing method.
