5 Gallon Bucket Dimensions: Complete Size & Specifications Guide
Quick Answer: A standard 5 gallon bucket measures 14.5 inches tall, 12 inches in diameter at the top, and 10.5 inches at the bottom. It holds exactly 5 US gallons (18.93 liters) of liquid when filled to the rim.
Looking for exact dimensions of a 5 gallon bucket? This guide covers every measurement you need for storage planning, shipping calculations, and project requirements.
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Standard 5 Gallon Bucket Dimensions
| Measurement | Standard Size | Metric |
|-------------|---------------|--------|
| Height | 14.5 inches | 36.8 cm |
| Top diameter (outer) | 12.25 inches | 31.1 cm |
| Top diameter (inner) | 11.75 inches | 29.8 cm |
| Bottom diameter | 10.5 inches | 26.7 cm |
| Circumference (top) | 38.5 inches | 97.8 cm |
| Volume | 5 US gallons | 18.93 liters |
| Weight (empty) | 2.0 - 2.5 lbs | 0.9 - 1.1 kg |
What is the Diameter of a 5 Gallon Bucket?
The diameter of a 5 gallon bucket is 12.25 inches at the top (outer edge) and 10.5 inches at the bottom.
The bucket tapers from top to bottom, which is called a "tapered" or "draft" design. This taper allows empty buckets to nest inside each other for efficient storage and shipping.
Why the Top is Wider Than the Bottom
The tapered design serves three purposes:
- Nesting - Empty buckets stack inside each other
- Easier demolding - Buckets release from molds cleanly
- Stability - Wider top prevents tipping when full
How Many Quarts in a 5 Gallon Bucket?
A 5 gallon bucket holds exactly 20 quarts when filled to the top.
| Volume Unit | 5 Gallon Bucket |
|-------------|-----------------|
| Quarts | 20 quarts |
| Pints | 40 pints |
| Cups | 80 cups |
| Fluid ounces | 640 fl oz |
| Liters | 18.93 liters |
| Milliliters | 18,927 mL |
Practical fill level: Most users fill buckets to 4-4.5 gallons (16-18 quarts) to allow headspace and prevent spills.
How Much Does a 5 Gallon Bucket Weigh?
Empty Bucket Weight
An empty 5 gallon HDPE bucket weighs approximately 2.0 to 2.5 pounds (0.9-1.1 kg).
Weight varies based on:
- Wall thickness (industrial vs consumer grade)
- Material type (HDPE, PP, or metal)
- Lid style included
Full Bucket Weight by Contents
| Contents | Weight (full bucket) |
|----------|---------------------|
| Water | 42 lbs (19 kg) |
| Sand (dry) | 75 lbs (34 kg) |
| Gravel | 85 lbs (38.5 kg) |
| Flour | 25 lbs (11.3 kg) |
| Rice | 35 lbs (15.9 kg) |
| Beans (dry) | 35 lbs (15.9 kg) |
| Wheat berries | 33 lbs (15 kg) |
| Motor oil | 35 lbs (15.9 kg) |
| Paint | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) |
| Concrete mix | 70 lbs (31.8 kg) |
Important: A 5 gallon bucket of water weighs about 42 pounds. Plan for this weight when transporting full buckets.
5 Gallon Bucket Circumference
The circumference of a 5 gallon bucket is 38.5 inches (97.8 cm) at the top.
Circumference formula: C = π × d = 3.14159 × 12.25" = 38.48 inches
Why Circumference Matters
- Custom labels - Know how much label material you need
- Bucket wraps - Calculate material for insulation or decoration
- Storage planning - Determine shelf/rack widths needed
Volume of a 5 Gallon Bucket
A 5 gallon bucket holds exactly 5 US gallons, which equals 1,155 cubic inches or 18.93 liters.
Actual vs Marked Capacity
Most 5 gallon buckets are marked with a "5 gallon" designation but actually hold slightly more when filled to the absolute rim:
| Capacity Type | Volume |
|---------------|--------|
| Rated capacity | 5.0 gallons |
| Filled to rim | 5.2-5.4 gallons |
| Working capacity | 4.5 gallons |
Recommendation: For liquids, fill to 90% capacity (4.5 gallons) to allow for temperature expansion and prevent spills.
5 Gallon Bucket Dimensions for Shipping
Planning to ship 5 gallon buckets? Here's what you need to know:
Single Bucket Shipping
| Dimension | Measurement |
|-----------|-------------|
| Box size needed | 14" x 14" x 16" |
| Dimensional weight | ~12 lbs |
| Actual weight (empty) | 2.5 lbs |
| Actual weight (full, water) | 42 lbs |
Pallet Quantities
| Configuration | Quantity |
|---------------|----------|
| Per layer | 9 buckets |
| Layers per pallet | 4-5 layers |
| Per pallet (nestable) | 36-48 buckets |
| Pallet dimensions | 40" x 48" |
Pro tip: Empty buckets nest, so you can fit more per shipment. Full buckets stack (don't nest) and require more space.
Home Depot vs Industrial 5 Gallon Bucket Dimensions
Not all 5 gallon buckets are identical. Here's how consumer and industrial buckets compare:
| Feature | Home Depot/Consumer | Industrial/Commercial |
|---------|---------------------|----------------------|
| Height | 14.5" | 14.5" |
| Top diameter | 12.0" | 12.25" |
| Wall thickness | 0.045" | 0.060-0.090" |
| Weight (empty) | 1.8 lbs | 2.2-2.5 lbs |
| Material | Recycled HDPE | Virgin HDPE |
| Certifications | None | UN/DOT, FDA |
Key difference: Industrial buckets have thicker walls for durability and may carry UN certification for hazardous material transport.
5 Gallon Bucket Size Compared to Other Containers
| Container | Volume | Height | Diameter |
|-----------|--------|--------|----------|
| 1 gallon bucket | 1 gal | 7.5" | 6.5" |
| 2 gallon bucket | 2 gal | 9" | 8" |
| 3.5 gallon bucket | 3.5 gal | 12" | 10.5" |
| 5 gallon bucket | 5 gal | 14.5" | 12" |
| 6 gallon bucket | 6 gal | 16" | 12.5" |
| 7 gallon bucket | 7 gal | 18" | 13" |
| 55 gallon drum | 55 gal | 34.5" | 23" |
Will a 5 Gallon Bucket Fit Under My Desk/Shelf?
Planning your storage space? Here's what you need:
Minimum Clearances
| Location | Minimum Height Needed |
|----------|----------------------|
| Under standard desk | 24" (bucket fits easily) |
| Standard shelf spacing | 16" (allows 1" clearance) |
| Car trunk (sedan) | Fits in most trunks |
| Car backseat | Fits behind front seat |
| Standard closet shelf | 14-16" spacing works |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact dimensions of a 5 gallon bucket?
A 5 gallon bucket is 14.5 inches tall, 12.25 inches in diameter at the top, and 10.5 inches at the bottom. The wall thickness is typically 0.045" to 0.090" depending on grade.
What is the inside diameter of a 5 gallon bucket?
The inside diameter of a 5 gallon bucket is 11.75 inches at the top and approximately 10 inches at the bottom. This is important when fitting liners, bags, or internal dividers.
How many inches around is a 5 gallon bucket?
The circumference (distance around) a 5 gallon bucket at the top is 38.5 inches. At the bottom, it's 33 inches.
What is the actual volume of a 5 gallon bucket?
A 5 gallon bucket holds exactly 5 US gallons (1,155 cubic inches or 18.93 liters) when filled to the marked capacity line. When filled to the absolute rim, it holds approximately 5.2-5.4 gallons.
How much does a 5 gallon bucket of water weigh?
A 5 gallon bucket filled with water weighs approximately 42 pounds (19 kg), including the weight of the empty bucket (2-2.5 lbs).
How much does a 5 gallon bucket of sand weigh?
A 5 gallon bucket of dry sand weighs approximately 75 pounds (34 kg). Wet sand is even heavier at 80-90 pounds.
Get Precision-Molded 5 Gallon Buckets
Need buckets with consistent, reliable dimensions? PailHQ's industrial-grade 5 gallon HDPE pails are:
- Precision-molded to exact specifications
- UN/DOT certified for hazmat transport
- FDA food-grade for safe food storage
- Made in USA with virgin HDPE