13 Gallon Trash Can: Dimensions, Liter Conversion, and Buying Tips

Anyone who has tried to squeeze a week’s kitchen waste into a too-small bin knows the frustration: a standard 13‑gallon trash can holds about 49.2 liters—enough for a family of four—but its actual dimensions vary by brand and design. Understanding the real height, width, and lid type can save you from a bin that sticks out from under the counter or a bag that doesn’t fit.

Capacity in liters: 49.2 L (US liquid gallon) ·
Typical height: 26–30 inches (66–76 cm) ·
Standard bag size: 13‑gallon kitchen bags (up to 50 L) ·
Most common material: Stainless steel (brushed or fingerprint‑proof)

One look at the specs across different brands reveals a pattern: the 13‑gallon capacity is a loose standard, but dimensions and features vary widely.

The key specs for 13‑gallon trash cans break down as follows:

How Big Is a 13 Gallon Trash Can?

Typical dimensions (height, width, depth)

• Amazon Basics 13.2 gal (50 L): 16.73 × 14.65 × 25.87 inches (Amazon Basics product page)
• Target 13.2 gal step‑on: 23.07 × 15.91 × 14.96 inches (closed lid) (Target product page)
• iTouchless 13 gal (49 L) round open‑top: 14.1 × 14.1 × 24 inches (Bed Bath & Beyond product page)
• McMaster‑Carr rectangular: 16.5 × 11.5 × 26.5 inches (McMaster‑Carr product page)
• SONGMICS (Walmart Business): 16.7 × 12.5 × 25.9 inches (Walmart Business product page)

The height range across these models is 24 to 27 inches, with many around 26 inches. Widths vary from 11.5 to 16.7 inches, depth from 10.8 to 15.9 inches.

The implication: A 13‑gallon can is not one‑size‑fits‑all. Measure your space before buying, because a 16‑inch‑wide can won’t fit a cabinet opening meant for 12 inches.

Volume comparison with common household items

Using the NIST standard of 1 US gallon = 3.78541 liters, 13 gallons is 49.21 L, which is equivalent to about 2.6 standard 5‑gallon buckets (18.9 L each) (NIST (U.S. national measurement standards)). In everyday terms, a 13‑gallon can holds roughly 200 cups of liquid.

What this means: If you’re used to a 5‑gallon pail, expect to carry out the trash half as often.

How Much Is a 13 Gallon Trash Can in Liters?

Exact liter conversion (US liquid gallon)

Here is the exact gallon-to-liter conversion for common sizes:

Many manufacturers label their 13‑gallon cans as 50 liters for simplicity. The difference is less than 0.8 liters, which is negligible for trash bag fit.

The catch: A 50‑liter bag will fit a 13‑gallon can, but because the can is actually 49.2 L, the bag may be slightly loose. That’s fine for most users, but if you want a tight fit, stick with bags labeled 13‑gallon.

Common rounding to 50 liters

Retailers routinely round to 50 liters for marketing simplicity. The practice is so widespread that many consumers assume 13 gallons equals 50 liters exactly. In reality, 50 liters is 13.21 gallons, a 1.6% difference.

The implication: rounding saves marketing confusion but not physical volume.

Is 50 Liters the Same as 13 Gallons?

Precise conversion: 50 liters to gallons

• 50 liters = 13.21 US gallons (using NIST conversion factor) (NIST (U.S. national measurement standards))
• 13 US gallons = 49.21 liters
• The difference is 0.79 liters, or about 0.21 gallons

In practice, a 50‑liter bag will still fit a 13‑gallon can because the bag’s plastic stretches and the rim holds it in place. Product labels such as “13.2 gallons” on Amazon Basics confirm that the industry treats the two as interchangeable.

Implications for bag fitting and product labeling

If you buy a can labeled “13 gallon” and a bag labeled “50 liter,” you’re getting a near‑perfect match. The tiny mismatch doesn’t affect functionality. The trade‑off: using a 50‑liter bag gives a bit of slack, but it won’t cause the bag to fall in. For most kitchens, the convenience of buying 50‑liter bags outweighs the slight mismatch.

The pattern: manufacturers and consumers treat 13 gallons and 50 liters as interchangeable, and they are functionally identical.

What Are the Best 13 Gallon Trash Cans with Lid?

Stainless steel options

Stainless steel dominates the 13‑gallon market because of its durability and ease of cleaning. Many models feature a brushed surface that resists fingerprints, as KdbK notes: “High Quality Construction: 13 Gallon Garbage can made of sturdy stainless steel with brushed surface, anti‑fingerprints and easy to clean”.

Touchless sensor models

Touchless sensor cans use infrared to open the lid automatically, reducing contact with germs. The iTouchless 13‑gallon sensor model, for example, measures 12.8 × 10.8 × 27.9 inches and includes an odor filter (iTouchless product page).

Pedal‑operated lids

Pedal‑operated (step) cans are a budget‑friendly alternative that still offers hands‑free operation. Target’s 13.2‑gallon step‑on can has a soft‑close lid and a height of 23.07 inches (closed) (Target product page).

Five popular 13‑gallon models, side by side:

The pattern: Stainless steel dominates, but lid type is the key differentiator. If you want hands‑free operation, the iTouchless sensor model is a solid choice; for a budget‑friendly step can, the Target model works well.

How Do I Choose a 13 Gallon Trash Can for My Kitchen?

Size constraints (under‑sink vs. counter‑adjacent)

Standard under‑sink cabinets are 24 inches wide and 15 inches deep. A 13‑gallon can with a width over 15 inches won’t fit. Measure your cabinet’s interior width, depth, and height, accounting for the lid swing. For freestanding placement next to a counter, height matters more — a 27‑inch can fits under most countertops.

Material and durability factors

Stainless steel is easier to clean and more durable than plastic. As Walmart’s product copy states, “A 13 gallon trash can gives you everyday capacity for kitchen cleanups, family meals, and steady household use without constant bag changes”.

Lid type preferences

If you cook often and don’t want to touch the lid, a touchless sensor or step pedal is ideal. For low‑traffic areas, a simple swing lid works fine. Odor‑neutralizing filters, available in some models, help if the can is in a small space.

The trade‑off: spend more upfront for convenience or save money with a simpler mechanism.

What We Know for Sure

Confirmed facts

• 13 US gallons equals 49.21 liters exactly (NIST (U.S. national measurement standards)).
• Standard 13‑gallon trash can height ranges from 26 to 30 inches (McMaster‑Carr (industrial product catalog)).
• Most 13‑gallon cans accept standard 13‑gallon kitchen bags (Amazon Basics product page).

What’s unclear

• Whether 50‑liter bags fit snugly on all 13‑gallon cans — depends on can dimensions.
• Precise sales share between stainless steel and plastic models (no public dataset).

What the Manufacturers Say

“High Quality Construction: 13 Gallon Garbage can made of sturdy stainless steel with brushed surface, anti‑fingerprints and easy to clean.”

— KdbK product description

“A 13 gallon trash can gives you everyday capacity for kitchen cleanups, family meals, and steady household use without constant bag changes.”

— Walmart product description

“1 US liquid gallon is defined as 231 cubic inches, equal to 3.785411784 liters.”

— NIST (U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology)

The Bottom Line

A 13‑gallon trash can is a practical fit for most kitchens, but its real dimensions vary by brand. The conversion to 49.2 liters means 50‑liter bags will work, though they may be slightly loose. Stainless steel models with a lid that matches your usage pattern — step, sensor, or soft‑close—offer the best value. For the average household, the recommendation is clear: measure your space, pick a lid style that fits your routine, and buy a 13‑gallon bag that matches the can’s label.

Frequently asked questions

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