Slim Jim Trash Can Sizes: Every Dimension Explained (2026)

Slim Jim trash can sizes describe how big these narrow bins are. The two main sizes are 16 and 23 gallons. The 16-gallon is about 22 × 11 × 25 inches. The 23-gallon is about 22 × 11 × 30 inches. Both share a slim 11-inch width.

Have you ever needed a bin that fits a tight gap? A Slim Jim is built for that. Its narrow shape slides between a counter and a wall. A sheet of paper matches its width. Once you see this, the choice gets simple.

Both sizes share the same slim profile. The 23-gallon is 5 inches taller than the 16-gallon. They are made of tough, high-impact plastic. An empty can weighs about 8 pounds. These facts make Slim Jim trash can sizes easy to compare.

Slim Jim Trash Can Sizes in Different Units

Slim Jim cans are known for their narrow build. The 16-gallon Slim Jim measures 22 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 25 inches high, holding 60.6 liters. The larger 23-gallon model stands taller at about 30 inches. Here’s how the main sizes break down.

Size	Dimensions (L × W × H)	Capacity	Notes
16 gallon	22 × 11 × 25 in	~60.6 L	Mid-size, most common
23 gallon	~22 × 11 × 30 in	~87 L	Tall, high-traffic use
Width (both)	11 in	~28 cm	The signature slim size
16 gal (metric)	56 × 28 × 63.5 cm	60.6 L	Full metric size
23 gal height	~76 cm	87 L	5 inches taller

Both main sizes share the same 11-inch width, which is what gives the Slim Jim its space-saving profile. Treat the length as an approximate near 20 to 23 inches, since it varies slightly by model. 

Quick Reference Table

Want the fast version? This chart shows the Slim Jim sizes and how to picture each one. All figures are approximate and based on standard models.

Size	Dimensions	Visual / Notes	Best For
16 gallon	22 × 11 × 25 in	Waist-high on an adult	Kitchens, offices
23 gallon	~22 × 11 × 30 in	Hip-to-chest height	High-traffic areas
11-inch width	11 in wide	A sheet of paper’s long side	Tight spaces
25-inch height	25 in tall	About two rulers stacked	16-gallon model
30-inch height	30 in tall	Just under a counter	23-gallon model
Empty weight	~8 lb	Light to move	Both sizes
16 gal liner	16–20 gal bags	Matches the can	Bag fit
23 gal liner	30–33 gal bags	Matches the can	Bag fit

Slim Jim Sizes and Real-World Comparisons

Here are the main Slim Jim sizes plus everyday objects that help you picture their dimensions without a tape measure.

The 23-Gallon Slim Jim

The 23-gallon is the tall, high-capacity size. It measures about 22 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 30 inches high, holding roughly 87 liters of waste. This is the go-to for busy kitchens, offices, and high-traffic spots.

The 23-gallon model stands 30 inches high while keeping the slim 11-inch width, and empty it weighs about 8 pounds. The tall shape holds more trash without taking up floor space. It uses 30 to 33-gallon liners, which fit the extra height. Because it’s narrow but tall, it slides into gaps where a round can won’t fit. If you need more capacity in a tight spot, the 23-gallon is the largest common Slim Jim size.

The 16-Gallon Slim Jim

The 16-gallon is the mid-size, most common option. It measures about 22 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 25 inches high, holding 60.6 liters. It’s 5 inches shorter than the 23-gallon but keeps the same slim footprint.

This size suits kitchens, break rooms, and offices with medium waste needs. The 16-gallon Slim Jim has molded-in handles for lifting, bag cinches to hold liners, and venting channels that make liner removal easier. It’s made of durable, high-impact plastic with a rib-strengthened design that won’t crush. It uses 16 to 20-gallon liners. If you want a slim can that isn’t too tall, the 16-gallon is the balanced pick among Slim Jim trash can sizes.

Read Also: How Many Square Feet Is a Basketball Court? Full Breakdown

A Sheet of Letter Paper (The 11-Inch Width)

A sheet of paper matches the can’s signature width. US letter paper measures 8.5 × 11 inches, so its long side of 11 inches is exactly the same as the Slim Jim’s width. Lay a sheet against the can and the widths line up.

This 11-inch width is the whole point of the Slim Jim design. It lets the can fit in narrow gaps, like between a counter and a wall, where a round bin won’t go. Because paper is in every home and office, it’s the easiest way to picture the slim width. Hold a sheet sideways and you’re seeing exactly how narrow a Slim Jim is from front to back.

A Kitchen Counter (Height Reference)

A kitchen counter helps you picture the can’s height. A standard counter is 36 inches tall, so the 23-gallon Slim Jim, at 30 inches, comes up about 6 inches short of the counter. The 16-gallon, at 25 inches, reaches roughly two-thirds of the way up.

Counters are built to a standard 36-inch height so they’re comfortable to work at. Because this height is so familiar, it’s a handy building block. The 23-gallon can tucks neatly under a counter overhang with a little room to spare, which is why it fits so well in kitchens. Picture a counter, then imagine the can rising most of the way up, to see the height clearly.

Read Also: Garage Door Sizes Chart: Every Standard Dimension Explained (2026)

A 13-Inch Laptop (Width Reference)

A laptop is close to the can’s width. A 13-inch laptop is about 12 inches wide when open, just over the Slim Jim’s 11-inch width. Set a closed laptop next to the can and the widths look similar.

Laptops are a familiar size, which makes them a handy width comparison. The Slim Jim is about the same front-to-back depth as a laptop is wide. Because both are common items, this helps you picture how narrow the can really is. If you have a laptop nearby, imagine it standing on its edge to match the 11-inch width of a Slim Jim. It’s an easy tech-based reference for the slim profile.

A Yardstick (Height Reference)

yardstick helps you picture the can’s height. A yardstick is 36 inches long, so the 23-gallon Slim Jim reaches about 30 inches, or five-sixths of the yardstick. The 16-gallon, at 25 inches, reaches about two-thirds of it.

Yardsticks are long rulers marked in inches and feet, equal to exactly 3 feet. Because a yardstick is a clear, familiar length, it makes a good measuring guide. Stand one next to the can and you can see how tall each size is. The 23-gallon comes up about 6 inches short of the full yardstick. If you have one at home, it’s an easy way to measure or picture the can’s height.

A Standard Round Kitchen Can (Shape Contrast)

A round kitchen can shows the Slim Jim’s shape by contrast. A typical round bin is about 15 to 16 inches across, much wider than the Slim Jim’s 11-inch width. Set the two side by side and the round can looks bulky.

Round cans hold a similar amount of trash but take up more floor space because of their width. The Slim Jim fits the same waste into a narrow, rectangular shape instead. This is why Slim Jims are popular in tight kitchens, offices, and hallways. Comparing the two shows why the slim design saves room. If you have a round bin, picture squeezing it into a flat, 11-inch-wide box to see the difference.

An Acoustic Guitar (Height Reference)

An acoustic guitar is close to the 23-gallon’s height. A full guitar is about 40 inches long, so the 30-inch tall Slim Jim reaches about three-quarters of its length. Stand a guitar next to the can and the guitar rises higher.

Guitars are made of wood with a hollow body, and their length is fairly standard. Because a guitar is a familiar item, it makes a fun height comparison. The 23-gallon can comes up to about the middle of a guitar’s neck. If you have one at home, picture the can reaching roughly three-quarters of the way up to see its 30-inch height. It’s an easy way to grasp the tall size.

How to Measure for a Slim Jim Without a Tool

No tape measure handy? These simple steps help you check if a Slim Jim will fit your space.

Use a Sheet of Paper for the Width

A sheet of paper is a ready-made width guide. Since letter paper’s long side is 11 inches, the exact width of a Slim Jim, just hold a sheet in the gap where you want the can to go. If the paper fits with a little room, the can will fit too. This is the fastest way to check the slim width with no measuring. Paper is in every home and office, making it an easy tool.

Stack Rulers for the Height

Rulers help you check the height. Two standard rulers stacked reach 24 inches, close to the 16-gallon’s 25-inch height. For the 23-gallon, add half of a third ruler to reach about 30 inches. Stand the rulers in the spot where the can will go to see if it clears any shelves or counters above. This gives a quick height check using tools from any desk or school bag.

Compare to a Counter

A counter gives a quick height check. A standard counter is 36 inches tall. The 23-gallon Slim Jim comes up about 6 inches below it, and the 16-gallon reaches roughly two-thirds of the way up. Stand near a counter and picture the can beside it. If you want the can to tuck under a counter or shelf, this comparison tells you fast whether it will clear the space.

Slim Jim Sizes vs. Other Trash Cans

Seeing the Slim Jim next to other cans builds a clear picture. A 16-gallon Slim Jim is narrow at 11 inches wide but tall at 25 inches. A standard round kitchen can holds about 13 gallons but is much wider, around 15 inches. A 23-gallon Slim Jim is taller at 30 inches, still just 11 inches wide. And a large 32-gallon outdoor can is far bigger, around 22 inches wide. So Slim Jims hold a lot while staying the narrowest of the group.

Can	Capacity	Width	Height
Round kitchen can	~13 gal	~15 in	~24 in
Slim Jim (16 gal)	16 gal	11 in	25 in
Slim Jim (23 gal)	23 gal	11 in	~30 in
Kitchen step can	~13 gal	~15 in	~26 in
Outdoor can (32 gal)	32 gal	~22 in	~28 in

Frequently Asked Questions

What size trash bag for a Slim Jim?

A 16-gallon Slim Jim uses 16 to 20-gallon liners. A 23-gallon Slim Jim uses 30 to 33-gallon liners.

What size is a 12″ l trash can?

A 12-inch trash can is small, often holding about 7 to 10 gallons. It suits kitchens, offices, or bathrooms with light waste.

How many gallons are in a Slim Jim trash can?

Slim Jim trash cans come mainly in 16-gallon and 23-gallon sizes. Older or specialty models have offered other capacities too.

Is a 32 gallon trash can big?

Yes, a 32-gallon trash can is fairly big. It is common for outdoor and curbside use, standing about 27 to 28 inches tall.

How tall is a 40 gallon trash can?

A 40-gallon trash can is typically about 30 to 34 inches tall. Exact height varies by brand and shape.

How much does an empty Slim Jim weigh?

An empty 23-gallon Slim Jim weighs about 8 pounds. The 16-gallon is a bit lighter. Both are made of durable, high-impact plastic that resists cracking. The light weight and molded-in handles make them easy to lift and empty, even when full of trash.

Conclusion

Now you know the Slim Jim trash can sizes and how to pick the right one with ease. The two main sizes are 16 and 23 gallons. The 16-gallon is about 22 × 11 × 25 inches. The 23-gallon is about 22 × 11 × 30 inches. Both share the slim 11-inch width that saves space. These few numbers cover almost everything you need to know.

You can also picture the sizes with simple objects. A sheet of paper’s long side matches the 11-inch width. A kitchen counter stands a bit taller than the 23-gallon can. Two rulers stacked reach close to the 16-gallon height. Keep these comparisons in mind whenever you shop. With this knowledge, you can choose the right Slim Jim trash can sizes anytime.