Jerry Can Sizes: Every Common Size and What It Holds

Jerry can sizes describe how much fuel or water a can holds. They usually run from 5 to 25 liters. The classic size is 20 liters, or about 5.3 US gallons. Smaller cans hold 1 or 2 liters. Bigger ones reach 25 liters.

Have you ever stood in a store unsure which can to grab? You are not alone. A 5-liter can is an easy one-hand carry. A 20-liter can fills like a bucket. Once you learn the sizes, the choice gets simple.

The 20-liter can is the most common size. It weighs about 33 pounds full of fuel. US stores often sell a 5-gallon version. Water cans hold the same volume but weigh more. These facts make jerry can sizes easy to compare.

Jerry Can Sizes in Different Units

Most jerry cans come in round metric numbers. The common sizes are 5, 10, 20, and 25 liters, which convert to about 1.3, 2.6, 5.3, and 6.6 US gallons. The classic military-style can holds 20 liters (5.3 gallons). Here’s how the main sizes break down.

Size (Liters)	US Gallons	Imperial Gallons	Notes
5 L	~1.3 gal	~1.1 gal	Small, easy to carry
10 L	~2.6 gal	~2.2 gal	Mid-size option
20 L	~5.3 gal	~4.4 gal	The classic size
25 L	~6.6 gal	~5.5 gal	Large capacity
1 gal (US)	3.79 L	~0.83 gal	Common US small size
5 gal (US)	18.9 L	~4.2 gal	US “5-gallon” version

Note that a US gallon and an imperial (UK) gallon are different. A US gallon is 3.79 liters, while an imperial gallon is 4.55 liters. So a “5-gallon” can may be 18.9 or 20 liters depending on the country.

Quick Reference Table

Want the fast version? This chart shows the common jerry can sizes and how to picture each one. Weights are approximate and depend on the liquid inside.

Size	Holds (Approx.)	Full Fuel Weight (Approx.)	Best For
5 L	~1.3 US gal	~9–10 lb	Backup fuel, small jobs
10 L	~2.6 US gal	~18–20 lb	Day trips, generators
20 L	~5.3 US gal	~33–35 lb	Overlanding, main fuel
25 L	~6.6 US gal	~41–44 lb	Long trips, storage
1 US gal	3.79 L	~7 lb	Quick top-ups
5 US gal	18.9 L	~31–33 lb	US standard fuel can
Water (20 L)	~5.3 US gal	~44 lb	Camping water supply
Small utility (2 L)	~0.5 US gal	~4 lb	Chainsaws, mixers

8 Common Jerry Can Sizes and What They Hold

Here are eight jerry can sizes, from small to large, with what each holds and how heavy it gets. These help you pick the right one without guessing.

The 20-Liter Jerry Can

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The 20-liter can is the classic, most common size. It holds 20 liters, or about 5.3 US gallons, of fuel or water. This is the size based on the original military can, so it’s the one most people picture when they hear “jerry can.”

A full 20-liter can of gasoline weighs about 33 to 35 pounds, since gasoline is a bit lighter than water. Filled with water, the same can weighs closer to 44 pounds. The design dates back to the 1930s, built for carrying fuel over rough ground. Its three-handle top lets one person carry two cans or hand one off easily. For overlanding, camping, and backup fuel, the 20-liter is the go-to size.

The 5-Liter Jerry Can

The 5-liter can is the small, grab-and-go size. It holds 5 liters, or about 1.3 US gallons. This size is light and easy to lift, making it handy for backup fuel or small machines.

A full 5-liter can of gasoline weighs only about 9 to 10 pounds, so almost anyone can carry it with one hand. It’s a favorite for topping up a lawnmower, a generator, or a motorbike. Because it’s compact, it fits in a car trunk or on a shelf without taking much room. When you don’t need a lot of fuel or water, the 5-liter is the easiest jerry can size to handle.

The 10-Liter Jerry Can

The 10-liter can is the middle-ground size. It holds 10 liters, or about 2.6 US gallons. It sits right between the small 5-liter and the classic 20-liter, giving a good balance of capacity and weight.

A full 10-liter can of gasoline weighs about 18 to 20 pounds, still light enough for most people to carry a short distance. This size works well for day trips, generators, and boats. It gives you more fuel than the 5-liter without the bulk of a 20-liter. If you want extra range but don’t want to lug a heavy can, the 10-liter is a smart middle choice among jerry can sizes.

The 25-Liter Jerry Can

The 25-liter can is the large, high-capacity size. It holds 25 liters, or about 6.6 US gallons. This is one of the biggest common sizes, made for long trips and bulk storage.

A full 25-liter can of gasoline weighs about 41 to 44 pounds, which is heavy and often needs two hands or a cart. Filled with water, it weighs even more, close to 55 pounds. This size is popular for long overland journeys, farms, and emergency storage where more fuel or water is worth the extra weight. When you need to carry the most in one container, the 25-liter is the largest go-to among jerry can sizes.

The 5-Gallon (US) Can

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The US “5-gallon” can is the American standard size. It holds 5 US gallons, which is about 18.9 liters, just under the metric 20-liter can. Many people use the two almost interchangeably, though they differ by about a liter.

A full 5-gallon can of gasoline weighs about 31 to 33 pounds. This is the classic size sold at hardware and auto stores across the US. Modern versions often have spill-proof spouts required by fuel safety rules. Because it’s so close to the 20-liter can, it fits the same racks and mounts. If you’re shopping in the US, the 5-gallon can is the version you’ll see most.

The 1-Gallon (US) Can

The 1-gallon can is the smallest common size. It holds 1 US gallon, or about 3.79 liters. This tiny size is made for quick top-ups and small tools.

A full 1-gallon can of gasoline weighs only about 7 pounds, so it’s easy to carry and store. It’s a favorite for filling a lawnmower, a chainsaw, or a small generator without hauling a big can. The compact shape fits on a garage shelf or in a car trunk. When you just need a little fuel on hand, the 1-gallon can is the lightest and most portable of the jerry can sizes.

The 2-Liter Utility Can

The 2-liter can is a small utility size for special jobs. It holds 2 liters, or about half a US gallon. This mini size is often used for mixing two-stroke fuel or carrying a small amount of oil.

A full 2-liter can weighs only about 4 pounds, so it’s very easy to handle. Small cans like this are common for chainsaws, trimmers, and other tools that use mixed fuel. Some come with measuring marks on the side to help mix oil and gas correctly. When your job needs just a splash of fuel or fluid, the 2-liter utility can is the most compact jerry can size around.

The 20-Liter Water Can

The 20-liter water can looks like the fuel version but is made for drinking water. It holds 20 liters, or about 5.3 US gallons, the same volume as the classic fuel can. The plastic is food-safe, so the water stays clean and safe to drink.

A full 20-liter water can weighs about 44 pounds, since water is heavier than gasoline. These cans are a camping and emergency staple, often blue to mark them as water, not fuel. Many have a built-in tap or spout for easy pouring. When you need to store or carry a big supply of drinking water, the 20-liter water can is the standard choice among jerry can sizes.

How to Estimate Jerry Can Sizes Without a Measuring Jug

No measuring tools handy? These simple tricks help you estimate a jerry can’s size and weight using things you already know.

Count in Water Bottles

A standard water bottle helps you picture the volume. A common bottle holds 500 mL, so two bottles make 1 liter. That means a 20-liter can holds the same as 40 half-liter bottles. Picture a case of bottled water, which usually holds 24, and a 20-liter can is a bit less than two cases. This trick turns an abstract number into a stack of bottles you can imagine.

Use the Weight Rule

Weight tells you the size when the can is full. Water weighs about 1 kilogram per liter, so a 20-liter water can holds about 20 kg (44 pounds) of water plus the can. Gasoline is lighter, at about 0.74 kg per liter, so 20 liters of gas weighs closer to 15 kg (33 pounds). Lift the can and compare it to a known weight, like a bag of flour, to guess the size.

Check the Molded Label

Most jerry cans have the size stamped right on them. Look on the side or near the handle for a molded number like “20 L” or “5 GAL.” Manufacturers mark the capacity into the plastic or metal so it never rubs off. This is the fastest and most accurate way to know the size. If the number is worn or missing, fill it with a known bottle count to check.

Jerry Can Sizes vs. Other Common Containers

Seeing jerry cans next to familiar containers helps the sizes click. A 5-liter can holds about the same as a large soda bottle times two and a half. A 20-liter can holds roughly the same as a standard kitchen bucket, which is often 5 gallons. A 25-liter can is a bit more than a typical bucket. And a 1-gallon can matches a large milk jug. So a classic 20-liter jerry can is about one full bucket of fuel or water, an easy image to keep in mind.

Container	Rough Volume	Compared to a 20 L Jerry Can
Large milk jug	~3.8 L (1 gal)	About one-fifth
Small jerry can	5 L	About one-quarter
Kitchen bucket	~19–20 L (5 gal)	About the same
Classic jerry can	20 L	The base size
Large jerry can	25 L	A bit more

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the size of a jerry can?

A standard jerry can holds 20 liters, or about 5.3 US gallons. Common sizes also include 5, 10, and 25 liters.

What are the dimensions of a 25 liter jerry can?

A 25-liter jerry can is roughly 19 to 20 inches (about 50 cm) tall. Exact width and depth vary by brand and shape.

What is the price of a 20 liter jerry can?

Prices vary by material and brand, often ranging from about $20 to $60. Metal military-style cans usually cost more than plastic ones.

How tall is a 5 gallon jerry can?

A 5-gallon jerry can is roughly 18 to 19 inches (about 47 cm) tall. It holds 18.9 liters, just under the metric 20-liter can.

How tall is a 20 litre jerry can?

A 20-liter jerry can is roughly 18 to 19 inches (about 47 cm) tall. Exact height varies by brand and the can’s shape.

How much fuel does a jerry can hold?

A classic 20-liter jerry can holds 20 liters, or about 5.3 US gallons, of fuel. That’s enough to add roughly 50 to 100 miles of driving range to many vehicles, depending on fuel economy. Smaller 5- and 10-liter cans hold about 1.3 and 2.6 gallons for lighter needs.

Conclusion

Now you know the jerry can sizes and how to pick the right one with ease. The sizes run from small 1- and 2-liter cans up to large 25-liter models. The classic size is 20 liters, or about 5.3 US gallons. A full 20-liter fuel can weighs about 33 to 35 pounds. The same can holds around 44 pounds of water. These few numbers cover almost everything you need to know.

You can also picture the sizes with simple objects. A 20-liter can holds about one kitchen bucket. A 5-liter can makes an easy one-hand carry. A 1-gallon can matches a large milk jug. Keep these comparisons in mind whenever you shop. With this knowledge, you can choose the right jerry can sizes anytime.