The most common questions I get asked about 5 gallon buckets are regarding their dimensions. I’m hesitant to answer questions on the dimensions of a 5 gallon bucket because it will vary between models, sometimes significantly.
So this article is an attempt to catalog the most popular 5 gallon buckets in use today, along with their weights, measurements, capacities and anything else relevant. I’ll also be linking to the manufacturers’ specification sheets where available so you can delve much deeper into bucket statistics.
This page is a constant work in progress – we will add more manufacturers as they are brought to our attention.
Dimensions of Popular 5 Gallon Buckets
For each manufacturer, we will publish the dimensions of their most popular bucket only, and link to spec sheets for the rest. Where available, I’ve included the bucket weight as an indicator of sturdiness.
Pro-Western Plastics
This company has much more information publicly available than any other company I’ve come across. We encourage you to take a look at these spec sheets for general data regarding stacking dimensions, maximum weight capacity, shipping pallet analysis and tons of other fun data.
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#740 standard duty 5 gallon bucket (2.1 lb)
- #745 light duty 5¼ gallon bucket (1.8 lb)
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#746 heavy duty 5¼ gallon bucket (2.17 lb)
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#750 oversize 6 gallon bucket (2.55 lb)
U.S Plastics (manufactured by Letica)
Great Western Container
Leaktite (download pdf catalog 3.75 mb)
- Standard white .70 mil 5 gallon bucket
- Black 5 gallon bucket
- Red 5 gallon bucket
- Camo 5 gallon bucket
- America 5 gallon bucket
Home Depot
- Orange 5 gallon bucket (1.8 lb)
- Leaktite unbranded 5 gallon buckets (1.73 lb)
(see also: home depot buckets)
what percenrage ot 5 gallon pails leak and why
0% ? I’ve never had one leak
hehehehe, good answer–unscientific though…
Where can I recycle my old 6 gallon buckets for cash?
I dont know any recycling places that give you money for them. You could try selling them on craigslist – you never know who is looking for cheap buckets.
I do have leakage! and am looking for a replacement. I have a stepcan used for compostables in the kitchen. It has a galvanized 5 gal. bucket w/wire handle; 9″ diam by 24″ high NO TAPER. The bottom has rotted, I need a plastic replacement & can’t find one — plastic because the compost reacts with the metal. Plastic bags are contrary to the whole idea. Thanks to anyone w/ a find or solution.
They make a 9 inch diameter pvc pipe. U would have to find a cap that will fit into the inner diameter of the pvc. If money is an issue or your wanting to stay as green as possible try stopping at a construction sites and seeing if they have scraps you can sift through. The 9 inch pvc is sometimes used for water lines and a 24 inch or longer piece would not be that uncommon for them to throw away.
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The measurements you give for the Home Depot bucket yield a volume of 1586 cu. in., or almost 6.9 gallons. I measured the internal height and width (11.25 in and 14 in, respectively), giving me a volume of 6 gallons. I’m not sure how this is sold as a 5 gallon bucket, however.
You are missing the fact that it is not a true cylinder- slight taper to it. The bottom diameter is roughly an inch smaller than the top. 5 gallons in a HD bucket is 1.75 inch from the top lip so that why they call it a 5 gallon
Integration of
f(x)=2pi((1.56/17.43)x)+10.24 dx
from 0 to 17.43
yields 1845.88 in^3
Would anyone know the rated weight limit a 5 gallon bucket can handle when used for sitting on. Any plastic 5 gallon bucket round or square? Round or square which one is stronger?
round is definitely stronger
What size of thickness bottom of 20 liters galon in plastic industrial?
Thanks
have a unit error for the wall thickness in the first table but love. The information. Thanks!
I am trying to find out the size of a pop top lid for a 5 gallon bucket. Specifically it is a 5 gallon bucket top pour spout to a concentrated dawn detergent. It is not a screw lid. My reason for needing this is so that I can order the correct pump spout that will seat and seal with the pour spout part on the lid.
…to clarify it is the approx. 2″ area where you pour from a closed lid.
Your data is confusing. First I’ll assume we are talking about the common 5 gallon buckets used here in the USA.
You have several bucket specifications which have Imperial and Metric values.
I think perhaps you are confused as to what Imperial units are compared to US Customary Units. (USCS)
USCS are used in the USA, Imperial units were used in Britain until 1964. While inches are the same in both systems, A US Gallon is decidedly different from a Imperial Gallon, 5 US Gallons being only 4.16337 Imperial gallons. I’m thinking perhaps you meant USCS and not Imperial at the top of those columns.