Standard can dimensions decide how a product looks on the shelf, how it stacks in a warehouse and how much it costs to ship. I have spent years working alongside can manufacturers, and the same confusion comes up every time: two cans labelled the same size rarely measure the same.
This guide breaks down standard can dimensions in plain terms, covering height, diameter and volume for the most common food cans. You will see why a 400g can is not always 400g, and where the numbers actually come from.
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Standard Food Can Sizes Chart
Here is a clear chart of standard food can sizes. It lists volumes, diameters, heights, and uses.| Can Name | Volume (Fluid oz) | Diameter (inches) | Height (inches) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #101 | 09–117 oz | 6-3/16″ | 7″ | Restaurants, foodservice, bulk fruits/veggies |
| #300 | 15–16 oz | 3″ | 4-7/16″ | Canned vegetables, beans, soups |
| #303 | 16–17 oz | 3-3/16″ | 4-6/16″ | Common retail size for beans, tomatoes |
| #401 | 28–32 oz | 4-1/16″ | 4-11/16″ | Large retail cans (tomatoes, pineapple) |
| 12 oz | 12 oz | 2-11/16″ | 4-13/16″ | Tuna, soda cans (often called “regular” can) |
| 14 oz | 14 oz | 3-1/8″ | 4-3/8″ | Specialty sauces, small beans |
| 15 oz | 15 oz | 3-3/16″ | 4-7/16″ | Most common retail vegetable can |
| 16 oz | 16 oz | 3-3/16″ | 4-13/16″ | Slightly taller 15 oz equivalent |
| 28 oz | 28 oz | 4-1/16″ | 4-11/16″ | Large tomatoes, pumpkin |
| 5 oz | 5 oz | 2-1/8″ | 2-1/4″ | Small tuna, sardines |
| 8 oz | 8 oz | 2-11/16″ | 3″ | Tomato sauce, small soups |
Use it to compare can heights and diameters quickly.
Detailed Breakdown of Common Can Sizes
We now dive into each size. Get specifics on food can dimensions: size, height & diameter.More Posts: ZYN Can Dimensions: Size, Height & Diameter
#10 Can Dimensions
The #10 is a big one. Diameter: 6-3/16 inches. Height: 7 inches. It holds 109 to 117 fluid ounces. That equals about 13 cups.
Chefs in restaurants love it for bulk items like peaches or sauce. Stats show #10 cans make up 30% of foodservice packaging. They save space in large kitchens.
#300 Can Dimensions
#300 is common for veggies. Diameter: 3 inches. Height: 4-7/16 inches. Volume is 15 to 16 ounces. Great for beans or corn.
This size fits most home pantries well. Industry reports note it’s used in over 50% of canned vegetable sales.
#303 Can Dimensions
Similar to #300 but wider. Diameter: 3-3/16 inches. Height: 4-6/16 inches. Holds 16 to 17 ounces. Often for tomatoes or fruits.
A slight difference in width adds extra space. This is a top pick for retail shelves.
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#401 Can Dimensions
Larger for family meals. Diameter: 4-1/16 inches. Height: 4-11/16 inches. Volume: 28 to 32 ounces.
Used for pineapple or big soups. Data from packaging firms say it reduces opening frequency in homes.
12 oz, 15 oz, 16 oz, and 28 oz Can Dimensions
These are weight-based names. 12 oz: Diameter 2-11/16 inches, height 4-13/16 inches. 15 oz: Diameter 3-3/16 inches, height 4-7/16 inches.
16 oz: Same width as 15 oz but taller at 4-13/16 inches. 28 oz: Matches #401 specs. They suit quick meals or snacks.
Smaller Specialty Sizes (e.g., 5 oz, 8 oz, 14 oz)
5 oz: Tiny for tuna. Diameter 2-1/8 inches, height 2-1/4 inches. 8 oz: For sauce. Diameter 2-11/16 inches, height 3 inches.
14 oz: Specialty. Diameter 3-1/8 inches, height 4-3/8 inches. These fill niche needs like travel packs.
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Volume vs. Weight
Ounces on labels mean weight of food inside, not liquid volume.A 15 oz can might hold 14 fluid ounces. Density matters.
Headspace at the top allows expansion.
The USDA states this distinction prevents confusion in nutrition labels.
Always check for net weight versus drained weight.
How to Measure a Food Can Yourself
Grab a ruler. Measure diameter across the lid, skip the seam.For height, go from flat bottom to top edge.
Do this for custom labels or storage fits.
Accuracy to 1/16 inch matters for precision.
This method matches industry tools.
FAQ’s
What are standard food can sizes?
The label weight trap nobody warns you about
I learned this the hard way while sourcing cans for a small preserved-fish brand. The supplier quoted a "standard 1/2 lb" tin, and I assumed the drained weight would match. It did not. The can held roughly 120g drained once oil and headspace were accounted for, so my printed labels were wrong before the first pallet shipped.
My fix was simple: I now ask for three numbers in writing, the external diameter, the external height and the declared drained weight, then verify each with calipers and a kitchen scale on arrival. That habit saved me from a costly reprint and made costing far more predictable.
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Standard ones include #10, #300, #303, #401, plus 12 oz, 15 oz, 16 oz, and 28 oz. They cover most USA needs.
What are the dimensions of a 15 oz can?
Diameter: 3-3/16 inches. Height: 4-7/16 inches.
What are the dimensions of a regular can?
Regular often means 12 oz. Diameter: 2-11/16 inches. Height: 4-13/16 inches.
How big is a 28 oz can?
Diameter: 4-1/16 inches. Height: 4-11/16 inches.
What are the dimensions of a 16 oz can?
Diameter: 3-3/16 inches. Height: 4-13/16 inches.
How big is a 14 oz tin?
Diameter: 3-1/8 inches. Height: 4-3/8 inches.
What are the dimensions of a standard 12 oz can?
Diameter: 2-11/16 inches. Height: 4-13/16 inches.
What size is a 14 oz can?
Diameter: 3-1/8 inches. Height: 4-3/8 inches.
What are the dimensions of a 15 oz mug?
This may mean a can, not mug. Diameter: 3-3/16 inches. Height: 4-7/16 inches.
Conclusion
Mastering food can dimensions: size, height & diameter simplifies cooking, storage, and bulk buying. From the massive #10 can to everyday 15 oz cans, these standardized sizes ensure consistency across the USA.
Keep this guide handy for quick, smart choices every time you reach for a can.
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