5 Gallon Bucket Dimensions

Dec 8th 2021

There are many uses for a 5 gallon bucket, as these handy containers are sturdy and versatile. Whether it’s storing dry goods in case of an emergency or creating a DIY festive lawn ornament for Thanksgiving, 5 gallon buckets get the job done. But some applications require knowledge of how big a 5 gallon bucket is and what the dimensions of these useful vessels are. We’re taking a look at 5 gallon bucket dimensions and answering all your questions in this handy guide. Let’s dive in!

What Are the Dimensions of a 5 Gallon Bucket?

5 gallon bucket dimensions vary depending on the manufacturer. 5 gallon bucket height is usually between 12-15 inches tall, with a 10-12 inch diameter. The 5 gallon bucket measurements are different due to the mold that the manufacturer uses to make the buckets and the specifications they set for their particular bucket.

What Are the Dimensions of a Square 5 Gallon Bucket?

Similar to round 5 gallon buckets, there is not a standard dimension for these buckets. They are usually between 12-16 inches tall, 9-11 inches wide, and 9-12 inches long. Please note that with all subsequent dimensions, we’ll be focusing on the round 5 gallon buckets unless we specifically mention square 5 gallon buckets.

How Many Square Inches in a 5 Gallon Bucket?

The square inch measurement is for 2-D areas, like a table top, while a cubic inch measures a 3-D space, like the volume of a 5 gallon bucket. Depending on the manufacturer’s specifications, a 5 gallon bucket can hold between 1,387-1,155 cubic inches.

How Tall Is a 5 Gallon Bucket With a Lid?

A lid will add 1-2 inches of height to a bucket, depending on the type of lid. Lids that sit on top of the bucket will add more height, while lids like a gamma seal lid (that snaps on to the rim of the bucket) will add less height.

How Many 5 Gallon Buckets Fit In a Truck Bed?

It depends on the size of the truck bed and the size of your 5 gallon buckets. For example, if you have a compact pickup truck with a 4 ft x 6 ft bed and your 5 gallon buckets have a 12 inch diameter, then you can fit approximately 24 buckets in the bed of the truck.

However, if you have a full size truck with a 5 ft x 8 ft bed and your buckets are 11.5 inch diameter, then you can fit approximately 40 buckets with a few inches left over. The easiest way to estimate this is to measure your truck bed and then multiply the length by the width. Assume that each bucket will take up a square foot of space.

How Many 5 Gallon Buckets on a Pallet?

It depends on who you are purchasing from. At ePackageSupply.com, our 5 gallon bucket pallets come with 120 buckets on them. You can also purchase ½ pallets from us, which are 60 buckets total.

How Do 5 Gallon Buckets Compare To Other Bucket Dimensions?

Keep in mind that every bucket will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Here are some general ranges of bucket size. If you are looking for specific dimensions, consult your supplier or the product listing.

  • 1 gallon bucket dimensions

7-8 inch diameter x 7-9 inch height

  • 1.5 gallon bucket dimensions

8-9 inch diameter x 7-9 inch height

  • 2 gallon bucket dimensions

9-10 inch diameter x 9-10 inch height

  • 3.5 gallon bucket dimensions

10-12 inch diameter x 10-11 inch height

  • 6 gallon bucket dimensions

11-13 inch diameter x 16-18 inch height

  • 7 gallon bucket dimensions

12-13 inch diameter x 19-20 inch height

Most, if not all, gallon buckets have a tapered shape where the top of the bucket is bigger than the bottom. This allows the buckets to stack inside of each other nicely for transportation (although you may want to add a cardboard or wooden spacer to keep the buckets from getting stuck together).

What Size Lid Fits a 5 Gallon Bucket?

The dimensions for most 5 gallon bucket lids will be in the 10-12 inch diameter range and 1-2 inch height. The exact dimensions will depend on the type of lid and the manufacturer. To make sure the lid fits your bucket, order it from the same supplier and verify the dimensions of the lid will fit your 5 gallon bucket properly. Another consideration with lids for 5 gallon buckets is the type of lid you select. There are several different types of lids that fit a 5 gallon bucket. Features include:

  • Non-gasketed vs gasketed

Non-gasketed lids do not have a rubber seal and are not considered airtight. These lids are easy to apply and are an excellent choice for storing goods that don’t need an airtight seal. Gasketed lids have a rubber seal that keeps food fresh longer.

  • Tear strip

Lids with a tear strip are a great way to show if your bucket has been opened or not. The tear strip is easy to open and helps prevent tampering with bucket contents, since you can easily determine if the bucket has been accessed.

  • Pour spout

When storing liquids, having a lid with a pour spout is a great idea. These types of lids are typically airtight and have a reclosable pour spout so you can easily access the liquid inside without removing the entire lid each time.

  • Resealable lids

Gamma seal lids allow you to open and close your bucket, with an airtight seal when fully closed. This gives you the ability to add or remove goods without having to apply an entirely new lid every time.

An interesting note about 5 gallon bucket lids is that these lids typically fit 3.5 or 6 gallon buckets too as these sizes usually share the same diameter. Of course, they are interchangeable only on different bucket sizes from the same manufacturer.

Does a 5 Gallon Bucket Hold Exactly 5 Gallons?

No, most 5 gallon buckets usually hold a little bit more than 5 gallons if you were to fill it all the way up to the rim with liquid. This is to allow for headspace (a gap of air between the contents of the bucket and the lid) and account for the fact if you tried to carry a bucket filled to the rim with liquid, you would end up at your destination with less than 5 gallons due to spillage. So if you’re wondering “how much does a 5 gallon bucket hold?” the answer is: a bit more than 5 gallons!

Curious how to measure gallons in a bucket? Want to know exactly where 5 gallons is on your bucket? One way is to look for the 5 gallon mark on the bucket. Some bucket manufacturers put measurement ticks in their buckets to help people know where each gallon is. If your bucket does not have these marks, you can add them yourself. Get a gallon jug, fill it with water, and dump it into the empty bucket. Once the liquid has settled, make a mark on the outside of your bucket at that level with a permanent marker. Continue adding water a gallon at a time, making a mark after each gallon is added. You’ll notice that most 5 gallon buckets will get to that 5 gallon measurement right at the handle.

Most 5 gallon applications don’t need specific measurements, or the contents will be measured as they are poured into the bucket. If you need specific measurements, be sure to find a bucket with measurement markings or add your own in the manner we’ve described.

How Much Does a 5 Gallon Bucket Weigh?

Depending on the manufacturer, a 5 gallon bucket weight empty is 1-2 pounds. When full, the weight will depend on the substance inside the bucket. For example, if you’re wondering “how many pounds is a 5 gallon bucket of water?” the answer is about 42 pounds. Most 5 gallon buckets can support up to 125 pounds when carried by the handle, but this will vary. In fact, some people even do 5 gallon bucket weight lifting, where they put heavy substances in their buckets and use the buckets in their weight training routines. The weight limit on most buckets is a product of the strength of the handle and the thickness of the plastic used to make the bucket. If you turn the bucket upside down to use it as a stool, it can generally support more than the 125-pound limit.

Where Can You Find 5 Gallon Bucket Bulk?

At ePackageSupply.com, of course! Instead of searching “5 gallon bucket near me,” you can easily purchase bulk food grade buckets through our website. We provide ½ pallets or full pallets, and can work with you to coordinate shipping and receiving for large orders. If you need a smaller quantity of buckets, you can purchase any quantity, no minimum required.

Our 5 gallon buckets and lids are made of FDA-approved, BPA-free food grade plastics. In addition to 5 gallon buckets, we have a variety of bucket sizes available with corresponding lids. We also have other types of containers, jars, cups, and lids for any and all food prep, serving, or storage needs. To make your products stand out, we offer custom labeling.


ePacakgeSupply.com is a United States veteran-owned-and-operated company based in Evansville, Indiana. Our many hours of hard work and determination, as well as a little luck, have helped us to become one of the internet’s most trusted and successful providers of quality food service products and exceptional customer service. We are here to help, so browse our offerings today or contact us with any questions!

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