There are many uses for a 5 gallon bucket. These handy containers are sturdy and versatile—perfect for storing dry goods or even creating DIY lawn decor. But some uses require knowing exactly how big a 5 gallon bucket is. In this guide, we’re answering all your questions about 5 gallon bucket dimensions so you can choose the right fit for your needs.
What Are the Dimensions of a 5 Gallon Bucket?
5 gallon bucket dimensions vary by manufacturer. Most buckets are between 12–15 inches tall and have a 10–12 inch diameter. The size depends on the mold and specific design chosen by the bucket manufacturer.
What Are the Dimensions of a Square 5 Gallon Bucket?
Like round buckets, square buckets don’t have a standard size. They typically range from 12–16 inches tall, 9–11 inches wide, and 9–12 inches long. Unless stated otherwise, all subsequent dimensions in this guide refer to round 5 gallon buckets.
How Many Square Inches in a 5 Gallon Bucket?
Square inches measure surface area, not volume—so a better unit is cubic inches. A typical 5 gallon bucket holds between 1,155–1,387 cubic inches, depending on the specific dimensions.
How Tall Is a 5 Gallon Bucket With a Lid?
A lid will usually add 1–2 inches to the bucket’s height. Flat lids sit higher, while gamma seal lids (which twist on and off) tend to be more compact. For best results, match your lid and bucket from the same supplier.
How Many 5 Gallon Buckets Fit In a Truck Bed?
It depends on the truck and the bucket size. For a compact pickup (4 ft x 6 ft bed) with 12-inch-diameter buckets, you can fit roughly 24 buckets. A full-size truck (5 ft x 8 ft bed) can fit around 40 buckets.
For rough estimates, multiply the length and width of your truck bed and assume each bucket requires about 1 square foot of space.
How Many 5 Gallon Buckets on a Pallet?
At ePackageSupply.com, our standard pallet includes 120 buckets. You can also order ½ pallets (60 buckets). Shipping-friendly and stackable, this format is perfect for bulk orders.
How Do 5 Gallon Buckets Compare to Other Bucket Sizes?
Bucket sizes vary, but here are general ranges to give you an idea:
- 1 gallon bucket: 7–8" diameter × 7–9" height
- 1.5 gallon bucket: 8–9" diameter × 7–9" height
- 2 gallon bucket: 9–10" diameter × 9–10" height
- 3.5 gallon bucket: 10–12" diameter × 10–11" height
- 6 gallon bucket: 11–13" diameter × 16–18" height
- 7 gallon bucket: 12–13" diameter × 19–20" height
Most plastic buckets are tapered, with a wider top and narrower base to allow for stacking. If you stack buckets for storage, consider using spacers to prevent them from getting stuck together.
What Size Lid Fits a 5 Gallon Bucket?
Most 5 gallon bucket lids range from 10–12 inches in diameter and 1–2 inches in height. Always check with the supplier to ensure lid compatibility. To simplify the process, match your bucket and bucket lid from the same product line.
There are several lid types to choose from:
- Gasketed vs. Non-Gasketed: Gasketed lids have rubber seals for airtight storage; non-gasketed are easier to open but not airtight.
- Tear Strip: A tamper-evident seal that shows if the bucket has been opened.
- Pour Spout: Convenient for liquids; no need to remove the whole lid each time.
- Resealable (Gamma Seal): Airtight, resealable lids that twist on and off. Shop our Gamma Seal Lids.
Fun fact: many lids that fit 5 gallon buckets also fit 3.5 and 6 gallon buckets from the same manufacturer since they typically share the same diameter.
Does a 5 Gallon Bucket Hold Exactly 5 Gallons?
Not quite. Most buckets are designed to hold a little more than 5 gallons—allowing for headspace to prevent spillage. If you filled it to the rim, you’d likely exceed 5 gallons.
Some buckets include internal markings to help you measure volume. If yours doesn’t, you can create your own by adding 1 gallon of water at a time and marking the level with a permanent marker.
In most cases, exact measurements aren’t needed. But if they are, look for buckets with gallon markings or add them manually.
How Much Does a 5 Gallon Bucket Weigh?
An empty 5 gallon bucket usually weighs 1–2 pounds. When full, weight depends on the contents. For example, a bucket of water weighs about 42 pounds.
Most buckets support up to 125 pounds when carried by the handle. If you’re using it as a seat or stool, they can typically support even more.
Some people even use 5 gallon buckets in DIY weight training routines. Just be mindful of the handle strength and plastic thickness if you’re pushing those limits.
Where Can You Find 5 Gallon Buckets in Bulk?
Right here at ePackageSupply.com. Instead of searching “5 gallon bucket near me,” you can shop our full catalog of BPA-free, food-grade 5 gallon buckets online.
We offer both ½ pallets and full pallets, and can coordinate freight shipping for large orders. No minimum required—you can also order as few or as many buckets as you need.
In addition to 5 gallon buckets, we offer a wide range of jars, cups, containers, and labeling services to help your product stand out. ePackageSupply is a veteran-owned business based in Evansville, Indiana—and we’re proud to be one of the internet’s most trusted packaging providers.
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