Quick Answer:
Common trash bag sizes range from about 4 to 55 US gallons (15–208 litres), while common bin bag sizes in litre-based markets include 10L, 20L, 30L, 50L, 60L, 120L and 240L. A 13-gallon (about 49L) trash bag is one of the most common sizes for standard US kitchen bins . The correct bag size depends on the bin’s capacity, opening dimensions, height, and required overhang—not just the stated gallon or litre rating.
| Bag Size | Approx. Capacity | Typical Dimensions | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–4 gal | 8–15L | 17″ × 18–20″ | Bathroom / desk bins |
| 5–7 gal | 19–26L | 20″ × 22–24″ | Small bins, office waste |
| 8 gal | 30L | 22″ × 24″ | Small kitchen / office |
| 10 gal | 38L | 24″ × 24–27″ | Medium bins |
| 13 gal | 49–50L | 24–27″ × 28–33″ | Standard kitchen bins |
| 20 gal | 76L | 28–30″ × 32–36″ | Large household / commercial |
| 30 gal | 114L | 30–33″ × 36–40″ | Outdoor / garage |
| 33 gal | 125L | 33″ × 39–40″ | Commercial bins |
| 45 gal | 170L | 38–40″ × 46–48″ | Large commercial / heavy-duty |
| 55 gal | 208L | 38–42″ × 55–60″ | Contractor / industrial |
| 120L | 32 gal | Approx. 70–80 × 100–110 cm | Large wheelie bins |
| 240L | 63 gal | Approx. 90–100 × 120–140 cm | Wheelie bins |
Note: Dimensions shown in this guide are approximate flat bag dimensions. Actual fit varies by bag construction, seal style, gusset, material, and manufacturer. Use the dimensions as a general reference and check the actual bag specifications before ordering .
What Are Bin Litres?
Bin litres refer to the internal capacity of a waste bin, measured in litres. For example, a 30L bin can hold approximately 30 litres of waste by volume. Common household and commercial bin capacities include 10L, 20L, 30L, 50L, 60L, 120L and 240L.
| Bin Litres | Common Bag Size | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 10L | 10–15L | Bathroom |
| 20L | 20–25L | Bedroom / office |
| 30L | 30–40L | Kitchen |
| 50L | 50–60L | Large kitchen |
| 60L | 60–70L | Commercial |
| 120L | 120–150L | Wheelie bin |
| 240L | 240–260L | Large wheelie bin |
What does a 50L bin mean? A 50L bin has an approximate internal capacity of 50 litres. However, a 50L bin bag is not necessarily the same physical size as every other 50L bag—bag width, height, gusset and bin shape also affect fit .
Bin Bag Sizes by Litres: What Size Bin Bag Do I Need?
In the UK, Europe, and Australia, bin bags are typically sold by litre capacity rather than gallons . Here’s a quick reference:
| Bin Capacity | Recommended Bag Capacity | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10L | 5–15L | Bathroom / desk |
| 10–20L | 10–25L | Bedroom / office |
| 20–30L | 25–35L | Small kitchen |
| 30–40L | 35–50L | Kitchen / utility |
| 40–60L | 50–70L | Large kitchen |
| 60–90L | 70–100L | Commercial / office |
| 120L | 120–150L | Wheelie bin |
| 240L | 240–260L | Large wheelie bin |
Garbage Bag Sizes: Small, Medium, Large & Heavy-Duty
Trash bags, garbage bags, and bin bags are essentially the same product—the naming difference is regional . Here’s a quick size guide:
| Size Category | Capacity Range | Best For | Typical Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 2.6–4 gal (10–15L) | Bathroom, desk, travel | 17″ × 18″ |
| Medium | 5–8 gal (19–30L) | Office, laundry, small kitchen | 20–22″ × 22–24″ |
| Large (Kitchen) | 10–16 gal (38–60L) | Standard kitchen bins | 24–27″ × 28–33″ |
| Extra Large | 20–33 gal (76–125L) | Outdoor, garage, commercial | 30–33″ × 36–40″ |
| Heavy-Duty | 33–55+ gal (125–208+L) | Contractor, industrial | 38–42″ × 46–58″ |
Most common kitchen trash bag size: 13 gallons (about 49 litres) is one of the most common kitchen trash bag sizes in the US .
Bin Bag Dimensions: How to Measure
Trash bag dimensions are normally listed as flat width × length, not the bag’s expanded circumference or volume. To find the right bin bag size, you need to measure your bin and calculate the bag width and length .
For a Round Bin
Bag width ≈ circumference ÷ 2, or diameter × 1.57
Bag length ≈ bin height + enough extra length to cover the rim and allow for tying or securing the bag.
Example: A round bin is 12″ in diameter and 24″ tall.
- Bag width = (12 × 3.14) ÷ 2 = 18.8″
- Bag length = 24 + 6–8″ overhang = 30–32″
A bag around 19″ × 32″ may be suitable .
For a Rectangular Bin
For a flat-style bag, a useful starting point is:
Bag width ≈ bin length + bin width
Bag length ≈ bin height + enough extra length to cover the rim and allow for tying or securing the bag.
Example: A rectangular bin is 12″ wide × 18″ deep × 24″ high.
- Bag width = 12 + 18 = 30″
- Bag length = 24 + 6–8″ overhang = 30–32″
A bag around 30″ × 32″ may be suitable .
Why Overhang Matters
The extra length (overhang) allows the bag to fold over the bin rim, preventing it from slipping into the bin as it fills . For heavier loads, consider adding a larger overhang to ensure the bag stays in place .
A Note on Formulas
The formulas above are useful starting points, not universal rules. Actual bag fit depends on bag style (flat, gusseted, star-sealed), film thickness, and bin shape. Always check the actual bag dimensions and test a sample if possible .
Gallons to Litres Conversion Chart
| Gallons | Litres | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 3 gal | 11.4L | Bathroom |
| 4 gal | 15.1L | Small bins |
| 5 gal | 18.9L | Office |
| 8 gal | 30.3L | Small kitchen |
| 10 gal | 37.9L | Medium bins |
| 13 gal | 49.2L | Standard kitchen |
| 20 gal | 75.7L | Large kitchen |
| 30 gal | 113.6L | Outdoor |
| 33 gal | 124.9L | Commercial |
| 45 gal | 170.3L | Heavy-duty |
| 55 gal | 208.2L | Contractor |
| 63 gal | 238.5L | Wheelie bin |
Important: 1 US gallon = 3.785 litres . This is the standard conversion used in the US. The UK gallon is different (1 UK gallon = 4.546 litres), so be aware of which system you’re using when buying bin bags in different markets .
Why Bin Litres Alone Do Not Determine Bag Size
A 50L bag isn’t necessarily the right bag for every 50L bin . Here’s why:
- Bin width and depth affect the bag’s ability to fit over the opening
- Bin height affects the bag length needed
- Opening shape—round vs rectangular—affects required width
- Bag construction (gusset, drawstring, flat) affects fit
- Required overhang for tying and securing the bag
For the best fit, compare the bag’s actual width × height with the bin’s opening and height rather than relying on litres alone .
120L vs 240L Bin Bags: Wheelie Bin Guide
| Wheelie Bin Size | Recommended Bag Size | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 120L | 120–150L bag | Standard wheelie bin; measure internal height and opening width |
| 240L | 240–260L bag | Large wheelie bin; check actual internal dimensions |
Important: Wheelie bin liners are sized to fit the bin’s internal dimensions, not the bin’s stated capacity. Always measure your wheelie bin’s height, width, and depth before ordering .
A 13 US-gallon capacity is approximately 49.2 litres, so it is often compared with a 50L bag. However, nominal capacity does not guarantee identical physical dimensions.
Which Trash Bag Size Do I Need?
| If Your Bin Is… | Start With… |
|---|---|
| Bathroom / small | 3–5 gal / 10–20L |
| Office / bedroom | 5–8 gal / 20–30L |
| Kitchen | 8–13 gal / 30–50L |
| Large kitchen | 13–20 gal / 50–75L |
| Garage | 20–33 gal / 75–125L |
| Outdoor | 30–45 gal / 115–170L |
| Commercial | 33–55+ gal / 125–210+L |
| Wheelie bin | 120L / 240L+ |
If you’re still unsure, measure your bin and use the formulas in Section 4 to calculate the exact bag size you need.
Trash Bag Sizes for Commercial & Wholesale Buyers
For commercial buyers, additional factors beyond size matter:
- Bag thickness — measured in mils (US) or microns (Europe)
- Material — conventional plastic vs recycled vs compostable
- Bag style — drawstring, flat, star-sealed, gusseted
- Roll vs case quantity — bulk packaging options
- Certifications — for compostable bags, look for EN 13432, ASTM D6400, or BPI certification
For wholesale orders, custom dimensions may be available. Contact your supplier with your bin measurements and required bag specifications.
FAQ
What are the most common bin bag sizes in litres?
Common household and commercial bin bag sizes in litre-based markets include approximately 10L, 20L, 30L, 50L, 60L, 120L and 240L .
What does bin litres mean?
Bin litres is the capacity of a bin in litres—the internal volume it can hold. A 50-litre bin has 50L of internal volume, but the bag size you need also depends on bin shape and dimensions .
How do I measure bin bag dimensions?
For a starting point: round bin bag width = diameter × 1.57; rectangular bin bag width = length + width. In both cases, bag length = bin height + overhang .
What size bag fits a 30L bin?
A 30L bin typically needs a 30–40L bag, depending on bin shape and required overhang .
What size bag fits a 50L bin?
A 50L bin typically needs a 50–60L bag, but measure the bin’s width and height to confirm the exact size .
What size bag fits a 120L bin?
A 120L wheelie bin typically needs a 120–150L bag. Measure the bin’s internal dimensions for an exact fit .
Is a 13 gallon bag the same as a 50 litre bag?
A 13 US-gallon capacity is approximately 49.2 litres, so it is often compared with a 50L bag. However, nominal capacity does not guarantee identical physical dimensions .
How do I calculate the right bin bag size?
Measure your bin’s opening width and height, then use the formulas in this guide as a starting point: bag width = (circumference) ÷ 2 for round bins, or length + width for rectangular bins; bag length = bin height + overhang .
Final Takeaway
Choosing the right trash bag size isn’t just about matching gallons to gallons or litres to litres. Capacity is a starting point, but bin shape, width, height, and required overhang all determine whether a bag fits properly .
If you’re choosing a bag based on the dimensions of a household trash can rather than its litre capacity, see our guide to What Size Trash Bag Do I Need? for detailed measuring formulas and a trash bag size calculator.
For UK and European bins, where capacity is usually measured in litres, this guide provides the litre-based sizing you need to find the right fit.
