Commercial Trash Can Liner Size Chart

Jan 16, 2026

Selecting a liner requires more than knowing the container size in gallons. The shape of the can together with its rim measurements and its height determine which liner will fit properly. The trash can liner size charts eliminate users from having to guess their bag sizes while preventing them from experiencing bag sliding issues and bag tearing and all bag waste prevention problems. You should consider trash can liners when you need to find office managers or restaurant managers or facility managers. This chart helps you select the right liner by showing which one fits properly while staying secured during your waste disposal needs.

The guide teaches readers to measure correctly while teaching them about liner chart interpretation and it shows how to convert measurements between inches and gallons.

Commercial Trash Can Liner Size Chart

Can type

Measure

Record

Notes

Round cans

Rim diameter + can height

Diameter (in), Height (in)

Note inner ring or rim channel

Rectangular cans

Rim length + rim width + can height

L (in), W (in), H (in)

Measure at the rim, not the base

Retention features

Ring, cinch, rim channel

Feature type

Impacts cuff and slip resistance

Commercial Trash Can Liner Size Chart

How to Use the Chart

The Trash can liner size charts will be efficient to use with initiating the actual measurements. While gallon sizes simplify your search, inch measurements ensure a perfect fit. 

What to Measure

Measure at the rim (top), not the base. Record the rim size and can height, and note any taper or retention hardware. 

  • For round cans: rim diameter + can height

  • For rectangular cans: rim length + rim width + can height

The measurements include small trash can liners to significant large capacity commercial liners.

Measure in 2 Minutes

Round Cans

  • Take a reading on the diameter of the top.

  • Measure the can height. If the can tapers, also measure the bottom diameter to confirm the liner won’t bind.

  • Only measure the bottom diameter when the can narrows noticeably.

Rectangular Cans

  • Take measurements of length and width at the top.

  • Measure the height

  • If the can tapers inward, note it for fit and changeout clearance.

Retention Features

Check for:

  • Bag rings

  • Inner frames

  • Lids that clamp the liner

These features affect how much cuff you need and how well the liner stays in place.

Output: inches plus gallon category

The chart recommends a liner size in inches (width x length) for fit. Use gallon categories to browse products, then confirm the exact inch dimensions on the product page. If one gallon category includes multiple inch sizes, choose the one that matches your measured rim and height.

Liner Size Chart

The liner sizing set-up may be witnessed in the shape of a commercial trash can liner size chart the following. 

Round Cans

Round cans should have a width of liner varying on circumference:

  • Liner Width = (Diameter x 1.57) + 2 inches

  • Liner Length = Can height + bottom allowance + cuff allowance

Small measurement errors can still cause slipping, especially on smooth plastic cans.

Rectangular Cans

Large liners should require wide liners than expected in rectangular cans:

  • Recommended liner flat width ≈ (Rim length + Rim width) + allowance.

  • Recommended liner length = Can height + bottom allowance + cuff allowance (often 4–8 inches total allowance, depending on retention and lid clearance).

Undersizing the flat width is the most common cause of tearing at the rim and slipping.

Slim Cans

Slim cans are tall and narrow:

  • Slim cans often need extra length for a secure cuff. Use your measured height and retention style to confirm the inch length, then select the closest gallon category.

  • It is usually in the gallon range..

Lidded Cans (Dome, Swing, Step)

Lidded cans often require extra cuff length for lid clearance:

  • Add cuff allowance so the lid closes without pinching the liner or pulling the bag down.

  • The poor gallon ratings may be enough to make the step cans have extended liners.

Outdoor Cans

Outdoor containers require:

  • Thicker liners

  • Outdoor cans often carry heavier, bulkier loads. Confirm sufficient width for the rim and choose the appropriate thickness and seal type to reduce punctures and leaks.

Fit Validation

Fit validation is recommended before standardizing a liner across a site, particularly in a business environment.

Cuff and Lid Clearance

A proper cuff:

  • Prevents liner slippage

  • Keeps edges hidden

  • Improves hygiene

Heavy and Wet Waste Sizing

For wet or heavy waste:

  • For wet or heavy waste, keep adequate length for a secure cuff and bottom allowance, and choose a heavier-duty thickness/resin to prevent failures.

  • Cases must not be too snug to the bursting point.

Retention Hardware Effects

Inner frame and bag cinchers.

  • Retention hardware changes how the cuff holds and how easily the bag slips. You may need more cuff length for a secure wrap, even if the can has an inner ring.

Star Seal vs Flat Seal Impact

  • Star seal liners offer superior leak resistance and weight distribution.

  • Seal type affects leak resistance and how weight is distributed. If failures occur at the seam, upgrade seal type and/or thickness, and avoid undersizing that increases stress at the rim.

You can have a new size trash can liner chart that stipulates different suggestions in accordance to what the seal is.

Shop by Gallon on Our Site

Pick a Gallon Category, and then confirm Inches.

Browse by gallon to narrow options, then match your measured rim and height to the inch dimensions. Users must select their desired gallon quantity before performing their next step which involves measuring the rim and height to get exact inch measurements. A lot of buyers begin with gallons, and then the dimensions are checked with the help of the chart.

The market offers various trash can liners which come in gallon measurements so you can check their exact size to determine their compatibility with your needs.

When One Gallon has Multiple Inch Dimensions

This is usual with commercial liners:

  • Same gallon is not same dimensions

  • Various shapes of cans are fit with varying width and length.

  • Choose the inch size that meets your rim measurement first (width), then confirm the length provides enough cuff and lid clearance.

Conclusion

An effective waste management should be based on a trash can liner size chart. Using measurements, knowledge, and fit can preconceive, and establish fitness of the lids and retention characteristics, to choose trash can liners that stay in place, resist tearing, and perform reliably, and work reliably. In either purchasing small trash can liners to be used in offices or mini trash can liners to be used in the restroom, it is always simple to use inches with the combination of gallons to be more precise. A system that selects liners in the right way and in a systematic manner makes the process easy, repeatable, and affordable.

Once you confirm fit, standardize the inch size and align it to a gallon category for repeatable reorders.

FAQs

Why does the same-gallon Liner fit differently in different Cans?

Gallon ratings are approximate. Factors like can shape and taper significantly affect the fit.

Shall I size by Gallons or by Inches for a Guaranteed Fit?

Use gallons to browse. Confirm fit by inches (width x length) before ordering.

How much extra length is required for Cuff and Lid Clearance?

Typically 4–8 inches of total allowance (cuff + bottom), depending on lid clearance and retention hardware.

What is the Right Time to Size Wet Wastes or Heavy Loads?

To handle thick, damp, or sharp-edged waste, use heavy-duty liners with extra length and thickness. 

When one Gallon Category Despite Having a Split Inch Size, How Do I Select the Right Inch Sizes?

Get a liner that has a width and length that fits the size of your can.

 

Related reading: Trash Bag Thickness Chart


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