Paint Can Sizes | All Standard & Non Standard Sizes

Whether you are working on a new building or touching up on existing ones, it is important to know how much paint is needed for the project. With paint can sizes ranging from a pint and a quart to a gallon and a liter, the different names can be confusing to know which one is the right size for you. There are simple steps that can be taken to get the right amount of paint for your project.

Before we talk about the different paint bucket sizes, it is important to understand the materials that are available that are used to hold paint in paint cans. Different materials hold different types of paint. These materials include:

Some paint cans are made of regrind polypropylene (PP) material. They are a great choice for storing water-based and latex coatings as well as adhesives, mastics, and other viscous products. It is a popular choice due to its 100% recyclable build and dent-resistant plastic body.

Our metal paint cans are made of tin. They are a popular choice for coatings or oil-based products. Metal paint cans are also 100% recyclable, with a material made of 25% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. They are double-seamed on the top and bottom to avoid leakage.

Hybrid paint cans are made of two different materials: polypropylene and tin. This style of can has a plastic body with an epoxy-lined metal ring and a metal lid. They are commonly used to store paints, colorants, and most water-based products. Hybrid cans can be used as a great alternative to metal paint cans.

Inside some paint cans, primarily metal and hybrid, are linings that are designed to keep rust from forming inside the can. Rust in paint can change its color to a darker shade and potentially lead to contamination. Different linings are used depending on the type of paint; some are made for oil-based paints, others for water-based paints.

Some popular examples are:

Known for having a gray color, an epoxy phenolic lining is commonly used with water-based paints and latex products. They are a popular choice with metal and hybrid paint cans.

Epoxy phenolic linings are also known for their excellent chemical resistance.

Paint cans that have a gold phenolic lining are used for solvent coatings and oil-based products. It is also the only lining to be FDA compliant for food products.

This style of lining is also used mostly with metal paint cans.

Some paint cans are available without a liner. Instead, these cans are sprayed or rinsed with a rust inhibitor that helps slow rusting prior to product filling.

Unlined paint cans are a great choice for oil-based or solvent coatings.

Pint: 

• 1 Pint - contains 16 fluid ounces of paint

• 1/2 Pint - contains 4 fluid ounces of paint

Quart: 

• 1 Quart - contains 32 fluid ounces of paint

Half Gallon: 

• 1/2 Gallon - contains 64 fluid ounces of paint

Gallon: 

• 5 Gallon - contains 640 fluid ounces of paint 

• 1 Gallon - contains 128 fluid ounces of paint

Some of the most popular paint can sizes are:

Paint containers come in a variety of non-standard sizes to meet the needs of specialized applications, from small DIY projects to large-scale industrial use.

Paint can dimensions may vary, but most 5-quart paint cans are around 6.5” Dia. x 9.5” H. These smaller paint cans are often used for household or DIY projects.

This container holds approximately 54 gallons of paint and is primarily used in industrial or commercial settings where large quantities are required for extensive applications.

These cans typically hold between 12 to 16 ounces of spray paint and are ideal for providing quick, even coverage on a variety of surfaces.

Additional paint container sizes, such as 1/2 pint sample cans or 20-liter cans, cater to both small touch-ups and medium-scale projects. Gallon paint can dimensions and paint can height vary based on material and style.

• 1/4 pint (pt): Ideal for small sample projects or testing colors. Contains approximately 4 fluid ounces of paint.

• 1/2 pint (pt): Your common store-bought size for small home repairs. Contains approximately 8 fluid ounces of paint.

• 1 pint (pt): Approximately half of a quart can, great for touch-ups. Contains approximately 16 fluid ounces of paint.

• 1 quart (qt): A popular size for DIY projects and household painting. Contains approximately 32 fluid ounces of paint.

• 5 quarts (qt): A common size for larger home improvement jobs. Contains approximately 160 fluid ounces of paint.

• 1/2 gallon (gal): Suitable for substantial projects or larger rooms. Contains approximately 64 fluid ounces of paint.

• 1 liter: Often considered a standard size for paint products. Contains approximately 33.8 fluid ounces of paint.

• 1 lb: A common size for small touch-up projects or craft applications. Contains approximately 16 fluid ounces of paint (assuming 1 lb of paint ≈ 16 fl oz, depending on density).

• 128 lb: Typically used for large industrial jobs requiring bulk paint. Contains approximately 2,048 fluid ounces of paint.

Handles are essential for safely carrying and supporting paint cans, especially when dealing with varying weights. Durable materials like plastic or metal help prevent rusting and ensure long-term usability, making transport easier and more reliable across different environments. Understanding the differences between plastic and metal handles can help you choose the right option for your needs.

Plastic handles are often found on lighter paint cans. These handles tend to be lightweight, which makes carrying the can easier and reduces overall weight, especially when transporting multiple cans. Plastic handles are also less prone to rust or corrosion, making them a practical choice for short-term use or indoor projects. They may not be as durable under heavy loads or rough handling compared to metal handles.

Metal handles are common on larger or heavier paint cans, such as one-gallon metal containers. These handles are built to withstand more weight and rougher treatment, providing a sturdy grip for carrying heavy paint cans over longer distances. Metal handles are durable and reliable, but can sometimes rust if exposed to moisture over time. They often feature a bail design that swings freely, making it easier to pour paint without removing the handle entirely.

If you’re choosing between the two, consider the weight of your paint can and how you’ll be using it. Plastic handles offer convenience and lightness, while metal handles provide strength and durability for bigger jobs.

Before purchasing any paint, it is important to know how much space you are working with to help determine the amount of paint you need for your project.

If you are working on a wall, the first step would be to measure the length and width of the wall you are working on. If the project requires working with multiple walls or an entire room (with ceiling and floors included), the same process can be used. However, it is important to add the area of all the space you are working with at the end.

For example, if you have a 10 x 10 foot wall, the surface area would be 100 square feet. If you have four walls, a ceiling, and a floor to work with in the same area, it would be 600 feet.

It is also important to note that if there are doors and windows that are attached to or near the wall that you do not want painted, their area should be subtracted from the other places that are being painted.

Now that you have determined your area, the amount of paint you need is simple to calculate.

Using the gallon as the benchmark, determining how much paint you need is an easy process. The following graphic is a project example with four walls (two long and two short) and an eight-foot ceiling.

It's important to consider a few key factors that can influence your decision. Understanding the scope of your project, the materials involved, and any specific requirements will help ensure you choose the right solution for your needs.

Choose a paint can size that matches the scale of your project, from small touch-ups to full-room renovations.

Consider the type of paint material, as some require larger quantities or special containers.

Estimate how much surface area the paint will cover per can to avoid buying too much or too little.

Some cans have special linings to preserve paint quality and prevent rust or contamination.

Specialty paint cans, like aerosol or sample sizes, are designed for specific applications or ease of use.

Different paints and surfaces affect how much paint you need and the best container size to choose.

Factor in the number of coats required, as multiple layers will increase the total paint needed.

The Cary Company offers a wide variety of paint can sizes for your painting needs, from ¼ pint to 5 quarts. Whether you are working with an oil-based paint or a water-based coating, we are here to assist you in answering every question to find the right can.

If you have any questions, give us a call at 630.629.6600 or email us at sales@thecarycompany.com! 

We also have resources available on how to open a paint can, how to close a paint can, how to dispose of paint cans after using them, and more.