- Features: Check your trash bin dimensions (width, depth, height), volume (gallons), and bag thickness for strength and flexibility to best fit your needs
- Standard trash bag sizes: Kitchen (13-gallon), bathroom (4-gallon), Office/Bedroom (8-gallon), Garage/Outdoor (30-39 gallon)
- Popular pick: Many households choose Hefty® Ultra Strong™ Kitchen Trash Bags, 13-gallon for everyday use
Standard Trash Bag Sizes: How to Find the Best Bag for Your Bin
No matter your can size, it’s important to choose the right bag size to keep your home tidy. Using the right garbage bag helps prevent tears, leaks, and odors.
Key takeaways:
Trash bag sizes chart
Choosing the right trash bag size helps keep your bag securely in place and makes cleanup easier. A bag that's too small can slip or tear, while one that's too large can bunch up—so using the right fit helps prevent messes and makes the most of every bag.
How to use this trash bag size chart:
Find or measure your trash can (bin width and bin height)
Identify which room or trash can type most closely matches your bin. If your trash can has a removable bin, be sure to measure the bin inside instead. Accurately measuring your bin’s width is important for a snug, non-slip bag fit! See how to measure your trash bag
Find your closest measurement on the chart
Find the trash can dimensions that your measurements fall within or closest to. Actual trash bin measurements may vary by design and trash bin manufacturer.
Match your dimensions to the recommended trash bag size
Now that you know your bin’s height and width, locate the recommended trash bag size on the right that best matches your measured dimensions or trash can type.
| Trash Can Types | Typical Trash Can Dimensions | Recommended Trash Bag Size |
| Small Bathroom Bin | Height: 10 to 15 in. (25–38 cm) Width: 7 to 10 in. (18–25 cm) Capacity: 2 to 5 gallon | Hefty® Small Trash Bags, 4 gal 4-gallon bags (15 L) 17 in. x 18 in. |
| Large Bathroom Bin | Height: 15 to 20 in. (38–51 cm) Width: 10 to 12 in. (25–30 cm) Capacity: 6 to 8 gallons | Hefty® Medium Trash Bags, 8 gal 8-gallon bags (30 L) 22 in. x 22 in. (55.8 cm x 55.8 cm) |
| Bedroom Bin, Home Office Bin, Laundry Trash Can | Height: 15 to 20 in. (38–51 cm) Width: 10 to 12 in. (25–30 cm) Capacity: 6 to 8 gallons | Hefty® Medium Trash Bags, 8 gal 8-gallon bags (30 L) 22 in. x 22 in. (55.8 cm x 55.8 cm) |
Standard Tall Kitchen Trash Can | Height: 24 to 28 in. (61–71 cm) Width: 12 to 16 in. (30–41 cm) Capacity: 10 to 16 gallons | Hefty® Strong™ Kitchen Trash Bags, 13 gal 13-gallon bags (49 L) 23 3/4 in. x 27 in. (60.3 cm x 68.5 cm) OR Hefty® Ultra Strong™ Kitchen Trash Bags, 13 gal 23 3/4 in. x 24 7/8 in. (60.3 cm x 63.1 cm) |
| 30-Gallon Garage Trash Can | Height: 30 to 36 in. (76–91 cm) Width: 18 to 22 in. (46–56 cm) Capacity: 20 to 30 gallon | Hefty® Strong™ Large Trash Bags, 30 gal 30-gallon bags (113.5 L) 2 ft 6 in. x 2 ft 9 in. (76.2 cm x 83.8 cm) OR Hefty® Ultra Strong™ Large Trash Bags, 30 gal 2 ft 5 3/4 in. x 2 ft 8 in. (75.5 cm x 81.2 cm) |
| 33-Gallon Garage Trash Can | Height: 32 to 38 in. (81–97 cm) Width: 18 to 22 in. (46–56 cm) Capacity: 20 to 33 gallons | Hefty® Strong™ Large Trash Bags, 33 gal 33-gallon bags (125 L) 2 ft 9 in. x 3 ft 1/4 in. (83.8 cm x 92 cm) OR Hefty® Ultra Strong™ Large Trash Bags, 33 gal 2 ft 8 3/4 in. x 2 ft 11 in. (83.1 cm x 88.9 cm) |
| Yard Waste | Height: 36 to 42 in. (91–107 cm) Width: 22 to 28 in. (56–71 cm) Capacity: 32 to 39 gallons | Hefty® Strong™ Lawn & Leaf Trash Bags, 39 gal 39-gallon bags (147.6 L) 2 ft 9 in. x 3 ft 5 in. (83.8 cm x 104.1 cm) |
| Wheeled Trash Can | Height: 36 to 42 in. (91–107 cm) Width: 22 to 28 in. (56–71 cm) Capacity: 35 to 39 gallons | Hefty® Strong™ Lawn & Leaf Trash Bags, 39 gal 39-gallon bags (147.6 L) 2 ft 9 in. x 3 ft 5 in. (83.8 cm x 104.1 cm) |
How to measure for trash bags
Steps:
- Measure the bin's height from the bottom of the bin to the top of the rim.
- Measure the bin’s width at the opening and at the widest part of the bin, from side to side.
- Measure the bin’s depth from front to back at the bin's deepest point.
- Locate your recommended trash bag using the table above, or manually calculate your bin capacity by converting cubic dimensions (inches) to US gallons with the formula: Bin capacity (gallons) = ((Height x Width x Depth) / 231)
The standard size for kitchen trash cans is 13 gal. Hefty® 13-gallon trash bags should fit, but always check the measurements to determine whether they are a good fit for your specific trash can.
Explore Hefty® Touch and Swing Lid Trash Cans
Understanding trash bag details
Not all trash bags with the same gallon capacity are exactly the same size. Dimensions can vary slightly depending on the bag's design and strength, so a strong or ultra-strong bag may have slightly different measurements while still fitting the same size trash can. For example, ultra-strong bags are designed to flex for higher capacity, despite having slightly smaller dimensions than the strong bags. For the best fit, measure your trash can carefully and, if your measurements fall between sizes, choose the next size up to help prevent stretching, slipping, or tears.
Dimensions vs. Capacity
- Dimensions refer to a trash bag's width and height, which determine how it fits your trash can.
- Capacity refers to the total volume the bag can hold, measured in gallons or liters.
Width/diameter
Measuring the width of your trash bag is important to ensure it fits snugly around the rim and prevents slippage when it is filled.
Height (length)
Measuring your trash bag’s length helps you use your bin’s maximum capacity while preventing overstuffing that can cause tears or leaks. Plan for at least 1–2 inches of trash bag overhang on your bin when comparing trash bag length to bin height.
Mil (thickness)
A mil is one thousandth of an inch (0.001 inch) and is used to measure the thickness of high-density trash bags. In general, a higher mil means a thicker bag that offers added strength and durability for tougher cleanup jobs.
Odor control
Some of our scented bags and our scent-free bags have Arm & Hammer™ odor neutralizer*, which offers continuous odor control to mask and neutralize odors.
*The ARM & HAMMER trademark is owned by Church & Dwight Co., Inc., and is used by Reynolds Consumer Products LLC under license.
Scented bags
Many of our bags feature scents that keep your home smelling fresh and clean, with choices like Fabuloso® Lavender, Fabuloso ® Watermelon, Clean Burst™, Lavender & Sweet Vanilla™, and Citrus Twist™.
Fabuloso® and associated designs are trademarks of Colgate-Palmolive Company and are used under license.
Extra strength flexibility
Ultra Strong trash bags are designed to stretch and flex for a snug fit while helping resist tears and punctures. This added durability makes them a reliable choice for heavier loads and everyday messes.
Reliable drawstrings
Strong drawstrings make it easy to close, lift, and carry your trash bag with ease. They help keep the bag securely sealed to reduce spills and make taking out the trash easier.
Plastic materials
Most trash bags are made from polyethylene, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a durable plastic designed for everyday use. These materials help resist tears and punctures, making them a dependable choice for handling sharp or heavy household waste.
Environmentally conscious materials
Some trash bags are made with 35% recovered materials, including plastic collected from coastal communities to help reduce waste and support a cleaner environment. These bags deliver the dependable strength you expect while giving recovered materials a second life. Learn more about Hefty® Recovered Materials Coastal Trash Bags.
Choosing the best trash bag for your space
Now that you have your bin measurements and bag size, what kind of features make the best trash bag for each room? Here are a few of our best suggestions by size, but know that any Hefty® bag you choose will be durable and reliable for your home or outdoor use. Whether you want extra strength for heavy loads, odor control for busy rooms, or a secure fit that stays in place, there's a Hefty® trash bag ready to tackle the job.
| Space | What to Look for: | Best Trash Bag |
| Kitchen |
| Scented Hefty® Ultra Strong™ Trash Bags |
| Bathrooms |
| Scented Hefty® Color Series Small & Medium Trash Bags |
Offices, Bedrooms & Laundry Rooms |
| Hefty® Medium Trash Bags |
| Garage & Utility Rooms |
| Scent-Free Hefty® Strong Large Trash Bags |
| Lawn & Outdoor Bins |
| Hefty® Strong Lawn & Leaf Trash Bags |
Does bag size really matter?
Yes—bag size really does matter. The right size helps prevent slips, tears, and messy overflows while making it easier to take out the trash. Now that you know how to choose the right size and features, you're ready to find the best Hefty® trash bag for every room in your home.
The strong difference: Hefty vs. other brands
When it comes to strength, reliability, and everyday performance, Hefty® trash bags are designed to confidently handle whatever messes come your way. They’re sturdy, dependable, and ready to make your chores easier! From dependable durability and secure closures to odor control and bags designed for every room, Hefty® offers trusted solutions that stand up to the toughest jobs. Explore our categories to find the right Hefty® trash bag for your home.
