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Trash Bag Sizes Explained

Key Takeaways:

Why size matters: The right trash bag prevents spills, saves money and fits your bin properly.
Key factors: Check volume (gallons), dimensions, and thickness for strength.
Common sizes: Bathroom (4 gal); Office (8 gal); Kitchen (13 gal); Garage/Outdoor (30+ gal)
Standard pick: 13-gallon bags fit most kitchen bins; larger bins may need 20 gallons.

Modern kitchen with stainless steel trash can, marble island, teal bar stools, and yellow chair in background.

Confused by trash bag sizes? Learn about standard, kitchen, and large garbage bag sizes with a helpful Glad size chart to find the perfect fit.

Guide to Trash Bag Sizes
- Choosing the right trash bag size can make a big difference in helping to keep your home clean and efficient. Whether you’re looking for the best kitchen trash bag size or need help comparing small, medium, and large trash bag sizes, this guide has you covered. Explore our trash bag sizes chart to understand different trash bag sizes and their uses, so you can always find the perfect fit for your bin.
Why knowing trash bag size matters
- Understanding different size trash bags helps you:
  - Avoid spills or tearing by using the correct bag dimensions
  - Save money and plastic by avoiding oversized liners
  - Choose the best kitchen trash bag size that fits your bin perfectly
  - Simplify shopping with a quick reference to common trash bag size
How to measure trash bag size
- When comparing sizes of trash bags, consider these three things:
  1. Volume (gallons or liters) The total capacity (such as 4 gallon, 13 gallon, or 30 gallon) determines how much you can fill the bag.
  2. Dimensions (width x length) Determining the flat bag size before expansion will ensure the bag fits your trash can properly.
  3. Thickness (mil or micron) Consider the strength you need: a standard bag for soft bathroom tissues or thicker material for heavy loads.
Trash bag size chart
Frequently asked questions
- What size are kitchen trash bags?
  
  Most kitchen trash bags are 13 gallons (about 49 liters), which fits standard under-sink or freestanding kitchen bins.
  
  What size trash bag do I need? Measure your bin’s height, width, and depth, then choose a bag that’s slightly larger in capacity to ensure a snug fit without tearing.
  
  What sizes do trash bags come in? Trash bags typically range from 2.6 gallons for small bins to 30 gallons or more for outdoor and heavy-duty use, with 13 gallons being the most common household size.
  
  What is the largest trash bag? The largest trash bags are designed for large outdoor or commercial bins. For heavy duty projects around the home, Glad's XL large trash bags have you covered. Ranging from 30 to 39 gallons, these bags are perfect for larger home and landscape projects.
  
  What size trash can do I need for a pull-out cabinet? For a pull-out cabinet, the ideal trash can size is usually between 8 and 13 gallons — perfect for Glad's Kitchen-size trash bags. A 12- to 15-inch-wide cabinet typically fits one 8-gallon bin, while a larger 18-inch cabinet can accommodate a dual 13-gallon setup for trash and recycling. Always measure the cabinet’s interior height and depth before buying to ensure the bin and sliding mechanism fit properly.
  
  What size is a bathroom trash can? A typical bathroom trash bag is around 4 gallons, which fits most small waste baskets. Explore Glad’s small bathroom trash bag options.