5 Gallon Bucket Dimensions - Height, Weight, Capacity, and FAQ

June 23, 2023

5 Gallon Bucket Dimensions - Height, Weight, Capacity, and FAQ

When it comes to choosing the right container for your industrial needs, dimensions play a crucial role. Two popular options for storage and transportation are 5-gallon steel pails and 5-gallon plastic pails. In this blog post, we will compare the dimensions of both containers to help you make an informed decision for your specific requirements.

Dimensions of 5 Gallon Buckets & Pails

5-gallon steel pails are renowned for their durability and strength, where plastic buckets are known for their versatility and lightweight frame. Both are commonly used for storing and transporting various materials, including paints, chemicals, lubricants, and adhesives. If you're using pails for storing and shipping, you likely need to know the exact dimensions of your container. Luckily, BASCO is here to help. Here are the typical dimensions of a 5-gallon pail:

Steel Pail Dimensions:

Height: The average height of a 5-gallon steel pail ranges from 13 to 17 inches (33 to 43 cm).
Diameter: The diameter of the pail typically falls between 10 and 12 inches (25 to 30 cm).
Weight: Steel pails tend to be heavier compared to plastic pails, weighing approximately 7 to 10 pounds (3 to 4.5 kg).
Wall Thickness: Steel pails usually have a wall thickness of around 0.024 to 0.032 inches (0.6 to 0.8 mm).

Plastic Pail Dimensions:

Height: The average height of a 5-gallon plastic pail ranges from 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm).
Diameter: The diameter of a plastic pail typically falls between 11 and 12 inches (28 to 30 cm).
Weight: Plastic pails are significantly lighter than steel pails, weighing approximately 2 to 3 pounds (0.9 to 1.4 kg).
Wall Thickness: Plastic pails generally have a wall thickness of about 0.075 to 0.090 inches (1.9 to 2.3 mm).

Considerations for Choosing the Right Pail

When deciding between 5-gallon steel and plastic pails, several factors should be considered, including:

Content Compatibility: Assess the compatibility of the pail material with the substances you intend to store or transport.
Durability: Steel pails provide excellent durability, while plastic pails offer impact resistance and corrosion resistance.
Weight: Determine the weight requirements for your specific application, as steel pails are heavier and may impact transportation and handling.

Choosing the right container for your industrial needs requires careful consideration of dimensions, material properties, and specific application requirements. Both 5-gallon steel pails and 5-gallon plastic pails have their unique benefits. Steel pails offer exceptional durability and strength, while plastic pails provide lightweight construction and chemical resistance. By understanding the dimensions and characteristics of each type, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your storage and transportation needs.

Are you in need of 5 gallon buckets? https://bascousa.com/contact-us at BASCO. We have superior quality, highly durable pails in stock and available now. We have 75+ years of experience in the industrial container biz, and the best trained and most knowledgeable customer service people.

When you need a pail, get it Right ... get it from BASCO!