What are the Dimensions of a 5 Gallon Bucket?
Given that there are so many different varieties of 5 gallon pails, we’ll break it out by type. First, we’ll talk about open head buckets, and then we’ll discuss the closed head varieties.
What is an open head bucket?
The open head bucket is exactly what you’re picturing when you picture a 5 gallon bucket. It’s got a wide top opening that allows you to easily fill and dispense from the container. Typically, you’ll find them with carrying handles attached to the sides. These buckets are usually paired with lids that either snap-on or twist-on, some of which being tamper-evident or equipped with dispensing nozzles or bung holes. Whether it’s steel or plastic, the general shape of a 5 gallon open head bucket is usually the same.
What is a closed head pail?
A closed head pail is more specialized than an open head bucket. Closed head pails are more similar to jerry-cans or jugs, but they’re still classified as pails. They lack the wide open mouth that you find on a typical bucket, making them more suited to carrying liquids without risk of spilling. They’re available in both round and square shaped forms, so you can choose the right shape to suit your needs. Square closed head pails are convenient to use because they’re easy to stack, and they sit snugly next to one another, making storage a lot simpler. The round version is similar to a keg, with a carrying handle and one or two dispensing holes usually found on top.
Steel closed head pails available at BASCO are all round, with a filling/dispensing plug and carrying handle located on the top. These steel closed head pails are shaped similarly to large soda cans, but much more durable and sturdy.
How tall is a 5 gallon bucket?
The height dimensions of a 5 gallon bucket can vary slightly between manufacturers and styles, but we can give approximates of the outside heights to give you a general idea of what to expect.
- Open head plastic 5 gallon bucket height: 14 11/16”
- Square closed head 5 gallon plastic pail height: 14 3/8”
- Round closed head 5 gallon plastic pail height: 14 7/8”
- Open head steel 5 gallon bucket height: 13 3/8”
- Closed head steel 5 gallon pail height: 13 7/16”
What is the diameter of a 5 gallon bucket?
The width of a 5 gallon bucket can also vary by manufacturer, but here are some similar approximations of the diameter, so you can make an informed buying decision.
- Open head plastic 5 gallon bucket diameter: 12 3/8”
- Square closed head 5 gallon plastic pail width: 10 3/8”
- Round closed head 5 gallon plastic pail diameter: 11 9/16”
- Open head steel 5 gallon bucket diameter: 11 13/16”
- Closed head steel 5 gallon pail diameter: 11 3/8”
How much does a 5 gallon bucket of water weigh?
If you’re transporting or storing liquids in a 5 gallon bucket, it’s important that you can estimate the weight of what you’ll be shipping. Different liquids have different specific gravities, (or relative densities), and each liquid’s density can cause its exact weight to be different. However, using water as a baseline should allow you to make a pretty close estimate as to what your specific liquid will weigh.
The weight of the average plastic pail is about 2lbs, and 5 gallons of water weighs about 42lbs. Therefore, a 5 gallon bucket of water will typically weigh around 43-46lbs, depending on the fill-level as well as the specific bucket that you’re using.
If you’re using steel buckets, you can expect to add about 3lbs onto that total, for a total of about 45-49lbs.
What is specific gravity? (Relative density)
If you’re shipping or storing a different liquid in your buckets, then the total weight will be different. Since different liquids have different densities, a 5 gallon bucket of gasoline will actually weigh less than a 5 gallon bucket of water.
Specific gravity can be defined as the ratio of a liquid’s density when compared to water. Water is the reference point, so it has a specific gravity of 1. Gasoline, however, has a specific gravity of 0.68-0.74, meaning that 1 gallon of gasoline will have the same weight as 0.68-0.74 gallons of water.
Do you have more questions about 5 gallon pails? Need specific measurements or specifications for one of our products? Reach out!
You can call or email BASCO right here! We’re here to help 5 days a week, and our expert customer service personnel will always be glad to pick up the phone and assist you in finding the right container for the job.
