Food can dimensions can be confusing when you’re trying to order supplies, plan storage space, or scale recipes for your kitchen. Understanding the exact measurements of different can sizes helps you make smarter purchasing decisions and avoid costly mistakes. 

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about can diameter, can height, and capacity measurement for all standard USA food can sizes.

Small to Medium Food Can Dimensions

Smaller food can dimensions dominate retail grocery stores because they match household consumption patterns. These sizes reduce waste and provide portion control for families. The compact cylinder dimensions also maximize shelf space efficiency.

Retail cans typically range from 3 ounces to 28 ounces in can volume. These sizes fit standard kitchen cabinet depths and work with manual can openers. Most households can use the contents within a few days after opening.

Baby Food and Single-Serve Can Dimensions (211×106)

The 211×106 represents the smallest standard metal container size in commercial food packaging. The can diameter measures just 2 11/16 inches (68mm) and the can height reaches only 1 6/16 inches (41mm). This tiny size holds approximately 3 ounces or about one-third of a cup.

Manufacturers use this size primarily for baby food, tomato paste, and concentrated products. The small food storage size provides perfect single-use portions that minimize waste. These cans stack efficiently and take minimal shelf space in stores and pantries.

#1 Picnic Can Dimensions (211×400)

The #1 Picnic can features a 211×400 code with a can diameter of 2 11/16 inches and can height of 4 inches. This equals approximately 68mm diameter and 101mm height in metric measurements. The taller can shape holds 10-12 ounces or about 1.25 cups of product.

Common contents include fruits, condensed soup, and small vegetable portions. This size works well for recipes requiring smaller quantities without opening larger cans. The narrow diameter fits easily in compact storage spaces and crowded pantry shelves.

8 oz Can Dimensions (307×200)

The 307×200 can offers a wider can diameter at 3 7/16 inches (87mm) but shorter can height at 2 inches (51mm). This squat can shape holds 8 ounces or 1 cup of product. The low profile makes stacking easier in shallow cabinets.

Tomato sauce manufacturers prefer this size because it provides the right amount for single-meal recipes. The wide can opening size allows easy scooping of thick products. This dimension works particularly well for pastes and concentrated sauces.

#2 Can Dimensions (307×308 and variations)

The #2 can represents the most recognized grocery store size in America. The can diameter measures 3 7/16 inches (87mm) and can height reaches 3 1/2 inches (89mm). This cylinder dimensions combination holds 13-16 ounces or about 1.75-2 cups.

You’ll find beans, corn, sliced vegetables, and whole tomatoes in this size. The capacity measurement matches typical side dish portions for 3-4 people. Standard case packs contain 24 cans arranged in a convenient carton configuration.

This metal container size works with all household can openers without difficulty. The moderate weight makes handling easy for all age groups. Retailers appreciate how efficiently these cans utilize shelf facings.

300 Series Can Dimensions

The 300 series can features a can diameter of approximately 3 inches (76mm) and can height of 4 7/16 inches (113mm). The taller, narrower can shape holds about 15 ounces or 1.875 cups. This size bridges the gap between smaller #2 cans and larger #2.5 cans.

Soup manufacturers commonly use this size for ready-to-eat products. The packaging dimensions fit standard soup bowl portions perfectly. The tall profile provides good label visibility on crowded grocery shelves.

303 Can Dimensions

The 303 can measures 3 3/16 inches (81mm) in can diameter and 4 3/8 inches (111mm) in can height. This standard size holds 16-17 ounces or exactly 2 cups. The 303 code refers to the diameter measurement of 3 3/16 inches expressed in sixteenths.

Stewed tomatoes, canned fruit, and beans most commonly come in this size. The 2-cup can volume matches many recipe requirements exactly. This makes recipe conversion and meal planning simpler for home cooks.

The 303 can represents one of the most popular food storage size options in American supermarkets. Nearly every major food brand offers products in this dimension. Case packs typically contain 24 cans for efficient distribution.

Large and Commercial Food Can Dimensions

Larger food can dimensions serve commercial kitchens, restaurants, and bulk buyers who need volume. These sizes offer better per-ounce pricing but require more storage space. The bigger cylinder dimensions also demand commercial-grade opening equipment.

Commercial cans range from 26 ounces up to 105 ounces in can volume. These sizes significantly reduce the number of cans needed for high-volume operations. However, contents must be used more quickly after opening to maintain freshness.

#2.5 Can Dimensions (401×411)

The #2.5 can features a can diameter of 4 1/16 inches (103mm) and can height of 4 11/16 inches (119mm). This size holds 26-28 ounces or approximately 3.25-3.5 cups. The larger metal container size bridges retail and foodservice applications.

Sliced fruits, pie fillings, thick soups, and stews typically come in #2.5 cans. Bakeries prefer this size for pie and pastry fillings because it provides enough for multiple products. The moderate can volume prevents excessive waste after opening.

Case packs contain 12 cans instead of 24, reducing shipping weight per carton. The wider can diameter requires deeper shelving but improves product visibility. This size works well for family-style restaurants and small catering operations.

#3 Cylinder Can Dimensions

The #3 cylinder measures 4 1/4 inches (108mm) in can diameter and 4 7/8 inches (124mm) in can height. This can shape holds approximately 46 ounces or 5.75 cups. The large capacity measurement makes it suitable for both retail and foodservice use.

Fruit juices and tomato juice commonly use this size because the volume matches pitcher quantities. The substantial food storage size works for large families and small food operations. Some retail stores stock this size for budget-conscious bulk buyers.

#5 Can Dimensions

The #5 can offers a can diameter of 5 1/8 inches (130mm) and can height of 5 7/8 inches (149mm). This substantial size holds 56 ounces or 7 cups, equal to about 1.65 liters. The large cylinder dimensions require commercial storage and handling equipment.

Institutional soups, chili, and bulk sauces fill most #5 cans. Commercial kitchens use this size for products consumed in a single service period. The packaging dimensions fit standard foodservice storage racks perfectly.

Case packs may contain 6 or 12 cans depending on product density and shipping considerations. The significant weight when filled requires careful handling procedures. This metal container size typically doesn’t appear in retail grocery stores.

#10 Can Dimensions (603×700) – The Foodservice Standard

The #10 can represents the industry standard for commercial food operations. The can diameter measures 6 3/16 inches (157mm) and the can height reaches 7 inches (178mm). This large can shape holds 100-105 ounces, equal to 12-13 cups or approximately 2.8-3 liters.

Depending on product density, a #10 can contains roughly 6 pounds of food. The massive can volume serves restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other institutional kitchens. Bulk vegetables, fruits, tomatoes, sauces, and beans fill most #10 cans.

This size offers the best cost per ounce among all standard cans. Commercial kitchens buy #10 cans because they reduce ordering frequency and storage space per serving. However, the large capacity measurement requires proper refrigeration after opening and quick use to prevent spoilage.

Standard case packs contain 6 cans arranged in a sturdy corrugated carton. The substantial weight necessitates mechanical handling equipment in many facilities. Commercial can openers specifically designed for this can opening size ensure safe and efficient access to contents.

The #10 can’s packaging dimensions work perfectly with standard foodservice storage racks and shelving systems. Most commercial kitchens design their storage around this size. The uniform dimensions allow for precise inventory management and space planning.

#1 Tall Can Dimensions

The #1 Tall can features an elongated can shape compared to standard #1 cans. This size holds approximately 48 ounces in a taller, narrower profile. The unique cylinder dimensions serve specific product categories where the shape benefits presentation or processing.

Some specialty products prefer this configuration because the tall profile creates distinctive shelf presence. The metal container size works for products that settle or separate, requiring more vertical space. However, this size appears less frequently than other standard dimensions.

Specialty and International Food Can Dimensions

Beyond standard USA sizes, various specialty and international food can dimensions exist for specific markets. These sizes follow different measurement systems and serve unique product requirements. Understanding these variations helps with import, export, and specialty product planning.

Metric-based sizing predominates in most countries outside North America. The cylinder dimensions often differ significantly from USA standards. Companies operating internationally must accommodate multiple size systems in their operations.

Beverage Can Dimensions (for reference)

Standard beverage cans measure approximately 2.6 inches (66mm) in can diameter and 4.8 inches (122mm) in can height. The typical 12-ounce beverage can holds 355ml of liquid. These dimensions optimize dispensing from vending machines and refrigerator storage.

Beverage cans use two-piece construction unlike most food cans. The seamless can shape better withstands internal carbonation pressure. The thinner walls reduce material costs but limit these cans to cold-fill products only.

The 330ml size common globally measures slightly smaller in both diameter and height. This capacity measurement equals approximately 11.2 fluid ounces. Many international beverage brands use this size as their standard offering.

Metric Standard Cans (250ml, 330ml, 500ml)

The 250ml can measures approximately 2.5 inches (65mm) in can diameter and 4 inches (102mm) in can height. This can volume equals about 8.5 fluid ounces, falling between USA sizes. European and Asian markets commonly use this size for beverages and some food products.

The 330ml can represents the international standard for single-serve beverages. The packaging dimensions of roughly 2.6 inches diameter and 4.8 inches height match global vending machine standards. This 11.2-ounce capacity sits between USA 8-ounce and 12-ounce sizes.

The 500ml can measures approximately 3 inches (76mm) in can diameter and 4.5 inches (114mm) in can height. This half-liter size equals about 17 fluid ounces or 2.1 cups. The metal container size closely matches USA #2 and 303 cans in capacity.

Companies importing or exporting products must convert between these metric and imperial measurements. The food storage size differences affect packaging equipment, shipping calculations, and inventory systems. Most modern canning equipment offers adjustable settings to handle multiple size standards.

Two-Piece vs. Three-Piece Food Can Construction and How It Affects Dimensions

Can construction method directly impacts food can dimensions and their applications. The two main manufacturing approaches create cans with different structural characteristics. Understanding construction differences helps you select appropriate containers for specific products.

Manufacturing technique affects the internal coating requirements, pressure resistance, and dimensional tolerances. The can shape remains similar, but subtle variations in wall thickness and seam configuration exist. These differences matter for equipment compatibility and product safety.

Two-Piece Can Design

Two-piece cans form from a single sheet of metal drawn into a cup shape. The seamless cylinder dimensions include an integral bottom with no side seam. Only the top lid gets added after filling, creating just one seal point.

This construction provides superior strength against internal pressure. The lack of side seams eliminates potential leak or corrosion points. Two-piece cans work best for liquids, soups, beverages, and acidic products where pressure resistance matters.

The drawing process creates very uniform can diameter and can height measurements. Tighter tolerances make two-piece cans ideal for high-speed automated production lines. The seamless metal container size also improves product shelf life by reducing contamination risks.

Three-Piece Can Design

Three-piece cans consist of a flat sheet rolled into a cylinder plus separate top and bottom ends. The side seam gets welded or bonded, creating three distinct components. This can shape requires internal coating over the seam to prevent food contact with raw metal.

Most food cans for vegetables, fruits, and beans use three-piece construction. The manufacturing process accommodates a wider range of packaging dimensions and customization options. The side seam allows for easier printing and labeling before assembly.

Three-piece cans may show slight dimensional variations at the seam area. The can opening size remains standardized, but wall thickness can vary by a millimeter or two. High-quality internal coatings protect food safety and prevent metallic tastes.

How Construction Affects Actual Food Can Dimensions

Manufacturing tolerances differ between two-piece and three-piece construction methods. Two-piece cans maintain tighter dimensional consistency because they form from a single metal piece. Three-piece cans may vary by 1-2mm in can diameter at the seam.

The can height stays more consistent across both types because top and bottom ends determine this measurement. However, slight variations in dome height or base profile can affect the overall capacity measurement. Most differences fall within acceptable industry standards.

Equipment compatibility requires understanding these subtle construction differences. Filling machines and seaming heads must accommodate the cylinder dimensions accurately. Even small variations can cause rejection rates or sealing failures in high-speed production.

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Question’s

What are the dimensions of a can of food?

Food can sizes range from the smallest (2 11/16″ × 1 6/16″) to the largest (#10: 6 3/16″ × 7″). Dimensions vary based on use, following a coding system measured in diameter × height (in sixteenths of an inch).

What is the standard size of a can?

There isn’t one universal standard. Common retail sizes include #2 (303) and #2.5 cans (16–28 oz), while #10 cans (100 oz) are standard for foodservice use.

What is the size of a 330mL can?

A 330mL can measures about 2.6″ in diameter × 4.8″ in height (66mm × 122mm). It holds roughly 11.2 fl oz and is standard for beverages worldwide.

What size is a 28oz can?

A 28oz can is typically a #2.5 size, measuring 4 1/16″ × 4 11/16″ (103mm × 119mm). It’s common for tomatoes, sauces, and other bulk foods, often packed 12 per case.

How big is a 250mL can?

A 250mL can is around 2.5″ × 4″ (65mm × 102mm) and holds about 8.5 fl oz. It’s popular internationally for energy drinks and smaller food portions.

How big is a 500mL food container?

A 500mL cylindrical can is about 3″ in diameter × 4.5″ in height, holding ~17 fl oz (2.1 cups). It’s similar to a #2 or 303 can in the U.S.

What size is a 24oz can?

A 24oz can usually measures between 3.5–4″ in diameter × 4.5–5″ in height. Though not a standard code size, it’s used for specialty foods and tall beverage cans.

Is 28 oz 796 ml?

Not exactly. 28 fl oz equals about 828 ml, while 796 ml equals roughly 26.9 fl oz. The two are close and often used interchangeably on Canadian labels.

How much is 32 oz in cans?

32 fl oz equals about 946 ml (1 quart or 4 cups). That’s roughly two #2 cans (16 oz each) or between #3 and #5 size cans depending on packaging standards.