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Small trash bag sizes run from about 1 to 10 gallons, with 4 gallons as a common small-bag size. At Plasticplace, our small bags start at 1.2 gallons with Simplehuman®*-compatible Code A and extend to 10–10.5 gallons. The table below lists the small sizes we sell, including flat dimensions, thickness, and closure type. We then break down common uses by room. For sizes beyond this range, see our trash bag size chart.
Small Trash Bag Sizes Chart (1 to 10 Gallons)
Each row below represents a small bag we carry. Flat size refers to the bag's width and height when laid flat, measured in inches.
| Size | Bag type | Thickness | Flat size (W × H, in) | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 gal | Drawstring, white, low density | 0.7 mil | 17 × 16 | 1–4 gallon trash bags |
| 4 gal | Flat, clear, high density | 6 micron | 17 × 18 | 1–4 gallon trash bags |
| 6 gal | Drawstring, white, low density | 0.7 mil | 17 × 20 | 5–6 gallon trash bags |
| 6 gal | Flat, clear, high density | 6 micron | 20 × 22 | 5–6 gallon trash bags |
| 7–10 gal | Flat, clear or black, high density | 6 or 8 micron | 24 × 24 | 7–10 gallon trash bags |
| 8 gal | Drawstring, white, low density | 0.7 mil | 22 × 22 | 7–10 gallon trash bags |
We also carry a flat white 4-gallon bag at 0.5 mil and a white 5-gallon drawstring bag at 0.9 mil. Their flat dimensions need to be confirmed on the product pages before publication.
Need a size that isn't listed, or sizes above 10 gallons? See our full trash bag size chart.
Simplehuman-Compatible Small Sizes
If you use Simplehuman®* letter-coded liners, match the liner code rather than the gallon capacity. We carry the following codes in the small-size range. For the dimensions and compatibility details for each code, see our Simplehuman-compatible trash bag liner code guide.
| Code | Capacity | Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1.2 gal | 1.2 mil |
| B | 1.6 gal | 1.2 mil |
| R | 2.6 gal | 1.2 mil |
| C | 2.6–3.2 gal | 1.0 mil |
| V | 4.2–4.8 gal | 1.2 mil |
| L | 4.8 gal | 1.2 mil |
| D, E | 5.2 gal | 1.0 mil |
| F | 6.5 gal | 1.0 mil |
| G | 8 gal | 1.2 mil |
| H | 8–9 gal | 1.2 mil |
| K | 10 gal | 1.2 mil |
| J | 10–10.5 gal | 1.2 mil |
*Our bags are compatible with Simplehuman® code sizes. We are not affiliated with Simplehuman.
How Big Is a 4-Gallon Trash Bag?
It depends on the bag type. Our 4-gallon drawstring bag measures 17 × 16 inches, and our flat high-density 4-gallon bag measures 17 × 18 inches.
Both measurements are flat dimensions: the width and height of the bag when laid flat. The gallon rating describes the bag's capacity, while the flat dimensions show its width and height. That's why two bags with the same gallon rating can have different measurements. Bag shape and closure type can also change the flat dimensions.
When comparing 4-gallon trash bags, look at the flat dimensions as well as the gallon capacity. Our trash bag size chart provides more information about bag sizes and measurements. When you're ready to shop, browse our 4-gallon trash bags.
Small Trash Bag Sizes by Room and Use
The typical bathroom trash bag size is 4 gallons. We offer two 4-gallon options: a clear, 6-micron high-density flat bag measuring 17 × 18 inches and a white, 0.7 mil drawstring bag measuring 17 × 16 inches. The flat bag has an open top, while the drawstring bag has a built-in closure. A lined bathroom bag can also make guests more comfortable using the bathroom. If you've been reusing shopping bags, see our guide to grocery bags as trash bags. Browse our bathroom trash bags.
Bedroom and Desk-Side
For bedrooms, nurseries, home offices, and desk-side use, 4- to 6-gallon bags cover the small sizes in our range. Options include 6-micron flat high-density bags and 0.7 mil drawstring bags. These sizes work for tissues, receipts, wrappers, and other light household waste. A lined bag can also be useful in a child's room when someone gets sick during the night. Emptying a small bag can be a simple first chore for kids.
Office
For office use, our 7–10 gallon high-density bags come in 6 or 8 micron, with clear or black options. They measure 24 × 24 inches when laid flat. These bags are listed for paper and other dry office waste. If you need to compare micron measurements with mil thickness, see our guide to trash bag thickness. You can also browse our 7–10 gallon trash bags or high-density trash bags.
Car
Our 4-, 6-, and 8-gallon drawstring bags are suited to car use. The 4-gallon bag measures 17 × 16 inches, the 6-gallon bag measures 17 × 20 inches, and the 8-gallon bag measures 22 × 22 inches when laid flat. Each bag uses a drawstring closure, making the bag easy to close and remove after use. The right size depends on the amount of waste and the space available. Browse our drawstring bags.
Wholesale for Offices, Hotels and Facilities
For offices, hotels, and facilities that use small bags in multiple locations, bulk case packs are available. We offer 4- and 6-gallon high-density bags in 2,000-count cases. Our 7–10 gallon high-density bags come in 1,000-count cases. We also offer 4- and 6-gallon drawstring bags in 600-count cases. For larger or recurring orders, visit our bulk and wholesale orders page.
Drawstring vs. Flat Small Bags
Our small drawstring bags are low-density plastic, 0.7 to 0.9 mil thick, and close with a built-in tie. They are available in white and in 4-, 6-, and 8-gallon sizes for home and car use. Browse our drawstring bags.
Our small flat bags are high-density plastic, 6 to 8 micron thick. They are thinner than the 0.7- to 0.9-mil drawstring bags and are closed by tying the top by hand. They are also sold in larger case counts. For more on the two materials, read our guide to high-density vs. low-density trash bags. Our trash bag thickness guide explains how microns and mils compare. Browse our high-density trash bags.
Small Trash Bag FAQ
What sizes do small trash bags come in?
Small trash bags generally range from about 1 to 10 gallons. Common sizes include 2.6, 4, 6, and 8 gallons. We carry sizes from 1.2 gallons, with Simplehuman®*-compatible Code A, up to 10–10.5 gallons. Our small bags come in drawstring and flat styles. The chart above lists their flat dimensions and thickness.
What is the smallest garbage bag available?
Our smallest bag is the 1.2-gallon Simplehuman®*-compatible Code A liner, which is 1.2 mil thick. We also carry the 1.6-gallon Code B and 2.6-gallon Codes R and C. These letter-coded options are part of our Simplehuman-compatible small-size range. We are not claiming that Code A is the smallest bag available on the market.
What are the different types of small trash bags?
Small trash bags differ by closure, material, and thickness. Drawstring bags have a built-in tie, while flat bags are tied by hand. High-density (HD) bags are measured in microns, while low-density (LD) bags are measured in mils. Our small-size range also includes scented bags and Simplehuman®*-compatible letter-coded liners.
What size trash bag do I need for a bathroom?
A 4-gallon bag is a typical bathroom trash bag size. We offer a white 4-gallon drawstring bag measuring 17 × 16 inches at 0.7 mil and a clear 4-gallon flat high-density bag measuring 17 × 18 inches at 6 micron. Both are part of our small-size range and provide two different closure styles.
How big is a 4-gallon trash bag?
Our 4-gallon drawstring bag measures 17 × 16 inches. Our 4-gallon flat high-density bag measures 17 × 18 inches. Both measurements refer to the bag's width and height when laid flat. The dimensions differ because the bags use different styles and closure types.
Is an 8-gallon bag small or medium?
Glad calls 8 gallons a medium size, while we include 8-gallon bags in our small-size range. Our 7–10 gallon collection includes an 8-gallon drawstring bag measuring 22 × 22 inches and a 7–10 gallon flat high-density bag measuring 24 × 24 inches. This gives you two small-size options with different bag styles.
Find Your Small Size
Shop our 1–4 gallon, 5–6 gallon, and 7–10 gallon trash bags. For help choosing the right size, see our guide on how to choose the right trash bag or call 877-343-2247.
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