How Big Is a 13-Gallon Trash Bag? Exact Dimensions

Overview

• 13-gallon trash bags can measure 24 inches wide by 27 inches high or 24 inches wide by 31 inches high, depending on the product.

• Gallon capacity does not determine a bag's exact width or height, so check the listed dimensions before ordering.

• Measure the required opening circumference and height to check whether a bag will fit.

• Allow about 4 to 6 inches of overhang when checking bag fit.

• Compare bag dimensions and thickness when selecting a 13-gallon bag for a specific application.

13-gallon trash bag dimensions can vary by product and manufacturer. The Plasticplace 13-gallon bags covered here measure either 24 inches wide by 27 inches high or 24 inches wide by 31 inches high. These measurements apply to the specific Plasticplace products discussed in this guide, not to every 13-gallon bag on the market. Gallon capacity alone does not specify a bag's exact width or height.

That difference matters when you need a consistent bag size for an office, facility, school, or other organization. Another manufacturer's 13-gallon bag may have different dimensions from the Plasticplace bag you currently use. Check the listed width and height of the specific product before ordering to help confirm the bag fits the intended application.

13-gallon trash bag dimensions explained

Plasticplace's 13-gallon bags covered in this guide measure either 24 inches wide by 27 inches high or 24 inches wide by 31 inches high. The 24" × 27" bags are standard 13-gallon drawstring bags, while the 24" × 31" bags provide four additional inches of height.

These dimensions apply to specific Plasticplace products, not to every 13-gallon bag on the market. Other manufacturers may use different width and height measurements for the same stated 13-gallon capacity. If you need a consistent size for an office, facility, school, or other organization, check the width and height listed for the specific product before ordering.

Common Width and Height Ranges in Inches

The verified 13-gallon products use a 24-inch width. The available heights include 27 inches and 31 inches. 

Our 24" × 27" 13-gallon drawstring bags are available in 0.9 mil and 1.2 mil options. Our 24" × 31" option is a 1.2 mil low-density drawstring bag.

These measurements describe specific products. They do not establish one universal size for every 13-gallon bag. If you need to compare nearby capacities, see the 12 to 16 gallon trash bags collection.

Why two 13-gallon bags can be different sizes

A 13-gallon capacity does not mean every bag has the same width and height. For example, our 13-gallon options include bags that are 24 inches wide by 27 inches high and 24 inches wide by 31 inches high.

The 31-inch bag is four inches taller than the 27-inch option. That extra height can be useful when a particular application requires more bag material for fit and overhang.

Gusset measurements can also affect how bag dimensions are listed. For example, a gusseted bag listed as 23" × 10" × 39" has a 23-inch bag width and 10 inches of combined gusset width, giving it a total width of 33 inches.

When comparing bags, check the complete dimensions listed for the specific product. A 13-gallon capacity tells you the stated capacity, but it does not by itself tell you the bag's exact width or height.

How Gallon Capacity Is Calculated

A gallon measures volume, while bag width and height describe the bag's physical dimensions. These specifications provide different information about the bag.

A 13-gallon trash bag has a stated capacity of 13 gallons, but its dimensions can vary. Our 13-gallon bags, for example, include 24" × 27" and 24" × 31" options.

When checking how big a 13-gallon trash bag is, compare its stated capacity with its complete dimensions. Width helps you determine whether the bag has enough material to fit around the opening. Height helps you check whether it reaches the required depth and leaves enough material for overhang.

Plasticplace recommends about 4 to 6 inches of overhang when checking bag fit. For recurring orders, record the exact product dimensions along with the gallon capacity. This gives your purchasing team a specific specification to reference when reordering.

What 13-gallon bags are used for

13-gallon trash bags are commonly used for indoor waste in kitchens, offices, break rooms, bathrooms, and other light commercial settings. The appropriate bag depends on the waste being collected and the dimensions needed for the application.

Common uses include:

• Kitchen waste

• Break room waste

• Office and workspace waste

• Bathroom waste

• General household waste

• Light commercial waste

When ordering, check the bag's listed width and height in addition to its gallon capacity. Our 13-gallon bags are available in different dimensions, so the capacity alone does not confirm that a bag will fit a particular application.

For kitchen applications, see the kitchen trash bags. 

How to check a bag will fit before you order

You can check bag fit with a tape measure and the bag's listed dimensions. Measure the opening and height, then compare those measurements with the bag you plan to order.

Step 1: Measure the circumference. For a round opening, measure around the outside near the top. If you know the diameter, multiply it by 3.14 to calculate the circumference.

For example:

Diameter: 15 inches
Circumference: 15 × 3.14 = 47.1 inches

For a rectangular opening, measure the full perimeter around the opening.

Step 2: Divide the circumference by two. Divide the circumference by two to estimate the minimum bag width.

For example:

Circumference: 47.1 inches
47.1 ÷ 2: 23.55 inches

You can then compare that measurement with the bag's listed width. A 24-inch-wide bag meets that calculated width requirement.

Step 3: Measure the height. Measure from the bottom to the top of the opening. Then allow about 4 to 6 inches of overhang. Plasticplace recommends this amount when checking bag fit.

For example, if you need 25 inches of bag height to reach the required depth, allow another 4 to 6 inches for overhang. That gives you a target height of about 29 to 31 inches.

Use the same method when comparing 13-gallon bags with different dimensions. For example, a 24" × 27" bag and a 24" × 31" bag have the same listed width but different heights. Check the dimensions before ordering to select the appropriate 13 gallon trash bag size.

For a broader comparison of bag sizes, see the trash bag size chart.

13-gallon compared with the sizes either side

A 13 gallon trash bag size sits between smaller bag sizes and larger 20 to 30-gallon bags. Plasticplace offers bags across these capacity ranges, so you can compare the stated gallon capacity with the dimensions you need for your application.

A smaller bag may be appropriate when you need less capacity. A 20 to 30-gallon bag provides a larger stated capacity for applications that require more room. Check the bag's listed width and height before choosing between sizes.

If you are comparing smaller options, see small trash bag sizes. You can also shop trash bags by gallon to compare available capacities.

Thickness and what it means for a 13-gallon bag

Thickness is a separate specification from bag dimensions. Plasticplace offers 13-gallon bags in different thicknesses, including 0.9 mil and 1.2 mil options.

When comparing a 13 gallon trash bag size, check the thickness listed for the specific product. Do not assume that every 13-gallon bag has the same thickness.

For more information, see the guide to mil and micron thickness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Dimensions of a 13-Gallon Trash Bag?

Our 13-gallon bags measure either 24 inches wide by 27 inches high or 24 inches wide by 31 inches high, depending on the product. Other manufacturers may use different dimensions for a 13-gallon bag. 

Is a 13-Gallon Bag the Same as a Tall Kitchen Bag?

A 13-gallon bag can be used as a tall kitchen bag when its dimensions fit the intended application. Plasticplace offers 13-gallon bags in both standard and extra-tall dimensions. Check the bag's listed width and height before ordering to confirm the fit. 

How Tall Is a 13-Gallon Trash Bag?

The verified 13-gallon options measure 27 inches or 31 inches high. The standard option measures 24" × 27", while the extra-tall option measures 24" × 31".

Will a 13-Gallon Bag Fit a 12-Gallon Can?

It may, but the gallon capacities alone do not confirm the fit. Check the bag's width and height against the required dimensions. Allow about 4 to 6 inches of overhang when checking bag fit.

What Is the Difference Between 13-Gallon and 16-Gallon Bags?

A 13-gallon bag has a stated capacity of 13 gallons, while a 16-gallon bag has a stated capacity of 16 gallons. Their physical dimensions can also vary by product, so check the listed width and height when choosing between sizes.

How Many Gallons Is a Standard Kitchen Trash Bag?

A standard kitchen trash bag is commonly associated with a 13-gallon capacity. Plasticplace offers 13-gallon bags for kitchen applications, including a 24" × 27" standard option.

Choose the Right 13-Gallon Trash Bag

A 13-gallon label tells you the bag's capacity, but the actual dimensions determine whether it fits the intended application. Before ordering, compare the bag's width and height with the required measurements for the opening and depth.

Browse 12 to 16 gallon kitchen trash bags to compare available bag dimensions, thicknesses, and styles.