Can Sizes and Dimensions: U.S. Beverage & Food Can Chart

A common U.S. 12-fluid-ounce (355 mL) standard beverage can is about 4.81 inches tall and 2.60 inches across the body. Crown's North American 12-ounce can specification gives a 66 mm body diameter and 122.22 mm height; the Can Manufacturers Institute lists a 2.602-inch body outside diameter and 4.812-inch flange height for its standard can.

“Regular,” “large,” and “slim” are informal package descriptions. Capacity alone does not guarantee identical dimensions across every brand or product.

Traditional U.S. food-can numbers describe nominal outside dimensions, not a precise food weight. The USDA explains that each three-digit number represents whole inches plus sixteenths: for example, 303 means 3 3/16 inches in diameter. For a round can, the first code is diameter and the second is height.

*The USDA size table reports water capacity; the net weight and drained weight of soup, beans, vegetables, or fruit depend on the product. “No. 2” means a traditional can-size designation, not two cans.

For an everyday beverage can, measure the height from the bottom to the top of the rim and the widest body diameter across the sidewall. Do not use the smaller lid diameter as the body width. To estimate circumference from diameter, multiply by π: a 2.60-inch body diameter is about 8.17 inches around.

For a food can, record its nominal designation or measure the outside diameter at the seam and the full height. A label such as 303 × 406 converts to 3 3/16 inches across by 4 6/16 inches high under the USDA convention. The seam, lid, body taper, and measuring point explain why a tape-measure result may differ slightly from a nominal size code.

A standard 12-ounce beverage can is a helpful reference for soda and beer, but a 16-ounce tall can or slim beverage container has a different shape. Soup, beans, and vegetables use food-can sizes such as No. 300, No. 303, No. 2, and No. 2½. Their contents and labeled net weights vary, even when the nominal package size is the same.

A snack tube, mini soda can, or a named brand's can may use different packaging dimensions. Check the individual product or manufacturer's packaging sheet when a holder, shelf, or shipping box needs an exact fit; don't infer outside dimensions from the fluid ounces or the word “small.”

Older recipes may name a No. 2 or No. 2½ can. Use the size code or stated volume to choose a replacement, then account for the recipe's drained-weight or ingredient needs. Different foods pack differently, so the same can volume does not always mean the same ounces by weight.

For storage, measure the actual can and leave a little room for labels, seams, lids, and handling. For a product-specific package such as a soda brand, beer, soup, or snack tube, the manufacturer's current package dimensions are the safest reference.