Industrial & logistics · Reference
A UN-approved 20 L HDPE jerrican measures about 292 × 246 × 389 mm (11.5 × 9.7 × 15.3 in) and weighs ~0.8 kg empty; the classic NATO steel 20 L can runs 470 × 343 × 165 mm.
A jerry can is specified by external Length × Width (footprint) × Height, with UN test marks molded into the side wall.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| External L × W × H | 292 × 246 × 389 mm (11.50 × 9.69 × 15.32 in) |
| Empty weight | 0.82 kg (1.82 lb) |
| Capacity | 20 L (5.28 US gal) |
| Cap / opening | 61 mm tamper-evident, 2 in pour |
| UN rating | 3H1/Y1.9/200 |
| Material | HDPE (high-density polyethylene) |
Source: U.S. Plastic Corp — 20 L HDPE Jerrican (2026)
| Capacity | External L × W × H (mm) | External L × W × H (in) | Empty weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 L (1.32 gal) | 196 × 143 × 246 mm | 7.72 × 5.63 × 9.69 in | 0.27 kg (0.60 lb) |
| 10 L (2.64 gal) | 237 × 195 × 301 mm | 9.33 × 7.68 × 11.85 in | 0.44 kg (0.98 lb) |
| 20 L (5.28 gal) | 292 × 246 × 389 mm | 11.50 × 9.69 × 15.32 in | 0.82 kg (1.82 lb) |
| 25 L (6.60 gal) | 292 × 246 × 460 mm | 11.50 × 9.69 × 18.11 in | 1.06 kg (2.35 lb) |
Source: U.S. Plastic Corp — HDPE Jerrican range, 5–30 L (all carry UN 3H1/Y1.9/200) (2026)
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| External H × W × D | 470 × 343 × 165 mm (18.5 × 13.5 × 6.5 in) |
| Empty weight | 5.4 kg (12 lb) |
| Capacity | 20 L (5.3 US gal) |
| Steel gauge | 0.9 mm cold-rolled steel |
| Standards | UN dangerous goods, DIN 7274, AS 2906 |
Source: Equipt Expedition Outfitters — 20 L Steel NATO Jerry Can (2026)
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A 20 L UN-approved HDPE jerrican is about 292 × 246 × 389 mm (11.5 × 9.7 × 15.3 in) and weighs ~0.82 kg (1.82 lb) empty. The classic NATO steel 20 L can is flatter and taller at 470 × 343 × 165 mm and ~5.4 kg.
An empty 20 L HDPE jerrican weighs about 0.82 kg (1.82 lb) and the 25 L about 1.06 kg. A 20 L steel NATO can is much heavier at roughly 5.4 kg (12 lb).
The NATO steel jerrycan measures 470 × 343 × 165 mm (18.5 × 13.5 × 6.5 in), is made from 0.9 mm cold-rolled steel to DIN 7274, and holds 20 L (5.3 US gal).
A code like 3H1/Y1.9/200 means 3 = jerrican, H1 = non-removable-head plastic, Y = tested for packing groups II and III, 1.9 = relative density tested to, and 200 = hydraulic test pressure in kPa.
Common UN-approved HDPE jerricans are 5, 10, 20 and 25 L (with 30 L also offered). External sizes run from ~196 × 143 × 246 mm at 5 L to ~292 × 246 × 460 mm at 25 L.
Every figure on this page is traced to a named source, linked under each table. Standard sizes come from published standards and established industry references; where a size is a typical range or varies by manufacturer, we say so. Sizes vary by region, model and revision — treat these as the standard reference, and confirm the exact spec of the item you are selling.
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