What are the dimensions of a 5-gallon pail?

Standard 5-gallon pails made by United States Plastic Corporation are 14.5 inches high, 11.91 inches in diameter at the top and 10.33 inches in diameter at the bottom. The buckets are slightly tapered for ease of stacking and separation.

The walls of the United States Plastic Corporation’s 5-gallon pails are approximately .075 inches thick. The buckets are made of high density polyethylene and are certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The Home Depot sells 5-gallon plastic pails that are 12 inches in diameter, 14.5 inches high and 13 inches deep. They are not approved for storing food. The buckets are suitable for mixing paint, carrying or storing items and as a utility pail on work sites.