What Are The Dimensions Of A 7 Gallon Bucket?
A 7 gallon bucket is a common large bucket used for a variety of purposes. Typically made of plastic or metal, these buckets have a volume of around 7 gallons (26 liters) and are larger than the standard 5 gallon bucket.
7 gallon buckets are often used to transport, store, and mix large quantities of material efficiently. Common uses include mixing concrete or mortar, storing animal feed, collecting rainwater, washing large items, and even as makeshift drums. Their versatility and large capacity make them useful for DIY, gardening, agriculture, and industrial applications.
This article will provide an overview of standard 7 gallon bucket dimensions, volume calculations, popular brands, common uses, available lids and materials, and key factors to consider when purchasing them.
Standard Dimensions
A standard 7 gallon bucket will have the following dimensions:
- Height: Approximately 19-20 inches
- Diameter: Approximately 12 inches
- Bottom diameter: Approximately 10 inches
- Wall thickness: Approximately 0.1 inches
The key standard dimensions are the height and diameter. The height of a 7 gallon bucket is typically around 19-20 inches. The diameter is usually around 12 inches across for the opening at the top of the bucket.
According to specifications from major bucket manufacturers and sellers like Letica (source), the standard height is 19.62 inches and the diameter is 12.16 inches.
So in summary, the standard dimensions for a common 7 gallon bucket are a height of 19-20 inches and a diameter of around 12 inches.
Volume Calculations
The volume of a bucket is calculated by multiplying its length, width, and height. For a 7 gallon bucket that is cylindrical in shape, the formula is:
Volume (gallons) = 3.14 x (radius)^2 x height
Where radius = diameter/2. For a standard 7 gallon bucket, common dimensions are:
- Diameter: 12 inches
- Height: 16 inches
Plugging this into the formula:
Volume = 3.14 x (12/2)^2 x 16 = 3.14 x 36 x 16 = 7 gallons
So a bucket that is 12 inches in diameter and 16 inches high will hold approximately 7 gallons of liquid or material. The precise dimensions can vary slightly between brands and styles, but this calculation shows how the bucket’s dimensions result in its volume capacity.
For other shapes like rectangular buckets, the formula is length x width x height. But for cylindrical buckets, using the radius in the volume formula accounts for the circular shape and results in an accurate volume measurement.
Source: https://calculator.academy/loader-bucket-capacity-calculator/
Popular Brands
There are several major brands that manufacture 7 gallon buckets with standard dimensions:
- Hudson Exchange – 12.16″ diameter x 19.62″ height (https://www.amazon.com/Letica-Gallon-HDPE-Bucket-Black/dp/B00UMZRQR8)
- U.S. Plastic Corp – 11.625″ diameter x 19.375″ height (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=104335)
- Letica – 12.16″ diameter x 19.62″ height (https://www.amazon.com/Letica-Gallon-HDPE-Bucket-White/dp/B00I0BVINY)
Most major brands maintain the standard dimensions for a 7 gallon bucket, which is around a 12 inch diameter and 19-20 inch height. Slight variations in exact measurements are due to differences in manufacturing.
Uses
Seven gallon buckets have many common uses and applications across various industries and settings. Some of the most popular uses include:
Construction – 7 gallon buckets are frequently used on construction sites to mix and transport materials like concrete, mortar, drywall compound, paint, and more. Their durability and handle make them ideal for tough construction site conditions.
Agriculture – On farms, 7 gallon buckets can store animal feed, transport milk from the barn, collect maple syrup from taps, and more. Their large capacity makes them useful for agricultural purposes.
Storage – Both in homes and warehouses, 7 gallon buckets are a convenient way to organize and store items. From storing pet food to nuts and bolts in a workshop, their versatility makes them popular for storage.
Automotive – Mechanics often use 7 gallon buckets to drain and transport used oil and other automotive fluids like coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and more in a controlled, safe manner.
Emergency Preparedness – Civil defense organizations recommend keeping sealed 7 gallon buckets filled with emergency food, water, and supplies. Their durability makes them ideal for disaster readiness.
Food Service – Commercial kitchens, bakeries, and restaurants commonly use 7 gallon buckets to store and transport ingredients like flour, sugar, rice, and oils.
Cleaning – Janitorial services and other cleaning companies use 7 gallon buckets to hold cleaning solutions. Some are designed with built-in wringers for efficient mopping.
Painting – Artists often use 7 gallon buckets when painting large canvases, to hold paint solvents, and to transport painting supplies conveniently.
Many other uses exist for these versatile buckets across industries like chemical manufacturing, waste management, food processing, and more. Their durability and capacity make them a staple item for many applications.
Lids
There are various lid options for 7 gallon buckets, including solid lids, gamma seal lids, and hole lids.[1] Solid lids provide a tight seal and are the most common type of lid. They typically measure around 12.5″ in diameter to fit a standard 7 gallon bucket.[2]
Gamma seal lids have a twist off inner lid that allows easy access to bucket contents without fully removing the lid. The outer lid diameter is around 13.4″.[3] These lids are useful for frequent opening but cost more than solid lids.
Some lids have a hole for inserting a pump or spigot, around 0.5-1″ in diameter. Hole lids allow dispensing bucket contents without removing the lid.[1]
There are also variations like lids with pouring spouts integrated into them. Most lids are made of plastic like polyethylene or polypropylene.[2]
Materials
7 gallon buckets are most commonly made from plastic, specifically high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE plastic is lightweight, durable, and relatively inexpensive. It’s also food-safe and BPA-free. Plastic buckets are corrosion resistant and won’t dent like metal buckets can. However, plastic can become brittle over time when exposed to sunlight. Thicker plastic, like the 90+ mil buckets from Letica, will last longer.
Metal buckets, usually galvanized steel, are more durable than plastic but much heavier. They resist dents and punctures better than plastic. However, they can rust over time. Metal buckets must be lined with a food-safe coating if used for food storage. Fiberglass buckets are lightweight like plastic but more durable. However, they are significantly more expensive than plastic or metal buckets.
For general home use, HDPE plastic buckets offer the best balance of cost, durability, and weight. Brands like Letica use premium plastic resins and thick 100+ mil construction for long-lasting food-safe buckets at reasonable prices (https://www.amazon.com/Letica-Gallon-HDPE-Bucket-Black/dp/B00UMZRQR8). Metal or fiberglass buckets may be preferable for certain industrial applications requiring more ruggedness.
Buying Considerations
When purchasing a 7 gallon bucket, there are several factors to consider in order to select the best product for your needs:
Look for food-grade buckets made from HDPE plastic if you plan to store food products. Food-grade buckets are safe, durable, and designed for holding edible contents (source).
Consider the quality and thickness of the plastic. Thicker buckets around 2mm are more durable for rugged use. Thinner 1mm buckets may be suitable for lighter duty (source).
Look for sturdy, tight-fitting lids to seal in contents and keep out moisture. Some buckets include gasket seals for added protection (source).
Consider any special features needed like built-in handles for easy transport and pouring spouts for convenient dispensing.
Compare costs between basic buckets and more feature-rich options to find the right balance of affordability and utility.
Opt for quality buckets from reputable suppliers for best results in durability and longevity.
Cost
The cost of a 7 gallon bucket can vary depending on the retailer, material, and whether it includes a lid. According to Walmart, a basic 7 gallon plastic bucket with a lid typically ranges from $10-$20. At Home Depot, a similar 7 gallon bucket costs around $13 (citation). On Amazon, prices start around $12 for a basic bucket from brands like Letica and range up to $30+ for more heavy duty options (citation).
Buckets made from higher grade materials like food safe HDPE plastic tend to cost a bit more. Additional features like built-in graduated markings or ergonomic handles can also increase the price. Buying in bulk quantities can help lower the per unit cost. Ultimately, expect to spend around $10-30 for a standard 7 gallon bucket from most major retailers.
Conclusion
In summary, standard 7 gallon buckets generally have dimensions around 12 inches tall by 12 inches wide. The exact height may vary slightly between 11-13 inches depending on the brand. With a diameter of around 12 inches, the total volume works out to be around 7 gallons.
Knowing the dimensions of a 7 gallon bucket is useful for several reasons. If you need to transport or store a certain volume of material, a standard 7 gallon bucket is a convenient container size. The dimensions allow you to estimate how many buckets you may need for a project. They can also help determine how much material you can fit in a bucket. Whether for commercial or household use, 7 gallon buckets are versatile items where the dimensions are good to know.
