How tall is a standard 55-gallon steel drum?
A standard 55-gallon steel drum is about 88 cm (2 ft 11 in) tall.
Size source: en.wikipedia.org
Compared with things you know
- About 4.6 times the length of a medium banana (19 cm)
- About 1.6 times as tall as a maximum-size carry-on suitcase (56 cm)
- About 52% as tall as an adult person (1.7 m)
Steel oil drum dimensions
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 88 cm | 34.65 in | [1][2] |
| Diameter (at the rims) | 58.4 cm | 22.99 in | [1] |
| Inside height | 85.1 cm | 33.5 in | [1] |
| Inside diameter | 57.2 cm | 22.52 in | [1] |
| Body wall thickness | 0.9 mm | 0.035 in | [2] |
Steel drum heights by size[1][3]
| 55 US gal (208 L) tight-head | 85.1–87.9 cm (2 ft 10 in – 2 ft 11 in)33.5 in (Repackify) to 34-5/8 in (spec sheet); sources differ |
|---|---|
| 55 US gal (208 L) open-head | 88.3 cm (2 ft 11 in)34.75 in |
| 25 US gal (95 L) | 88 cm (2 ft 11 in)same height as a 55-gallon drum, per Wikipedia |
| 30 US gal | 72.4 cm (2 ft 5 in)28.5 in tall, 19 in across |
| 16 US gal | 67.3 cm (2 ft 2 in)26.5 in tall, 15 in across |
How it is measured
A 55-gallon (208-litre) steel drum is nominally just under 880 mm (35 in) tall and just under 610 mm (24 in) across. Wikipedia gives inside dimensions of 572 mm (22.5 in) diameter and 851 mm (33.5 in) height. Outside, a 200-litre drum is typically 584 mm (23 in) across at the top or bottom rim, 597 mm (23.5 in) across at the chines, and 876 mm (34.5 in) tall. Most steel drums also have reinforcing rolling hoops.[1]
Why sizes vary
Published sizes differ by source. A distributor's spec sheet for one tight-head drum lists a 22-1/2 in diameter, 33-1/4 in inside height and 34-5/8 in (879 mm) outside height. A drum-size guide gives 22.5 in by 33.5 in for tight-head drums and 22.5 in by 34.75 in for open-head drums. The spec sheet also lists 1.20 mm (18 gauge) steel for the top and bottom and 0.90 mm (21 gauge) for the body.[1][2][3]
Drum vs oil barrel
A 55-gallon drum is not the same as the oil industry's barrel. The crude oil barrel is a measure of 42 US gallons (159 L), while a standard drum holds 208 L (55 US gal). A wine barrel is different again, at 31.5 US gallons (119.2 L).[1]
Did you know?
A standard steel drum holds 55 US gallons, or 208 litres, and is just under 610 mm wide.
Questions people ask
What are the dimensions of a 55-gallon drum?
A 55-gallon steel drum is nominally just under 880 mm (35 in) tall and just under 610 mm (24 in) across. Wikipedia gives typical outside dimensions of 584 mm (23 in) across the rims and 876 mm (34.5 in) tall, and inside dimensions of 572 mm (22.5 in) by 851 mm (33.5 in).[1]
What are oil drum dimensions in cm?
About 87.6 cm tall and 58.4 cm across the rims for a typical 200-litre drum, per Wikipedia. Other sources list 85 to 88 cm heights, depending on the maker and whether the drum is tight-head or open-head.[1][2][3]
How thick is the steel in a 55-gallon drum?
One distributor's spec sheet for a tight-head drum lists 1.20 mm (18 gauge) for the top and bottom and 0.90 mm (21 gauge) for the body. Other models may differ.[2]
