Garbage Bag Size Calculator
Work out which bin liner size fits your bin and how many you need each year.
Formula and sources updated · Data sources · 1View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
Bag fit and yearly use are rough planning estimates. The model uses bag capacity equal to 1.5 times the bin volume to allow material over the rim, but the marketed capacity does not guarantee a fit; compare the bag dimensions with your bin.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Bin volume 13 gallons · Number of bins 3 · Bag changes per bin per week 3 · Bag size you are considering 13 gallons · Price per bag 0.15 $ Recommended bag size 19.5 gallons · Does this bag fit Yes, but tight on the rim · Bags per week 9.0 · Bags per year 468 · Annual cost 70.20 $ · Rim overhang available 0 %
Method and assumptions
rec = 1.5 x V; bags/wk = n x c; bags/yr = bags/wk x 52; overlap = (S - V)/V x 100; C = bags/yr x p Suggested bag capacity = 1.5 × bin volume; this is a rim-overhang planning heuristic, and actual bag dimensions determine fit. Annual bags = bins × changes per bin per week × 52. Bag fit and yearly use are rough planning estimates. The model uses bag capacity equal to 1.5 times the bin volume to allow material over the rim, but the marketed capacity does not guarantee a fit; compare the bag dimensions with your bin. Use the cited guidance and your own measurements, bills or product specifications to choose inputs. Sample defaults are not current local data.
Data sources
Use the cited guidance and your own measurements, bills or product specifications to choose inputs. Sample defaults are not current local data.
Disclaimer
These calculators provide planning estimates only. Building codes, wiring regulations and safety requirements differ by country and change over time, and nothing here replaces a licensed professional or a permit. For structural, electrical or gas work, follow local code and have the installation inspected.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
rec = 1.5 x V; bags/wk = n x c; bags/yr = bags/wk x 52; overlap = (S - V)/V x 100; C = bags/yr x p
- V
- bin volume (gal)
- S
- bag size (gal)
- n
- number of bins
- c
- bag changes per week
- p
- price per bag
- C
- annual cost
Suggested bag capacity = 1.5 × bin volume; this is a rim-overhang planning heuristic, and actual bag dimensions determine fit. Annual bags = bins × changes per bin per week × 52.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the tool recommend a bag half again the bin?
The 1.5× capacity factor is a planning heuristic for material that folds over the rim. A 13-gallon bin therefore gets a 19.5-gallon modeled bag size. The capacity printed on a bag does not guarantee it will fit a particular bin, so compare the actual dimensions.
Which inputs and limits apply to Garbage Bag Size Calculator?
Use the units shown beside each field. These are form limits, not recommended settings. Bin volume: 1–500 gallons; Number of bins: 1–200; Bag changes per bin per week: 0.5–50; Bag size you are considering: 1–500 gallons; Price per bag: 0–50 $ rec = 1.5 x V; bags/wk = n x c; bags/yr = bags/wk x 52; overlap = (S - V)/V x 100; C = bags/yr x p Suggested bag capacity = 1.5 × bin volume; this is a rim-overhang planning heuristic, and actual bag dimensions determine fit. Annual bags = bins × changes per bin per week × 52. Bag fit and yearly use are rough planning estimates. The model uses bag capacity equal to 1.5 times the bin volume to allow material over the rim, but the marketed capacity does not guarantee a fit; compare the bag dimensions with your bin. Use the cited guidance and your own measurements, bills or product specifications to choose inputs. Sample defaults are not current local data.
What is a complete worked example for Bin volume = 13 gallons; Number of bins = 3?
Inputs: Bin volume = 13 gallons; Number of bins = 3; Bag changes per bin per week = 3; Bag size you are considering = 13 gallons; Price per bag = 0.15 $. Calculation: rec = 1.5 x V; bags/wk = n x c; bags/yr = bags/wk x 52; overlap = (S - V)/V x 100; C = bags/yr x p. Results: Recommended bag size = 19.5 gallons; Does this bag fit = Yes, but tight on the rim; Bags per week = 9.0; Bags per year = 468; Annual cost = 70.20 $; Rim overhang available = 0 %.