A standard condensed soup can is about 3″ wide and 4.5″ tall (7.6 x 11.4 cm). It holds 10.5 to 10.75 oz, according to Feet2Inches.
There is no single size for every soup, though. This guide covers standard soup can sizes, height and diameter, label size, and how to measure a can yourself. All measurements are in inches and centimeters.
Table of Contents
Standard Soup Can Dimensions in Inches and Centimeters
What are the standard soup can dimensions? In the US, most food cans are named by a three-digit code. The Can Manufacturers Institute sets this system. The first group is the diameter and the second is the height. Each group is whole inches plus sixteenths.
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So 300 x 407 means 3″ wide and 4 7/16″ tall.
| Can code | Diameter x height (in) | Diameter x height (cm) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 211 x 400 (No. 1 Picnic) | 2 11/16″ x 4″ | 6.8 x 10.2 | 10.94 fl oz |
| 300 x 407 (No. 300) | 3″ x 4 7/16″ | 7.6 x 11.3 | 15.22 fl oz |
| 303 x 406 (No. 303) | 3 3/16″ x 4 3/8″ | 8.1 x 11.1 | 16.88 fl oz |
| 307 x 409 (No. 2) | 3 7/16″ x 4 9/16″ | 8.7 x 11.6 | 20.55 fl oz |
| 603 x 700 (No. 10) | 6 3/16″ x 7″ | 15.7 x 17.8 | 109.43 fl oz |
Source: Wikipedia, Steel and tin cans. Centimeters are converted from inches.
These are nominal dimensions, so real cans can differ a little by maker. The big No. 10 “coffee can” holds about 3 quarts, per Nebraska Extension.
Soup cans are made of steel, usually lined with a thin plastic coating. Modern cans are about 99.5% steel.
Soup Can Height and Diameter by Brand and Ounce Size
How tall is a normal can of soup? Most are about 4.4″ to 4.5″ tall (11.2 to 11.4 cm).
Here are common sizes by weight:
| Soup type | Net weight | Approx. diameter x height (in) | Approx. (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condensed (Campbell’s) | 10.5–10.75 oz | 3″ x 4.5″ | 7.6 x 11.4 |
| Mid-size | 15 oz | 3″ x 4.4″ | 7.6 x 11.2 |
| Ready-to-eat (Progresso) | 19 oz | 3.375″ x 4.4″ | 8.6 x 11.2 |
| Chunky (Campbell’s) | 18.6 oz | 3.5″ x 4.5″ | 8.9 x 11.4 |
Sources: Feet2Inches and Levapack. Treat these as approximate.
Larger packs exist too. Levapack lists Campbell’s family-size cans at 22.6 oz and a 50 oz foodservice pack. Their sizes vary, so check the maker’s spec.
Ounces are not inches. The ounces on a label are net weight, not size. A can of condensed soup is made to be diluted. A ready-to-eat can already holds its water. So a bigger can does not always mean more servings.
Soup Can Label Dimensions: Size and Wrap Guide
What are the dimensions of a soup can label? The label width equals the can’s circumference. Multiply the diameter by 3.14.
| Can diameter | Label width (inches) | Label width (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 3″ (No. 300) | 9.42″ | 23.9 |
| 3 3/16″ (No. 303) | 10.01″ | 25.4 |
| 3.375″ (Progresso-style) | 10.60″ | 26.9 |
The label height is a little shorter than the can. This leaves the top and bottom rims clear. I couldn’t find a standard number for this, so ask your printer for a template.
A few tips for label design:
- Add a small overlap for the glue seam.
- Keep text away from the seam.
- Allow for the curve, since art can look stretched at the edges.
Some cans are printed directly on the metal instead. That skips the paper label.
How to Measure and Calculate Soup Can Size
To measure at home, use a ruler or tape. Measure the outside diameter across the body. Then measure the height from the base to the top rim.
Two quick formulas help:
- Circumference = diameter x 3.14
- Volume = 3.14 x radius² x height
Here is a worked example for a 300 x 407 can. The radius is 1.5″. The volume is 3.14 x 1.5² x 4.4375, or about 31.4 cubic inches. That is roughly 17.4 fluid ounces.
The listed capacity for this can is only 15.22 fl oz. Why? Outside measurements include the metal walls, and cans are not filled to the brim.
Knowing your can size helps in many ways. It lets you plan pantry shelves, buy storage racks, and pack cases. It also helps with recipes and DIY projects like herb planters. Steel cans are also easy to recycle. About 65% of steel cans are recycled, and the US rate is 63%.
FAQs
What are the dimensions of a soup can?
About 3″ in diameter and 4.5″ tall (7.6 x 11.4 cm) for a standard condensed can. It holds 10.5 to 10.75 oz.
What are the dimensions of a can?
It depends on the can. Soup and vegetable cans are often No. 300 (3″ x 4 7/16″) or No. 303 (3 3/16″ x 4 3/8″). A 12 oz beverage can is different, at about 2.6″ wide and 4.83″ tall.
What are the dimensions of a soup can label?
The width is the can’s circumference. That is about 9.4″ (23.9 cm) for a 3″ can. The height is slightly less than the can. Confirm with your printer’s template.
How tall is a normal can of soup?
About 4.4″ to 4.5″ (11.2 to 11.4 cm).
Conclusion
A standard soup can is about 3″ x 4.5″ (7.6 x 11.4 cm), but sizes vary by code, brand and soup type. Measure your can, or check the maker’s spec, before you buy shelves, labels or packaging.
Rehmaan Khan is a Measurement Content Researcher Specializing in MLmeasurement, Size Guides, Charts, and Simple Educational Measurement Content.