Key takeaways
- A US liquid quart is 2 pints, 4 cups or 32 fluid ounces, about 946 milliliters.
- A liter is about 33.8 fluid ounces, so it is roughly 5.7 percent larger than a US quart.
- An imperial (UK) quart is larger, about 1.14 liters, so check the market a container is labeled for.
- A dry quart is a separate, larger unit than a liquid quart, which is why labels sometimes differ slightly.
- To convert fluid ounces to milliliters, multiply by about 29.57.
Plastic storage containers are sized by volume in quarts or liters, and the quickest conversion is that one US quart is about 0.95 liters and one gallon is four quarts, about 3.8 liters. A 60-quart bin is therefore a 15-gallon bin, roughly 57 liters. Outside dimensions in inches vary by maker, so use the volume as a guide and the product’s stated measurements to plan a fit.
Plastic storage container size chart
The table below uses standard US liquid conversions. Common uses are typical examples from household storage guides; actual shapes and inch measurements differ by maker.
| Size (quarts) | Approx. liters | Approx. gallons | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 qt | 0.95 L | 0.25 gal | Leftovers, small craft items, screws and hardware |
| 2 qt | 1.9 L | 0.5 gal | Dry goods, batteries, art supplies |
| 4 qt | 3.8 L | 1 gal | Pantry staples, small toys, cables |
| 6 qt | 5.7 L | 1.5 gal | Shoes (single pair), sewing supplies |
| 12 qt | 11.4 L | 3 gal | Toys, cleaning supplies, school items |
| 16 qt | 15.1 L | 4 gal | Small clothing items, craft kits |
| 32 qt | 30.3 L | 8 gal | Bedding pieces, folded clothing |
| 41 qt | 38.8 L | 10.25 gal | Seasonal clothing, linens |
| 56 to 60 qt | 53 to 57 L | 14 to 15 gal | Blankets, holiday decor |
| 64 to 70 qt | 60 to 66 L | 16 to 17.5 gal | Bulky items, comforters |
| 100 qt | 94.6 L | 25 gal | Large seasonal storage, sports gear |
Makers use many sizes in between, so a product labeled with a different number than those above is normal. Always read the stated capacity on the product.
Quarts, liters and inches: how the units relate
- A US liquid quart is 2 pints, 4 cups or 32 fluid ounces, about 946 milliliters.
- A liter is about 33.8 fluid ounces, so it is roughly 5.7 percent larger than a US quart.
- An imperial (UK) quart is larger, about 1.14 liters, so check the market a container is labeled for.
- A dry quart is a separate, larger unit than a liquid quart, which is why labels sometimes differ slightly.
- To convert fluid ounces to milliliters, multiply by about 29.57.
Inches describe the outside shape, not capacity. Capacity is reduced by thick walls, tapered sides and lid design, so two boxes with the same inch measurements can have different stated volumes. When you need a container to fit a shelf, compare the maker’s length, width and height with your space, and allow for lid handles.
Plastic ice box with lid size chart
Ice boxes and coolers are often sold by quart or liter and sometimes by how many cans they hold. Typical categories described in consumer guides are below; capacities and can counts differ by maker, and insulation reduces internal volume compared with the outside size.
| Category | Approx. capacity | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Personal or lunch box | 4 to 12 qt (about 4 to 11 L) | Day trips, a few cans, packed lunch |
| Small cooler | 16 to 30 qt (about 15 to 28 L) | Picnic for two to four people |
| Medium cooler | 40 to 55 qt (about 38 to 52 L) | Weekend trips, family outings |
| Large cooler | 60 to 100 qt (about 57 to 95 L) | Camping, events |
For simple, uninsulated plastic ice boxes used to hold ice or drinks at home, the sizes in the main chart apply. If you intend to keep food cold, look at the maker’s insulation and food-safety guidance. Keep perishable food at safe cold temperatures and do not rely on any container to substitute for refrigeration for long periods.
Box for nut and bolt storage
For fasteners, small parts and craft supplies, the best choice is usually a small container or a divided case rather than a large bin. General organizing guides describe these options:
- 1 to 2 quart lidded boxes suit a single fastener type and stack easily.
- Divided organizers with adjustable compartments are useful for assortments of nuts, bolts, washers and screws.
- Drawer cabinets with small pull-out bins keep sizes sorted on a workbench or shelf.
- 4 to 6 quart boxes are practical for bulk packs or for storing several smaller boxes together.
Choose containers with latching lids if you will carry them, and label each by thread size or use. Heavy metal items add weight quickly, so check the load rating, if the maker lists one, before filling a larger plastic bin; a full bin of hardware can be much heavier than the same bin holding clothes.
How to choose the right size
- List what you are storing. Group items by use, season or room.
- Measure the shelf or space. Note height, depth and width, plus clearance for the lid.
- Pick a volume. Use the chart: small sizes for hardware and craft, mid sizes for toys and clothing, large for bedding.
- Check the stated dimensions. Compare the maker’s inch or centimeter measurements with your space.
- Look at stackability. Many bins nest empty and stack when full; check the maker’s stacking guidance.
- Avoid overfilling. Leave room so lids close properly and bins can be lifted safely.
Material and lid notes
- Polypropylene is a common plastic for bins and is generally rigid and flexible in cold; clear versions make it easy to see contents.
- Food storage containers should be marked food safe by the maker; general tubs may not be.
- Latching lids and gasket lids resist dust and moisture better than loose-fitting lids, but no plastic bin is guaranteed to keep out water.
- Garage or attic storage may expose plastic to heat or cold; check the maker’s temperature guidance.
Storage planning tips
Buy a few containers of one size family so they stack neatly, and keep the most-used items in clear bins at eye level. Label the lid and one side, since lids are hidden when stacked. For closets, shallow bins of about 12 to 16 quarts are easier to lift than one large tote, and heavy items belong in the lower bins. Read the maker’s guidance on stacking height before building a tall tower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many liters are in a quart?
A US liquid quart is about 0.95 liters, or 946 milliliters. A liter is slightly larger than a quart. For storage bins, you can treat four quarts as roughly 3.8 liters.
How big is a 60-quart storage container?
A 60-quart bin holds 15 US gallons, or about 57 liters. Outside measurements vary by maker, but many bins of this class are sized for blankets, bulky clothing or holiday decor. Check the maker’s dimensions before buying.
Are storage container sizes the same across brands?
No. Brands use different shapes, wall thicknesses and lid designs, and labels may be rounded. Capacity and dimensions should be read from each product page or packaging.
What size container should I use for nuts and bolts?
Small lidded boxes of about 1 to 2 quarts, divided organizers or drawer cabinets are usual choices. They keep different sizes separate and are easy to lift. Larger bins are better for bulk packs or storing smaller boxes together.
Can I use a plastic storage bin as an ice box?
For short periods holding drinks on ice, a clean, sturdy bin can work, but it lacks insulation, so ice melts quickly. For keeping food cold, an insulated cooler designed for food is the better option.
Is a quart the same everywhere?
No. A US liquid quart, a US dry quart and an imperial quart are different volumes. If a container is labeled for another country, convert using liters to compare it with a US-labeled product.
