Measure your bin and find the minimum flat width and length your liner needs. Works for round, square and rectangular bins.
Use the internal measurements of the bin, not the external casing. Measure at the widest point so the liner can pass over the rim without stretching.
For a round bin, measure the diameter. For a rectangular bin, measure both width and depth.
Measure vertically from the inside base to the top edge of the bin.
The calculator adds material to cover the bin base plus your selected fold-over allowance.
Methodology and formulas
Bin bags are normally sold by their flat width and total length. The correct size depends on the shape of the opening and the material needed to cover the bottom—not only the bin's litre capacity.
Round bin width
Diameter × 3.14 ÷ 2Rectangular bin width
Inside width + inside depthRound bag length
Bin height + half the diameter + overhangRectangular bag length
Bin height + half the base diagonal + overhangResults are rounded up to the next whole centimetre or inch. Because seams, gussets and manufacturer tolerances vary, check the stated product dimensions before ordering.
Methodology last reviewed: .
A round kitchen bin measuring 40 cm across and 60 cm high, with 10 cm of overhang:
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Measure the inside of the bin at its widest points. For a round bin, measure the diameter and height. For a square or rectangular bin, measure the width, depth and height. The calculator converts those measurements into the minimum flat bag width and length.
No. Litre capacity is useful for comparison, but bins with the same capacity can have different shapes. Match the calculated flat width and bag length first, then use litres as a secondary guide.
A 10 cm overhang is a practical starting point for folding the liner over the rim. Increase it if you need additional material for tying, or reduce it when the bin has a liner retaining ring.
There is no single answer based on litres alone because tall, round and rectangular 50 litre bins have different openings. Measure the bin dimensions and choose a liner whose flat width and length meet or exceed the calculated minimums.
Yes. Choose the next available liner with both a flat width and length at least as large as the calculated result. A smaller liner may split, slip into the bin or fail to cover the base.
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