The 55 Gallon Drum is one of the most widely used industrial containers in the world. From storing chemicals and fuels to transporting food products and hazardous waste, this versatile container has become a global standard. But many people still wonder: how much is actually in a 55 Gallon Drum? The answer goes beyond simply saying “fifty five gallons,” as real-world use, capacity, and safety regulations influence what these gallon barrels can truly hold.
The basic volume of a 55 gallon drum
At its core, a 55 Gallon Drum Container is designed to hold 55 U.S. gallons of liquid. In metric terms, that equals about 208 liters. This capacity is what gives the drum its name and makes it a recognizable unit of measure across industries. Whether you are considering a 55 Gallon Barrel Metal container, a Plastic 55 Gallon Drum, or a 55 Gallon Steel Drum, the nominal size remains consistent.
However, in practice, the actual fill line is slightly less than the total 55 gallons. This space, often called “headspace,” is intentional. It allows for expansion of liquids during transport and helps prevent spills, leaks, or ruptures caused by temperature changes.
Weight capacity versus volume
When asking how much a 55 Gallon Barrel really holds, it’s important to distinguish between liquid volume and weight. A drum may be labeled as 55 gallons, but its safe weight capacity depends on the material of the container and the type of contents. For example, a 55 Gallon Steel Drum can hold heavier liquids compared to a Plastic 55 Gallon Drum due to its rigid structure.
On average, a filled drum can weigh anywhere from 400 to 600 pounds depending on the liquid stored. This weight makes gallon barrels challenging to move without forklifts or specialized equipment, which can increase handling costs and safety concerns.
Why the type of drum matters
Not all 55 Gallon Drum Containers are the same. Steel drums, often referred to as 55 Gallon Barrel Metal units, are durable and frequently used in heavy industries. They can handle chemicals, oils, and hazardous waste but are heavy even when empty. On the other hand, plastic drums are lighter and resist corrosion, making them a common choice for food-grade materials, pharmaceuticals, and water storage.
Whether you plan to buy 55 gallon drums for hazardous waste disposal or purchase a plastic version for safer handling, it’s important to remember that the actual usable capacity may vary slightly. Both types typically provide 55 gallons of nominal storage but will have different performance characteristics under load.
Storage and space considerations
The question of how much is in a 55 Gallon Drum also relates to how much space it takes up. Each drum is about 35 inches tall and 23 inches in diameter. That footprint remains constant whether the drum is full or empty, which means warehouses and shipping companies using large quantities of these containers face logistical challenges. Even empty, they take up the same volume as when they are full.
For organizations purchasing multiple 55 gallon drums for sale, this can quickly lead to wasted storage space and higher transportation costs.
Innovative alternatives with the same capacity
While traditional steel and plastic gallon barrels have been the standard for decades, newer solutions now offer the same 55-gallon capacity with better efficiency. One of the most notable is Gorilla Drum™, a collapsible polypropylene container that holds the same volume as a standard fifty five gallon drum but weighs only about 7.5 pounds when empty.
Gorilla Drum is stack-tested, UN/DOT certified, and approved for hazardous materials, making it just as safe as rigid drums but far more efficient in storage and transport. Instead of occupying the same space when not in use, these containers collapse flat, allowing up to 80 units per pallet and over 4,000 per truckload.
For more details on its performance, visit Why Gorilla Drum Outperforms Standard 55 Gallon Barrels.
How industries benefit from collapsible designs
Organizations that once relied solely on rigid 55 Gallon Steel Drums and Plastic 55 Gallon Drums are now embracing alternatives. Package delivery services, laboratories, and hazardous waste handlers have all found that collapsible drums cut warehousing costs, reduce carbon emissions, and simplify compliance without sacrificing the true 55-gallon capacity.
The key advantage is that while a Gorilla Drum holds the same amount of liquid or solid material as a traditional drum, it solves the storage and handling issues that come with bulky, rigid containers.
Making the right choice for your needs
If you’re in the market to buy 55 gallon drums, it’s worth considering whether a traditional steel or plastic option truly meets your needs. While they technically hold 55 gallons, their limitations in storage, handling, and environmental impact often outweigh their benefits.
Alternatives like Gorilla Drum provide the same 55-gallon volume but with significant operational advantages. For guidance on evaluating your options, check out the Complete Guide To Choosing The Right 55 Gallon Drum Alternative.
Final thoughts
So, how much is actually in a 55 Gallon Drum? The answer is that it reliably holds 55 gallons, or about 208 liters, but its usefulness goes beyond simple volume. The material of the drum, its weight capacity, and its storage footprint all affect how much value you truly get out of each container. While gallon barrels have been the backbone of industrial storage and shipping for decades, innovative alternatives now provide the same capacity with far greater efficiency.
For companies looking to modernize their operations, reduce costs, and improve sustainability, Gorilla Drum is the clear choice. To learn more or speak with a representative about how Gorilla Drum can fit your business needs, call +1 800-758-8079 today.