Soda can dimensions are one of the most overlooked yet critical details when choosing beverage packaging. Picking the wrong size can affect shelf appeal, shipping costs, stacking efficiency, and even consumer grip comfort. In 2026, with sustainability pressures rising, understanding soda can dimensions—including height, diameter, volume, and regional differences—has become essential for brands aiming to balance functionality, cost, and eco-friendliness.
This complete guide focuses on the world’s most popular size—the 12oz standard can (355ml)—while comparing global variations and offering practical recommendations for soda, beer, energy drinks, and more.
Why Soda Can Dimensions Matter for Your Brand
The right soda can dimensions directly impact several key areas:
- Shelf presence & visual appeal: Uniform sizes create clean, professional shelf rows.
- Consumer experience: Too tall = hard to grip; too wide = awkward to drink from.
- Logistics & cost: Every extra millimeter in height or diameter can reduce pallet efficiency by 3–5%.
- Sustainability: Lighter, optimized dimensions reduce aluminum usage and carbon footprint.
In 2026, brands that master soda can dimensions not only cut costs but also strengthen eco-credentials—a major buying factor for today’s consumers.
Global Standard Soda Can Dimensions Comparison Table
Here are the most common soda and beer can sizes used worldwide in 2026 (data sourced from Berlin Packaging global supply chain):
| Capacity | Common Name | Standard Height (mm) | Body Diameter (mm) | Primary Markets & Uses | Asia-Pacific vs Europe/US Difference | Recommended Wall Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250ml | 8.4oz Slim | 115–134 | 52–57 | Energy drinks, functional beverages | Asia prefers taller slim; US/EU shorter & wider | 0.09–0.10mm |
| 330ml | 11.2oz | 115–146 | 57–66 | Soft drinks, cola, beer | Asia uses shorter, fatter version; Europe taller slim | 0.10–0.11mm |
| 355ml | 12oz | 122–168 | 57–66 | Mainstream soda & beer | Asia-Pacific: mostly 168mm tall; Europe/US: 122–134mm stubby | 0.10–0.12mm |
| 500ml | 16.9oz | 168–200 | 66–73 | Larger beer, energy drinks | More common in Europe/US; growing in Asia | 0.11–0.13mm |
| 568ml | 20oz | 188–230 | 66–73 | Import beer, long cans | Popular in US bars; rare in Asia | 0.12–0.14mm |
12oz (355ml) remains the world’s bestselling can size, accounting for ~45% of global beverage cans. However, Asia-Pacific markets strongly favor the 168mm tall version for a sleek, premium hand-feel, while Europe and the US prefer the shorter 122–134mm stubby style for better stackability and fridge fit.
Material Choices & Recycling Guide for Soda Cans
In 2026, aluminum remains the dominant material for soda cans (AA3004/AA3104 alloy), but wall thickness and coating have evolved significantly for sustainability.
- Lightweighting trend: Wall thickness dropped from 0.13mm to 0.09–0.10mm, saving 15–20% aluminum per can and reducing carbon footprint by ~10%.
- Recycling advantage: Aluminum cans achieve a global recycling rate of ~69% (far above plastic’s 9%). Recycling 1 ton of aluminum saves ~14,000 kWh of energy.
- Berlin Packaging recommendation: Use BPA-NI food-grade lining + low-carbon aluminum to meet FDA, EU EFSA, and sustainability certifications while maintaining strength.
Common Soda Can Size Selection Mistakes & Pro Tips
- Mistake #1: Thinking bigger is always cheaper → Larger cans (500ml+) suit wholesale, but retail consumers prefer 355ml (perfect single-serve volume).
- Mistake #2: Ignoring regional preferences → Asia-Pacific consumers favor tall slim cans for grip and premium look; Europe/US prefer stubby cans for fridge stacking.
- Mistake #3: Focusing only on volume, not diameter → 66mm diameter cans are more stable but take ~35% more shelf space than 57mm versions.
Pro tip: For Asia-Pacific markets, the 355ml 66mm diameter tall can is often the best all-rounder—great grip, shelf presence, and transport efficiency.
Berlin Packaging’s Soda Can Solutions
We offer full-range stock and custom soda can options:
- Immediate availability: 250ml–500ml mainstream sizes
- Custom development: Special heights, lightweight walls, BPA-NI coating
- Sustainable support: Low-carbon aluminum + recycling chain certification
Ready to find the perfect soda can dimensions for your soda, beer, or energy drink brand? Contact Berlin Packaging today for free samples and quotes.