Dumpster size calculator
Add each room and what you are removing for a recommended dumpster size and an estimated weight. We estimate on the high side on purpose, and your local hauler will confirm weight limits and availibility.
Tick at least one material in a room, or add some furniture, to get an estimate.
Most bins include a set weight. Check the included tonnage with the dumpster company to avoid overage fees.
Assumes about 2.5 yd³ per full-size pickup with an 8 ft bed (loose debris). Actual trucks vary.
Save your size and it will be filled in for you when you request a quote from a dumpster company.
We estimate on the high side on purpose: conservative tear-out volumes for each material type, plus a 30% safety margin, and we size up whenever a bin would be more than about 78% full. Weight ranges use typical densities for the types you picked. Included weight we assume per size: 10 yd 1.5 t, 14 yd 2 t, 20 yd 2.5 t, 30 yd 3 t, 40 yd 4 t. Companies set their own.
Dumpster size chart
Typical dimensions and uses for common roll-off dumpsters. Exact footprints vary by hauler and manufacturer.
| Size | Category | Typical footprint | Capacity | Common projects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 yard | Mini | ~10 ft × 6 to 8 ft × 2.5 to 3 ft | ≈ 2½ pickup loads · for small jobs or heavy materials | Small cleanouts, single-room projects, concrete, brick, dirt or shingles |
| 10 yard | Small | ~12 ft long × 8 ft wide × 3.5 ft high | ≈ 4 pickup loads of loose debris | Garage cleanouts, small bathroom remodel, light yard waste |
| 14 yard | Medium | ~14 ft × 8 ft × 4 ft | ≈ 5½ pickup loads · mid-size residential for one major room | Kitchen reno, deck removal, flooring tear-out |
| 20 yard | Large | ~16 to 22 ft × 8 ft × 4.5 to 5.5 ft | ≈ 8 pickup loads · most common whole-project residential size | Multi-room remodel, roofing for a typical house, large cleanouts |
| 30 yard | XXL | ~18 to 22 ft × 8 ft × 6 ft | ≈ 12 pickup loads · high-volume construction debris (not for dense fill) | Whole-home renovation, new construction scrap |
| 40 yard | XXL | ~22 ft × 8 ft × 7 to 8 ft | ≈ 16 pickup loads · largest common roll-off; needs driveway space and access | Major demolition, commercial jobs, bulky light materials |
Pickup-load figures assume ~2.5 yd³ per full-size pickup with an 8 ft bed (loose debris), rounded to the nearest half load.
Heavy materials such as concrete, dirt, brick and asphalt should usually go in a smaller bin loaded below the rim. Ask about the included tonnage before you book.