Ever grabbed a Red Bull can and wondered, “How big is this thing, really?” Maybe you’ve tried to fit it into a car cup holder, design a label, or stock your mini-fridge — only to realize not all Red Bull cans are the same size.
From the iconic 250 ml slim can to the towering 20 oz giant, Red Bull’s dimensions vary by region, flavor, and purpose. Understanding those differences can save you from packaging mistakes, help you choose the right fit for your fridge, or just satisfy your curiosity.
This guide breaks down every Red Bull can size — from height and diameter to regional variations — so you’ll know exactly what to expect from each version of the world’s most famous energy drink.
What “Red Bull Can Dimensions” Really Mean
Before diving into the numbers, let’s define a few important terms that appear in can specifications:
Term | Meaning | Why It’s Important |
---|---|---|
Height | The vertical length of the can from bottom to top. | Determines storage, stacking, and cooler compatibility. |
Diameter | The width of the can across its circular section. | Affects grip comfort and packaging layout. |
Circumference | The distance around the can (π × diameter). | Useful for label design and wrap printing. |
Volume | The amount of liquid the can holds. | Defines how much drink you get and caffeine content. |
Now let’s look at the actual Red Bull can sizes available around the world.
Standard Red Bull Can Sizes (With Height, Diameter, and Volume)
Red Bull uses several can formats depending on the market. Here’s a detailed chart comparing the most common versions:
Can Volume | Approx. Height | Approx. Diameter | Description |
---|---|---|---|
250 ml (8.4 fl oz) | 12.1–13.5 cm (≈ 4.75–5.3 in) | 5.3–5.7 cm (≈ 2.1–2.25 in) | The classic slim can—lightweight, portable, and iconic. |
355 ml (12 fl oz) | 15.5–16.0 cm (≈ 6.1–6.3 in) | 6.6–6.7 cm (≈ 2.6–2.7 in) | Common in North America; slightly wider and taller. |
473 ml (16 fl oz) | 17.0–17.8 cm (≈ 6.7–7.1 in) | 6.7–7.0 cm (≈ 2.6–2.8 in) | A “tallboy” for long workdays or extended energy boosts. |
591 ml (20 fl oz) | 19.0–19.5 cm (≈ 7.5–7.7 in) | 7.3–7.5 cm (≈ 2.9–3.0 in) | The largest can available; popular in the U.S. and Canada. |
Mini / Shot (190 ml or less) | ~10–11 cm (≈ 4.0–4.3 in) | ~5.3 cm (≈ 2.1 in) | Compact, quick-hit versions for portability and caffeine control. |
Note: Actual dimensions can vary slightly depending on the manufacturing region and the shape of the base or lid.
Regional Variations in Red Bull Can Sizes
Not every country carries the same can lineup. Red Bull adapts its dimensions to fit consumer habits, vending machines, and packaging standards in each market.
- Europe and Asia: The 250 ml slim can is the gold standard.
- United States and Canada: 355 ml and 473 ml sizes are dominant, with 591 ml as the “extra-large” option.
- Australia and New Zealand: Both 250 ml and 355 ml cans are common.
- Middle East: Some regions also carry the smaller 185 ml and 200 ml cans for traditional markets.
Because Red Bull cans are extruded from aluminum, they must meet tight manufacturing tolerances — usually within ± 1 mm for both height and diameter — ensuring they fit consistently in coolers, trays, and vending machines worldwide.
Why Red Bull Uses Slim Can Designs
Red Bull’s tall, slender cans aren’t just for style — they serve multiple purposes:
- Brand Identity: The slim profile stands out on crowded shelves, making Red Bull instantly recognizable.
- Ergonomics: Easier to grip, hold, and store compared to bulky soda cans.
- Efficient Storage: Tall cans fit tightly in vending machines and take up less shelf width.
- Rapid Cooling: Thinner walls and a smaller diameter allow faster chilling in refrigerators.
- Perceived Quality: The tall design conveys a “premium” feel compared to standard 330 ml soda cans.
Comparing Red Bull to Other Beverage Cans
Here’s how Red Bull’s iconic can sizes stack up against common soda or energy drink competitors:
Brand / Drink | Typical Volume | Approx. Height × Diameter | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Red Bull (Original) | 250 ml | 13 cm × 5.5 cm | Slim, tall |
Coca-Cola | 330 ml | 12.2 cm × 6.6 cm | Shorter, wider |
Monster Energy | 473 ml (16 oz) | 16.5 cm × 7.0 cm | Big, wider “tallboy” |
Rockstar Energy | 500 ml | 17.0 cm × 7.0 cm | Extra tall, wide |
Red Bull (20 oz) | 591 ml | 19.5 cm × 7.5 cm | Oversized, limited markets |
Compared visually, Red Bull’s standard can is much slimmer — that’s why it fits so neatly into narrow spaces like backpack bottle holders or small coolers.
How to Measure a Red Bull Can at Home
If you ever want to check the exact size of a Red Bull can for a design project or curiosity, here’s a quick method:
- Height: Use a ruler or tape measure from the base edge to the top rim.
- Diameter: Measure across the widest part of the can body.
- Circumference: Multiply the diameter by π (3.1416).
- Volume Verification: The printed milliliter value on the label is the internal liquid capacity, not total can volume.
Keep in mind that can bases are slightly concave, so if you measure the full exterior height, you may get a slightly different number than the internal specification.
Design and Engineering Behind Red Bull Cans
Red Bull’s cans are made from lightweight aluminum, chosen for its:
- Recyclability: Nearly 100% recyclable with minimal loss of material quality.
- Durability: Resists pressure and maintains carbonation.
- Light weight: Easier to ship and handle in bulk.
- Formability: Allows for precise shapes and thin walls without compromising strength.
This makes Red Bull cans not only portable but also environmentally efficient compared to glass or PET bottles of similar capacity.
Common Misconceptions About Red Bull Can Sizes
-
“All Red Bull cans are the same height.”
False — larger volumes like 473 ml or 591 ml are taller and wider. -
“Red Bull only comes in one size.”
Incorrect — there are at least five major can sizes, varying by market. -
“Slim cans hold less caffeine.”
Not necessarily. Caffeine concentration per 100 ml remains nearly constant across sizes. -
“Length” means something different from height.”
In cylindrical cans, “length” and “height” refer to the same vertical dimension.
Benefits of Knowing Red Bull Can Dimensions
Understanding the exact can sizes helps in:
- Retail planning: Arranging shelves or coolers efficiently.
- Design work: Creating accurate 3D mockups or product photography.
- Personal use: Choosing cans that fit your lifestyle or container size.
- Event logistics: Estimating storage and transport volume for large quantities.
Even collectors use dimension data to catalog rare editions and track packaging changes over the years.
Sustainability and Packaging Trends
Red Bull emphasizes sustainability in can production. The brand reports that each aluminum can is made with a high percentage of recycled content, and its compact design minimizes transport emissions by maximizing cans per shipment pallet.
Slim can formats are not only visually distinctive but also environmentally efficient, requiring less aluminum per milliliter of beverage than wider cans.
FAQs: Everything Else About Red Bull Can Sizes
Q1. What is the standard size of a Red Bull can?
The standard Red Bull can is 250 ml (8.4 fl oz), measuring about 13 cm tall and 5.5 cm in diameter.
Q2. How tall is a 12 oz (355 ml) Red Bull can?
It’s roughly 15.8 cm tall with a diameter of 6.6 cm, similar to a standard soda can but taller and slimmer.
Q3. What’s the biggest Red Bull can?
The largest commonly available size is 591 ml (20 fl oz), standing about 19.5 cm tall and 7.5 cm wide.
Q4. Why does Red Bull use smaller cans than Monster or Rockstar?
Red Bull’s smaller can promotes a quick-energy image and easier portability, while competitors often market on quantity and endurance.
Q5. Do can dimensions affect how cold Red Bull gets?
Yes — slim cans chill faster because of their higher surface-area-to-volume ratio.
Q6. Are Red Bull cans the same worldwide?
No. While the design looks identical, dimensions can vary slightly due to regional production and labeling standards.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re stocking up for a long shift, designing product packaging, or simply curious about the science behind your favorite energy drink, knowing Red Bull can dimensions gives you a new appreciation for this small but mighty aluminum icon.
The 250 ml slim can remains the global classic — sleek, efficient, and instantly recognizable — but Red Bull’s lineup has expanded to meet every need and market. From the handy mini cans to the towering 20 oz version, each size has a specific purpose.
Next time you crack one open, take a second look — that slim design is more than just aesthetics; it’s the result of decades of thoughtful engineering, branding, and consumer insight.
Deven Kumar is the creator and lead writer of measurerealm.com, a site dedicated to helping readers understand everyday measurements and sizes through clear, relatable examples. With a knack for simplifying numbers and dimensions, Deven makes measurement concepts easy and interesting for everyone. Passionate about practical knowledge, Deven’s goal is to provide content that informs, educates, and adds value to daily life.