Can lids are manufactured in many different sizes to fit various types of cans and meet the different demands of the marketplace. These sizes have been standardized by the beverage and food packaging industries for compatibility and functionality. The most common sizes are measured in millimeters or inches, referring to the lid’s diameter.
For beverage cans, there are also three major sizes: 202, 204, and 206. Each of these respective sizes corresponds to a diameter of roughly 2.13 inches, 2.25 inches, and 2.375 inches. Each size is utilized with great frequency for such beverages as standard soft drinks, beers, and energy drinks. The 202 size is the most popular for 12-ounce cans, accounting for over 50% of global beverage can production.
Because food cans need larger sizes, like 307 inches (3.07 inches) or 401 inches (4.01 inches), due to the weight of their contents and the specific sealing requirements, these are utilized for a variety of canned foods, such as soups, fruits, and vegetables. According to a study by the Can Manufacturers Institute in 2021, 307 lids are used in over 40% of canned food products around the world, making it one of the predominant sizes in the industry.
Specialty products or niche markets also develop custom-sized lids. Resealable lids, which have gained high appeal in energy drink and sports beverage segments, come in standard sizes such as 209 or 211, offering optimal solutions between compact design and consumer convenience.
Because even small discrepancies can compromise the seal, the manufacturing process for can lids ensures very accurate dimensional tolerances. Tolerances are usually maintained within ±0.001 inches to ensure a perfect fit with the can body. Deep-draw stamping technology makes these lids at up to 1,500 per minute with consistent quality.
Sustainability also plays a role in size considerations. Smaller lids, such as the 200 diameter, use 30% less aluminum than larger options like the 206, reducing material costs and environmental impact. Many manufacturers now incorporate 70% recycled aluminum into their lids, aligning with global sustainability goals.
These sizes are supplied by renowned packaging companies such as Ball Corporation and Crown Holdings to major beverage and food brands. More than 200 billion lids for cans were produced globally in 2022, with the greater number falling within the standard sizes mentioned above.
The famous industrial designer Dieter Rams once said, “Good design must be innovative.” This commandment of good design finds an expression in the engineering of can lids, as precision, sustainability, and flexibility come together in an effort to answer the requirements of a fast-changing market.