Numbers, translated
Every figure on a storage listing is technically true and practically useless. This page turns quarts into contents, inches into shelves, and mattress names into footprints you can measure against the floor.
Start here
Storage is bought for a situation, not for a capacity. Pick the situation and the guide names the product, with the reason attached rather than left implied.
Where two products would both do, the cheaper one is named. Nothing here is chosen by margin.
Assembled dimensions, folded thickness and pack sizes for all four capacities.
| Capacity | Gallons | Assembled size | Folded flat | Packs | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 qt | 5.75 gal | 16.14 x 11.02 x 9.25 in | 3.15 in | 3-pack | Closet shelves, linen, small toys |
| 48 qt | 12.00 gal | 21.3 x 13.78 x 11.61 in | 2.17 in | 3-pack, 4-pack | Toy boxes, playroom corners, wardrobes |
| 76 qt | 19.00 gal | 24.84 x 15.55 x 13.39 in | 2.17 in | 3-pack, 4-pack | Duvets, coats, seasonal clothing |
| 97 qt | 24.25 gal | 27.56 x 14.76 x 16.34 in | 2.17 in | 3-pack, 4-pack | Garage racking, sports kit, house moves |
All four capacities share the same construction: two hinged front doors, a removable lid and four castors. A load rating is published only for the 23-quart bin, at up to 90 lb; for the larger sizes the maker states none, so no figure is invented here.
The footprint is what decides whether household sheets fit and whether the bed fits the room.
| Size | Footprint | Height | Weight limit | Floor space needed | Listed at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 75 x 39 in | 18 in | 400 lb | 9 by 6 feet with room to walk | $79.98 |
| Full | 75 x 54 in | 18 in | 600 lb | 9 by 7 feet with room to walk | $139.99 |
| Queen | 80 x 60 in | 18 in | 700 lb | 9 by 7 feet with room to walk | $79.99 |
| King | 80 x 76 in | 18 in | 850 lb | 9 by 9 feet with room to walk | $169.99 |
Packing cubes
The piece count on a packing cube set counts bags as pieces, which is how "eight" turns out to be six cubes plus a laundry bag and a toiletry bag. Both layouts contain the same six cubes in the same three sizes.
| Eight-piece | 6 cubes + laundry bag + hanging toiletry bag |
|---|---|
| Ten-piece | 6 cubes + laundry bag + toiletry bag + shoe bag + accessory pouch |
| Cube sizes | Three graduated sizes, two of each |
| Carry-on | One layer deep; large cube fits lengthways only |
A closet shelf: folded jumpers, towels, a shoebox or two
A toy box a child can drag across the floor unaided
A full duvet, or a season of coats off the rail
Garage shelving: sports kit, tools, camping gear
Questions
Divide by four for gallons, or by about thirty for cubic feet. A 97-quart bin is roughly 24 gallons or 3.2 cubic feet, which is a little over half a standard washing machine drum.
The 23-quart bin at 16.1 by 11 inches fits almost any shelf. The 48-quart and above are designed for floor or garage racking and will overhang a typical 12-inch closet shelf.
At 18 inches tall they need a deep-pocket sheet. A standard sheet cut for a 10-inch mattress will reach the corners but pull off during the night.
Yes. Both the eight-piece and ten-piece sets contain the same six cubes in the same three sizes. Only the extra bags and the fabric grade change.