Think about the last time you grabbed an ice-cold Mountain Dew from the fridge or a vending machine. You probably popped it open without much thought, but have you ever stopped to ask: What are the exact dimensions of this can? How tall is it? What’s its diameter? And why are there different sizes available in the first place?
If you’re curious, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a collector, a restaurant owner trying to stock the right inventory, a designer creating can storage, or just someone fascinated by everyday objects, the dimensions of a Mountain Dew can matter more than you’d expect. This guide will break everything down from standard can sizes and measurements to how they compare with other soda cans, and even why these dimensions exist in the first place. By the end, you’ll know more about Mountain Dew cans than most people ever will.
Standard Mountain Dew Can Dimensions
When people say “a can of Mountain Dew,” they’re usually talking about the most common size: the 12 oz can. This is the classic size you’ll find in six-packs, vending machines, and gas stations.
- Capacity: 12 fluid ounces (355 ml)
- Height: About 4.83 inches (12.3 cm)
- Diameter (top and bottom): Around 2.6 inches (6.6 cm)
- Circumference: Approximately 8.2 inches (20.8 cm)
This size has become the industry standard not just for Mountain Dew, but for most carbonated soft drinks in the U.S. However, Mountain Dew also comes in many other can sizes, each with slightly different dimensions.
Variations of Mountain Dew Can Sizes
Mountain Dew isn’t limited to just the 12 oz can. Depending on where you live, the store you visit, or the pack you buy, you may run into different sizes. Here’s a breakdown:
7.5 oz Mini Can
- Height: About 3.1 inches (7.9 cm)
- Diameter: Around 2.25 inches (5.7 cm)
These are marketed as “mini cans” and are popular with people who want portion control. They’re small, cute, and often sold in 10- or 12-packs.
8.4 oz Can (Energy Drink Style)
- Height: About 4.8 inches (12.2 cm)
- Diameter: Roughly 2.1 inches (5.3 cm)
Similar to Red Bull-style cans, these are slimmer and taller compared to mini cans.
16 oz Tall Can
- Height: Roughly 6.2 inches (15.7 cm)
- Diameter: About 2.7 inches (6.8 cm)
A favorite for convenience stores and single-serving purchases. They’re big enough to satisfy a larger craving but still manageable in one sitting.
24 oz Tallboy Can
- Height: About 7.6 inches (19.3 cm)
- Diameter: Around 3 inches (7.6 cm)
These are the “giants” of the Mountain Dew family, often found in gas stations or sold individually. One can nearly doubles the size of the standard 12 oz.
Regional and Limited Edition Sizes
In some countries, you may find Mountain Dew in 330 ml cans (common in Europe) or 440 ml cans (common in the UK). Their dimensions are slightly different, reflecting local manufacturing and consumer preferences.
Why Do Mountain Dew Cans Have These Dimensions?
It’s not random — every measurement has a purpose. Here are a few reasons why Mountain Dew cans are shaped the way they are:
- Ergonomics – A can needs to fit comfortably in your hand.
- Storage Efficiency – Cans are designed to stack perfectly, whether in a fridge, vending machine, or on store shelves.
- Material Optimization – Aluminum cans are engineered to hold pressurized liquid safely without wasting material.
- Global Standards – Beverage companies follow standardized dimensions so that packaging, vending machines, and carriers are universal.
So when you notice the height and diameter of a Mountain Dew can, remember — it’s the result of decades of design evolution.
Comparing Mountain Dew Can Sizes with Other Soft Drinks
Mountain Dew cans are no different in size from Coke, Pepsi, or Dr Pepper cans of the same capacity. A 12 oz Mountain Dew can shares almost identical dimensions with a 12 oz Pepsi can. The only thing that sets them apart is branding and design.
However, Mountain Dew tends to have more tallboy options (16 oz and 24 oz cans) compared to some competitors. This matches its branding as a high-energy, bold-flavor soda.
Benefits of Knowing Mountain Dew Can Dimensions
At first glance, knowing the exact size of a soda can might seem trivial. But in real life, it can be surprisingly useful:
- Storage Planning: Helps if you’re designing a mini-fridge, can holder, or pantry space.
- Collecting: Many people collect cans, and knowing dimensions is essential for display cases.
- Diet Control: Different can sizes affect portion sizes and calorie intake.
- DIY Projects: From crafts to science experiments, exact can measurements matter.
- Business Use: Restaurants and bars need to order and store cans efficiently.
Common Misconceptions About Can Dimensions
- “All soda cans are the same size.”
Not true. While many share similar dimensions, variations exist depending on region and packaging. - “Tall cans hold more carbonation.”
Carbonation is consistent across sizes; the can’s volume doesn’t affect fizziness. - “Slim cans are healthier.”
Slim cans simply hold less liquid, but calorie content per ounce is the same.
Real-Life Uses and Examples
Imagine you’re building a custom cup holder for your car or boat. Knowing the precise diameter of a Mountain Dew can ensures a perfect fit.
Or maybe you’re a teacher planning a science experiment involving pressure and volume. Using Mountain Dew cans, you’d need their exact measurements to calculate formulas correctly.
Even casual uses, like designing a 3D-printed can holder for your gaming desk, require these dimensions.
Mistakes to Avoid When Considering Can Dimensions
- Assuming global uniformity – U.S. sizes differ from European and Asian cans.
- Ignoring can height when stacking – Tallboys won’t always fit in small fridges.
- Mixing ounces and milliliters – A 12 oz can is 355 ml, not 330 ml (the European standard).
- Thinking bigger is always better – While a 24 oz can is tempting, it’s not always practical for portion control.
Industry Insights: Why Cans Are Here to Stay
Despite the rise of plastic bottles, cans remain one of the most popular packaging choices for soda. Here’s why:
- Sustainability: Aluminum is highly recyclable.
- Portability: Cans chill faster and are easier to carry.
- Marketing: The sleek, printable surface of a can makes it ideal for bold Mountain Dew branding.
Trends suggest that slim cans and mini cans are growing in popularity, especially among younger consumers looking for portion control.
Tips for Choosing the Right Mountain Dew Can Size
- For parties: Standard 12 oz cans are easiest to distribute.
- For long road trips: Tallboys (16–24 oz) mean fewer stops.
- For calorie-conscious drinkers: Mini cans are the best choice.
- For collectors: Look out for regional or limited-edition cans with unique dimensions.
FAQs About Mountain Dew Can Dimensions
1. How tall is a 12 oz Mountain Dew can?
About 4.83 inches (12.3 cm).
2. What is the diameter of a Mountain Dew can?
Roughly 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) for the standard 12 oz size.
3. Are Mountain Dew cans the same size as Pepsi or Coke cans?
Yes, standard cans have nearly identical dimensions across brands.
4. Why are some Mountain Dew cans taller and slimmer?
That’s a packaging style choice, often used for energy drink-style cans.
5. How much does an empty Mountain Dew can weigh?
Around 14–15 grams of aluminum.
6. Do other countries have different can sizes?
Yes, Europe commonly uses 330 ml and 440 ml cans instead of 355 ml.
7. Can Mountain Dew cans fit into standard cup holders?
Most standard 12 oz cans do, but larger 24 oz cans may not fit in all holders.
8. What’s the largest Mountain Dew can available?
The 24 oz tallboy is one of the biggest widely available sizes.
9. Are there collectible or special edition can sizes?
Yes, limited editions sometimes come in unique dimensions depending on the region.
10. Does the can’s size affect taste or carbonation?
No, the soda’s formula is the same regardless of can size.
Conclusion
The next time you crack open a Mountain Dew, you’ll know that its dimensions are more than random measurements. They’re the product of careful design, consumer demand, and industry standards. Whether you’re stacking them in your fridge, designing a storage system, or just satisfying your curiosity, knowing the exact size, height, diameter, and variations of Mountain Dew cans gives you a new appreciation for something so everyday.
Mountain Dew cans aren’t just containers — they’re part of a global system of design, convenience, and branding. And now, you know everything you need to about them.