How Big Is a 20 Gallon Pot? Size, Soil & Volume Guide

Introduction

A 20 gallon pot is a popular choice for growing large plants, vegetables, and small trees.

This guide breaks down dimensions, cubic feet, soil requirements, and bag calculations. So you can choose and fill your container correctly.

How Big Is a 20 Gallon Pot (Dimensions in Inches)?

A typical 20 gallon plant pot size varies slightly depending on the material:

✔️ Diameter: 20–24 inches.

✔️ Height: 16–20 inches.

Quick Size Summary:

Width: about 2 feet across.

Height: about 1.5 feet tall.

Volume: 20 gallons.

What Can You Grow in a 20 Gallon Pot?

A 20 gallon pot is large enough for:

✅ Tomatoes (full-size varieties).

✅ Peppers (multiple plants).

✅ Blueberries.

✅ Dwarf fruit trees.

✅ Cannabis (large plants).

✅ Cucumbers and squash.

👉 It provides enough root space for high-yield container gardening.

We offer high quality 20 gallon nursery pots for farms, nurseries, and greenhouses.

How Much Soil for a 20 Gallon Pot?

How many cubic feet in a 20 gallon pot? A 20 gallon pot holds about 2.5–2.7 cubic feet of soil.

To fill a 20 gallon container, you’ll need: 2.5–2.7 cubic feet of potting soil.

Pro Tip: You usually don’t need to fill 100%.

Leave 1–2 inches at the top for watering space.

Actual soil used: ~2.3–2.5 cubic feet.

How Many Bags of Soil for a 20 Gallon Pot?

This depends on bag size:

Common Bag Conversions:

✔️ 1 cubic foot bags → 3 bags.

✔️ 1.5 cubic foot bags → 2 bags.

✔️ 2 cubic foot bags → 1.5 bags.

Simple Rule: Buy 2–3 bags of potting soil per 20 gallon pot.

How Much Soil to Fill a 20 Gallon Pot (Exact Breakdown)

Understanding how 2 gallon pots compare helps optimize your production planning.

👉 Swipe the table left/right to view all size details.

👉 If adding gravel or a drainage base, reduce soil slightly.

How Big Is a 20 Gallon Pot Compared to Other Sizes?

10 gallon pot: about half the size.

15 gallon pot: slightly smaller, less root space.

20 gallon pot: ideal for large plants.

25 gallon pot: for trees and long-term growth.

FAQ Section

How big is a 20 gallon pot in inches?

Typically 20–24 inches wide and 16–20 inches tall. This depends on the type.

How many cubic feet of soil for a 20 gallon pot?

You’ll need about 2.5–2.7 cubic feet of soil.

How much soil to fill a 20 gallon pot?

About 2.3–2.5 cubic feet when leaving space at the top.

Is a 20 gallon pot big enough?

Yes, it’s ideal for large plants and deep root systems.

See our complete Gallon Pot Size Guide.

Related Article:

How Big Is a 15 Gallon Plant Pot

How Big Is a 25 Gallon Pot