Free Container Label Size Matcher
Pick your container and get the label size that fits it, for GHS, secondary container, hazardous waste, HMIS, and NFPA 704 labels. Each result opens the free generator with that size already selected.
1. Pick your container
Container label size chart
The label size that fits each common chemical container, by label type. Sizes are the largest common stock that fits the container’s flat labeling face.
| Container | GHS label (full) | Secondary container label | Hazardous waste label | HMIS color-bar label | NFPA 704 diamond |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vial or small bottleup to 4 fl oz (120 mL) | 1″ × 2.625″ · Avery 5160 | 1″ × 2.625″ · Avery 5160 | 2″ × 4″ · Avery 5163 | 2″ × 3″ · plain paper | Not a fit |
| Bottle, jar or spray bottle4 fl oz to 1 quart (1 L) | 2″ × 4″ · Avery 5163 | 2″ × 4″ · Avery 5163 | 2″ × 4″ · Avery 5163 | 2″ × 3″ · plain paper | Not a fit |
| Gallon jug1 quart to 1 gallon (4 L) | 2″ × 4″ · Avery 5163 | 3.33″ × 4″ · Avery 5164 | 3.33″ × 4″ · Avery 5164 | 3″ × 4″ · plain paper | 4″ × 4″ · NFPA placard |
| Pail or bucket1 to 5 gallons (20 L) | 4″ × 6″ · plain paper | 3.33″ × 4″ · Avery 5164 | 3.33″ × 4″ · Avery 5164 | 3″ × 4″ · plain paper | 4″ × 4″ · NFPA placard |
| Drum5 to 55 gallons (210 L) | 4″ × 6″ · plain paper | 3.33″ × 4″ · Avery 5164 | 4″ × 6″ · plain paper | 4″ × 6″ · plain paper | 4″ × 4″ · NFPA placard |
| IBC tote or tankover 55 gallons | 4″ × 6″ · plain paper | 3.33″ × 4″ · Avery 5164 | 4″ × 6″ · plain paper | 4″ × 6″ · plain paper | 8″ × 8″ · NFPA placard |
How to find the right label size
- 1
Pick your container
Choose vial, bottle or spray bottle, gallon jug, pail, drum, or IBC tote — or type the container volume in mL, L, fl oz, qt, or gallons.
- 2
Read the size for your label type
See the label size that fits for a GHS, secondary container, hazardous waste, HMIS, or NFPA 704 label.
- 3
Open the generator
Click "Make this label" to open the free generator with that size already selected, then download a print-ready PDF.
Frequently asked questions
What size label do I need for a 1 gallon container?+
A 2″ × 4″ label (Avery 5163) fits the flat face of most gallon jugs for a GHS label. For a secondary container or hazardous waste label, a 3.33″ × 4″ label (Avery 5164) gives more room. For an HMIS color bar, use 3″ × 4″.
What size label goes on a 55 gallon drum?+
Use a 4″ × 6″ label for GHS, hazardous waste, and HMIS labels on a drum. If you also post an NFPA 704 diamond on the drum, 4″ × 4″ is enough for close-range reading.
What size label fits a spray bottle?+
A 2″ × 4″ label (Avery 5163) fits most 16–32 oz spray bottles. Print on weatherproof or synthetic stock so the label survives the spray.
Does OSHA require a minimum label size?+
No. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard does not set a minimum label size by container volume. It requires labels to be legible and prominently displayed. These recommendations are about practical fit: the largest common label that fits the container's flat labeling face.
Do the free generators print full Avery sheets?+
Not yet. Each free generator downloads a PDF with one label, sized exactly to the stock you picked. Print it at 100% / actual size. Full multi-up Avery sheets are available in the Tellus app.
Is this tool free?+
Yes. The matcher and every label generator it links to are free, with no account required.