WhatSizeSkipUK skip sizes explained
Compare common sizes without relying on a supplier's exact dimensions. Skip capacities are nominal cubic yards; the shape and usable internal space vary by operator.
Calculate my skip size| Nominal size | Approx. cubic metres | Very rough refuse-sack comparison | Typical starting use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-yard mini | 1.5 | 20 | Small tidy-up |
| 3-yard | 2.3 | 30 | Between mini and midi, where stocked |
| 4-yard midi | 3.1 | 40 | Modest room or bathroom clear-out |
| 5-yard | 3.8 | 50 | Mid-size option, where stocked |
| 6-yard builder's | 4.6 | 60 | Medium renovation or clearance |
| 8-yard large builder's | 6.1 | 80 | Larger household jobs |
| 10-yard | 7.6 | 100 | Bulky light waste; ask about weight limits |
| 12-yard | 9.2 | 120 | Large, light-waste clearances |
How to choose between two sizes
First estimate the actual waste, not just the room's floor area. A wardrobe may leave large voids; flattened cardboard packs differently from branches. Our free calculator adds a 20% planning allowance for imperfect packing and estimation error. If the adjusted volume approaches the edge of a size, ask your operator about the next size up—provided your load is light enough.
Heavy material is different
Soil, bricks, rubble, hardcore, concrete and paving can hit a skip's lifting or weight allowance well before the container is full. Many operators limit how much dense waste may be placed in larger skips. Our calculator caps a single heavy-waste suggestion at a nominal 6 yards and asks you to confirm the provider's actual rules. More than one smaller skip, a swap or a suitable commercial container may be needed.
Questions before ordering
- Does the operator stock this nominal size, and what are its actual dimensions?
- What waste types and maximum weight will this booking permit?
- Do upholstered seating, mattresses or plasterboard need separate handling?
- Will the skip stand on private land or a public road? A road permit may be needed.
The sack comparisons are rough communication aids, not a guarantee of fit. For very large or awkward jobs, speak to a licensed waste operator before booking.