Your average pop can in the US is 4.75 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide with a volume of 23 cu inIf aluminum can manufacturers would change the dimensions to 3.09 inches tall and 3.08 inches wide it would maintain the same volume yet the can would have a lower surface areaA lower surface area means less aluminum needed to make the canLess aluminum means the can will be cheaper to produce and more environmentally friendlyThe saving per can would be pretty small, however with the amount of pop being drunk per year this would add up to a huge revenue boost for the pop manufacturers.Is there any logical reason to keep the less efficient can size?Yes! Great question, by the wayThe reason that pop cans are shaped the way they are is due to them being shipped by airIf cans had the dimensions that you mentioned, they would explode at a high altitudeThere is also a small space between the liquid and the top of the can to help prevent this, so a little extra aluminum is neededThe dimensions of soda pop cans use the least amount of aluminum possible, while allowing the cans to be freighted by air without the risk of explosionEdit: Trust meIt is the air freight thingSend an email to a soda pop can producer and ask them if you don\'t believe me.Other related question