How Many Ounces in a Can of Beer: A Quick Guide

How Many Ounces in a Can of Beer? This seemingly simple question often crosses my mind whenever I reach for a cold one after a long day. Whether I’m at a party, a barbecue, or just relaxing at home, understanding the volume of that aluminum can in my hand can make a difference in how I plan my evening. So, let’s dive into this common yet vital query and uncover the answer, shall we?

How Many Ounces in a Can of Beer

Standard Can of Beer Sizes

Beer cans come in a variety of sizes, but the most common size is the 12-ounce can. However, there are also 16-ounce and 24-ounce cans available.

12-Ounce Cans

The 12-ounce can is the standard size for most beers, including popular brands like Budweiser and Coors Light. It’s also the most commonly found size in packs of 6, 12, 15, 18, and 24. This size is popular because it’s easy to transport and fits easily in most coolers and fridges.

Some craft breweries and micro-breweries also offer their beers in 12-ounce cans. For example, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Stone IPA are both available in 12-ounce cans.

16-Ounce Cans

The 16-ounce can, also known as a “tall boy,” is becoming increasingly popular for craft beers. This size is commonly used for beers like IPAs and stouts. Some popular brands that offer 16-ounce cans include Lagunitas IPA and Founders All Day IPA.

One advantage of the 16-ounce can is that it allows for more space for artwork and branding. This has made it a popular choice for craft breweries looking to stand out on the shelves.

24-Ounce Cans

The 24-ounce can is the largest size commonly found in stores. These extra-large cans are commonly used for light beers and are twice as large as the typical 12-ounce can. Some popular brands that offer 24-ounce cans include Miller Lite and Bud Light.

While the 24-ounce can is not as common as the 12-ounce or 16-ounce cans, it is still a popular choice for those looking for a larger serving size. It’s also a popular option for those looking to save money, as the larger size can often be a better value than buying multiple smaller cans.

Can of Beer Metric Equivalentss

12-Ounce Cans in Milliliters

A 12-ounce can of beer is the most common size in the United States, holding approximately 354 milliliters of liquid. This size is equivalent to about 1.5 cups or 12 fluid ounces. It is important to note that the amount of liquid in a can of beer may vary slightly depending on the specific brand and type.

16-Ounce Cans in Milliliters

A 16-ounce can of beer is also a popular size, especially among craft breweries. This size holds approximately 473 milliliters of liquid, which is equivalent to about 2 cups or 16 fluid ounces. Some breweries may also offer 15-ounce cans, which hold approximately 443 milliliters of liquid.

24-Ounce Cans in Milliliters

A 24-ounce can of beer is less common but still available at some stores. This size holds approximately 710 milliliters of liquid, which is equivalent to about 3 cups or 24 fluid ounces.

It is important to note that the metric equivalents of beer can sizes may vary slightly depending on the country and region. For example, in the United Kingdom, a standard can of beer holds 440 milliliters of liquid, which is slightly larger than the 12-ounce can in the United States.

Non-Standard Can of Beer Sizes

While most cans of beer come in the standard 12-ounce size, there are a few non-standard sizes available as well. These sizes can be convenient for different occasions, and some breweries have started offering their beers in these unique sizes to stand out from the crowd.

Non-Standard Can Sizes

8-Ounce Cans

One non-standard size that has become popular in recent years is the 8-ounce can. These cans are smaller than the standard 12-ounce can and are perfect for those who want to enjoy a beer without having to drink a full can. They are also great for events where you want to offer a variety of different beers without having to open full cans of each one.

Some breweries have started offering their beers in 8-ounce cans, including Founders Brewing Company and Oskar Blues Brewery. These cans are often sold in packs of four or six and can be a great way to try new beers without committing to a full 12-ounce can.

32-Ounce Cans

On the other end of the spectrum, some breweries have started offering their beers in larger 32-ounce cans. These cans are great for sharing with friends or for events where you want to have a larger quantity of beer available.

Some breweries that offer 32-ounce cans include 21st Amendment Brewery and Ballast Point Brewing Company. These cans are often sold individually and can be a great option for those who want to enjoy a larger quantity of beer without having to buy a full 6-pack.

While non-standard can sizes may not be as common as the standard 12-ounce can, they can be a great option for those who want to try something new or who need a different size for a specific occasion. Just be sure to check the label for the size before purchasing to make sure you are getting the size you want.

Conclusion

When it comes to the size of a can of beer, there are a few things to keep in mind. While the standard size for a can of beer is 12 ounces, there are many variations available on the market. Some craft breweries and micro-breweries offer beers in cans that hold more than 12 ounces, ranging from 16 to 24 ounces, depending on the brewery.

It’s important to note that the weight of the container can also affect the size of the beer inside. On average, a can of beer weighs about 13 ounces, including the weight of the container. So while a 12oz serving would weigh slightly less than 13 ounces, an extra-large 24oz can could weigh up to 26 ounces.

When purchasing beer, it’s always a good idea to double-check the size of the can before making a purchase. This can help ensure that you get the size and amount of beer that you want, without any surprises.

Overall, the size of a can of beer can vary depending on the brand, brewery, and container size. However, with a little bit of research and attention to detail, you can ensure that you get the perfect can of beer for your needs.

Executive Chef | Website | + posts

Chef Michael Correll began his restaurant career near his home in his teens as a pizza cook, but soon moved to Philadelphia where he first landed at Jones, an acclaimed Stephen Starr restaurant on Chesntut Street.

It was also in Philadelphia that Chef Correll pursued his culinary education, graduating from the Art Institute of Philadelphia in 2008.

After school he worked for Chef Marc Plessis at Nineteen in the Park Hyatt Hotel before moving to Pinehurst, North Carolina to open the Carolina Room.

See what Baltimoresun.com and Baltimoremagazine.com say about him.

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