How Big Is 330 mL of Beer? A Comprehensive Size Guide

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

According to brewers like Good Chemistry Brewing, 330 mL is considered an industry standard size for beer in many parts of the world, offering a serving that is substantial yet remains cold for the duration of drinking. To fully grasp how big is 330 mL of beer, it's helpful to compare it to other common beverage sizes and understand its significance in the global market.

Quick Summary

A 330 mL beer is approximately 11.2 US fluid ounces, making it slightly smaller than the standard 12 oz American can or bottle. This common European size is a convenient, single-serving portion often used for bottled craft and specialty beers.

Key Points

Size Equivalency: A 330 mL beer bottle is approximately 11.2 US fluid ounces, making it slightly smaller than the standard 12 oz American serving.
European Standard: The 330 mL size is a common standard in many European and international markets, often sold alongside the 500 mL format.
Flavor Optimization: The smaller size allows the beer to be consumed more quickly, helping to preserve its flavor and optimal temperature.
Lower Calorie Count: For the same ABV, a 330 mL beer contains fewer calories than larger servings like a 500 mL bottle or a UK pint.
Historical Origin: The 330 mL serving likely evolved from metric standardization and was adopted for convenience and export markets.
Lower Waste: Using smaller bottles can be more sustainable by reducing packaging material and transport weight compared to larger format containers.

Understanding the 330 mL Measurement

At its core, 330 mL refers to 330 milliliters of liquid. To put that into perspective, 1,000 milliliters (mL) makes up one liter (L). This makes a 330 mL bottle approximately one-third of a liter. In many European countries, particularly those influenced by metric standardization, the 330 mL bottle is a staple, often seen alongside the larger 500 mL size. Its adoption is often attributed to it being a convenient portion for enjoying premium or higher-alcohol-content beers.

330 mL vs. Common U.S. and U.K. Sizes

For those accustomed to imperial measurements, understanding the 330 mL size often requires direct comparison to familiar volumes like the 12 oz bottle or the U.K. pint. Here is a quick breakdown to clarify the difference:

330 mL to US Fluid Ounces: 330 mL is roughly equal to 11.2 US fluid ounces. This means a 330 mL bottle contains about 0.8 ounces less beer than a standard American 12 oz bottle or can.
330 mL to Imperial Fluid Ounces: 330 mL is about 11.6 Imperial fluid ounces.
330 mL to a UK Pint: A 330 mL serving is significantly smaller than a full UK pint, which is 568 mL. It is just over half a pint. Some pubs even serve a third of an Imperial pint, which is 189 mL.

This size difference explains why many imported European beers sold in the U.S. appear slightly smaller than their domestic counterparts when bottled in the 330 mL format.

The Advantages of the 330 mL Format

The popularity of the 330 mL bottle is not accidental. Brewers and consumers have embraced it for several key reasons:

Flavor Preservation: A smaller bottle means the beer is consumed faster, keeping it from getting warm or flat before it's finished. This is especially important for craft beers with delicate flavor profiles.
Lower Environmental Impact: Smaller bottles require less energy to transport and store compared to bulkier, larger bottles. From a sustainability perspective, this can reduce a brewery's overall carbon footprint.
Packaging Efficiency: For brewers, the standard nature of the 330 mL bottle makes packaging and distribution more efficient. This common size reduces waste and simplifies logistics, especially when dealing with international export.
Tasting Portions: The 330 mL size is perfect for tasting new beers without committing to a larger quantity. It’s a great way for enthusiasts to sample different styles and breweries.

Historical Context: From Ounces to Milliliters

The adoption of the 330 mL size reflects a global shift and the evolution of international trade. While the U.S. and other countries standardized on a 12-fluid-ounce bottle, many parts of the world, particularly in Europe, adopted the half-liter (500 mL) and its fractional counterpart, the 330 mL. The European Union's move toward metric standardization further cemented the 330 mL bottle's role as a common container size for imported specialty beers, particularly those from countries like Belgium.

Comparison Table: How 330 mL Stacks Up


Feature	330 mL Bottle	12 oz US Can/Bottle	500 mL Bottle	UK Pint (Imperial)
Equivalent Volume	~11.2 US fl oz	12 US fl oz (~355 mL)	~16.9 US fl oz	20 Imperial fl oz (568 mL)
Common In	Europe, Asia, International Markets	United States, Canada	Europe, Czech Republic, UK	United Kingdom, Ireland
Common Uses	Craft beers, imports, and premium lagers	Mass-market lagers, craft beers	Standard and craft beers	Draught beer, some bottled
Calories (Avg. 5% ABV)	~142 calories	~150 calories	~210 calories	~250 calories

Conclusion: The Place of the 330 mL Bottle in Beer Culture

The 330 mL bottle, a standard for a reason, is far more than just a measurement. It represents a practical and culturally significant serving size, particularly for European craft and specialty beers. For consumers, it provides a perfect, single-serving portion that ensures every drop is enjoyed at its best. For brewers, it is an efficient and sustainable option that has become a familiar icon on store shelves worldwide. Whether you prefer a small bottle or a larger pint, understanding the context and characteristics of each size allows for a more informed and appreciative drinking experience. Learn more about the history of beer at The Oxford Companion to Beer.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a 330 mL beer is not the same as a 12 oz beer. 330 mL is equal to about 11.2 US fluid ounces, making it slightly smaller than a standard 12 oz (355 mL) can or bottle commonly found in the United States.

Many beers, especially craft and imported European varieties, are sold in 330 mL bottles because it is a standard metric size in their home markets. It's also a good single-serving size that helps keep the beer fresh and cold until the end of the drink.

The number of calories in a 330 mL beer depends on its alcohol by volume (ABV) and ingredients. A regular 330 mL beer with 5% ABV typically has around 142 calories, while a light or non-alcoholic version would have fewer.

A 330 mL beer is much smaller than a pint. A UK Imperial pint is 568 mL, while a US pint is 473 mL. Therefore, 330 mL is just over half a UK pint and just under three-quarters of a US pint.

A 330 mL serving can equate to a standard drink, but it depends on the alcohol content and country's definition. For instance, in Australia, a 330 mL beer with 4.0% ABV is considered one standard drink. Check the label for the specific ABV and standard drink calculation.

Yes, 330 mL is a very common bottle or can size for non-alcoholic beer, similar to its use for standard beers. This size offers a satisfying single-serving portion for those choosing alcohol-free options.

A 330 mL bottle will get warm, but it is typically consumed quicker than a larger pint, meaning the beer generally stays colder for the entire duration of drinking.