How many ml is in a can of lager?

The volume of a can of lager is not uniform worldwide, with different countries adhering to different standards based on historical and cultural influences. For instance, a standard can in the United States typically holds 355ml, while common sizes in the UK and Europe are 440ml and 500ml.

Quick Summary

The volume of a can of lager depends heavily on the country, with North America favoring 355ml, the UK often using 440ml, and mainland Europe preferring 330ml and 500ml options. Local and craft variations offer additional sizes, creating a diverse global landscape of beer can volumes.

Key Points

• Regional standards dictate can size: The volume of a lager can varies significantly depending on the country or region due to differing measurement standards, historical practices, and consumer preferences.

• North America's 355ml standard: A classic 12-ounce can, equivalent to 355ml, is the most common size in the United States and Canada.

• European sizes include 330ml and 500ml: Continental Europe generally uses a 330ml standard, with 500ml being a popular 'large' option for many lagers.

• The UK's 440ml heritage: The United Kingdom has a strong tradition of 440ml cans, which traces its roots back to imperial measures.

• Craft beer boosts the 473ml tallboy: The 16 oz (473ml) 'tallboy' has gained popularity globally, especially within the craft beer scene, offering a larger serving size.

• Cans offer superior preservation: Regardless of size, aluminum cans provide better protection against light and oxygen compared to glass bottles, preserving the lager's quality and taste.

• Modern cans reflect market strategy: Different can sizes cater to various market strategies, from single-serving portions to larger, value-oriented packs.

Standard Lager Can Sizes Explained by Region

The volume of a can of lager is influenced by regional standards, historical measurements, and market trends. Understanding these differences can prevent confusion when purchasing beer in different parts of the world. While the 'standard' size might be 330ml or 355ml, a variety of other volumes are also common depending on the market.

North American Lager Can Sizes

In North America, the most prevalent can size is 12 fluid ounces, which translates to 355 ml. This standard has been in place for decades, a legacy of the US customary system. Other common sizes include the 16 oz (473 ml) 'tallboy' and larger 19.2 oz (approx. 570 ml) and 24 oz (approx. 710 ml) cans for certain brands or venues.

European Lager Can Sizes

European can sizes are generally based on the metric system. Common sizes include 330 ml across the continent, 440 ml which is traditional in the United Kingdom, and the popular 500 ml half-litre can found across Europe. The UK also has a 568 ml 'pint can'.

Other International Can Sizes

Around the world, can sizes vary reflecting local regulations and preferences. Australia commonly uses a 375 ml can. In Japan, 350 ml and 500 ml are typical, while South Africa uses 330 ml and 440 ml sizes.

The Evolution of Can Sizes and Their Purpose

Can sizes have evolved from adapting early food canning volumes to modern aluminum standards. Different sizes now cater to various consumer needs, offering standard single servings (355ml/330ml), larger options for value (500ml/440ml), and 'tallboys' (473ml) popularized by craft breweries. Specialty or mini cans (e.g., 250ml) are used for specific products.

Can Size Comparison: Lager Cans Worldwide

Country/Region	Standard Can Size(s) (ml)	Metric/Imperial Origin	Common Usage	Notes
North America (US/Canada)	355 ml (12 oz)	Imperial	Most common size for mainstream lager	Tallboys (473ml) and Stovepipes (570ml) are also widely available
United Kingdom	440 ml (14.8 fl oz)	Imperial-related	Traditional size for lager and cider	330ml and 500ml cans have also become common
Continental Europe	330 ml	Metric	Standard for many domestic and imported beers	500ml cans are also very popular for premium lagers
Australia	375 ml	Metric	Standard size for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks	Sometimes referred to as a 'tinnie'
Japan	350 ml, 500 ml	Metric	Common sizes for domestic and imported beers	Other smaller and larger cans are also sold

The Case for Cans over Bottles

Aluminum cans offer several advantages for preserving beer quality. They prevent light exposure, which can cause 'skunking,' and provide a superior oxygen seal to maintain freshness. Cans are also lighter and more widely recyclable, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.

Conclusion

The volume of a can of lager is not a single, universal measurement but varies significantly by region and market. Sizes like 330ml, 355ml, 440ml, and 500ml are common across the globe, each with its own historical and cultural context. Understanding these variations highlights the diverse nature of the international beer market.

Visit the official NHS website for information on alcohol units in different drinks, including canned lager.

How many ml is in a can of lager?

• Regional Variation: Can sizes differ significantly across the globe. What's standard in one country may not be in another.
• North American Standard: In the US and Canada, the standard can size is 12 fluid ounces, which equals 355 ml.
• UK Standard: In the United Kingdom, a traditional can of lager is 440 ml, though 330 ml and 500 ml sizes are also available.
• European Standard: Continental Europe typically uses 330 ml as a standard, with 500 ml cans also very common.
• Craft Beer Influence: Craft breweries worldwide have popularized the 16 oz (473 ml) 'tallboy' can for its larger volume and distinct packaging.
• Why the Difference?: The variations in can sizes are largely due to historical conversions from imperial to metric measurements and regional market preferences.
• Not Just for Lager: Many of these can sizes apply to other beverages as well, including soft drinks and ciders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a US can of lager 355ml?

A standard US can of lager contains 12 fluid ounces. This volume was set decades ago based on the US customary system of measurement, and it translates to approximately 355 milliliters in the metric system.

What is the standard can size in the UK?

The traditional standard for a can of lager or cider in the UK is 440 ml. However, the 330 ml and 500 ml sizes, common in mainland Europe, have also become widely available.

What is a 500ml can called?

A 500ml can is often referred to as a half-litre can and is a popular 'large' size in many parts of Europe. This size is common for premium or imported lagers and is widely available alongside the smaller 330ml option.

Is a 16 oz can of beer the same as a pint?

In the United States, a 16 oz (473 ml) can, known as a 'tallboy' or 'pounder,' is a US pint. However, an Imperial pint, used in the UK and Ireland, is 20 fluid ounces or 568 ml, so a 16 oz can is smaller than an Imperial pint.

Why do some countries use 330ml cans?

Many countries use 330ml cans because it was adopted as a standard in Europe, representing a clean metric conversion of approximately one-third of a litre. This size is standard for both soft drinks and many beer brands across the continent.

Are there smaller cans of lager available?

Yes, smaller cans are available for specialty drinks or for specific markets. For instance, some companies offer 'nip cans' in sizes as small as 8.4 oz (250 ml), particularly for higher-ABV beers or energy drinks.

Is canned lager the same quality as bottled lager?

From a preservation standpoint, canned lager is often considered higher quality. The aluminum can protects the beer from light, which can 'skunk' or spoil the flavor, and creates a tighter seal against oxygen ingress, keeping the beer fresher for longer.