How much alcohol is in a tall boy truly? A definitive guide

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

The term "tallboy" can ambiguously refer to a 16 oz or a 24 oz can, a distinction that significantly changes the total amount of alcohol inside. This guide answers how much alcohol is in a tall boy truly by explaining the factors that influence its potency and how to calculate its standard drink equivalent.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the true alcohol content of a tallboy by differentiating between common sizes and demonstrating how to calculate its standard drink equivalent based on the beer's ABV.

Key Points

Tallboy Size Varies: The term "tallboy" commonly refers to either a 16 oz or 24 oz can, not a single standard size.
ABV Determines Alcohol Content: The actual amount of alcohol is determined by the beer's Alcohol By Volume (ABV) percentage, not just the can's volume.
Easy Calculation: You can calculate the ounces of pure alcohol by multiplying the can's volume by the ABV percentage.
Standard Drink Equivalents Differ: Because of the varying sizes and ABVs, a tallboy can contain one, two, or even more standard drinks, so always check the label.
Craft vs. Macro Beers: Craft breweries often use 16 oz tallboys, sometimes with higher ABVs, while 24 oz cans are popular with mass-market brands.
Read the Label Closely: The ABV is clearly printed on the label and is the most reliable source for understanding a beer's potency.

What Exactly Is a Tallboy?

The term "tallboy" is not a standardized measurement but rather a colloquialism, leading to significant confusion over its exact volume. The most common sizes for tallboy cans are 16 oz and 24 oz, with the latter sometimes being called a "silo" or "stovepipe". This size difference is critical because a beer's actual alcohol content is determined by its volume and its Alcohol By Volume (ABV) percentage, not just the can's height. While craft brewers have embraced the 16 oz tallboy as a signature package for its larger canvas for art and branding, the 24 oz version remains a staple for many popular, high-volume brands. Understanding this variability is the first step toward knowing how much alcohol you are truly consuming.

The Importance of Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

ABV is the single most important factor for determining a tallboy's true alcohol content. ABV measures what percentage of the total liquid volume is pure ethanol. This percentage is required by law to be printed on all alcoholic beverage labels in most regions, though regulations may vary. A beer's ABV can range from under 4% for light beers to over 10% for many craft and imperial styles. The higher the ABV, the more pure alcohol is contained within the can, regardless of its size.

Calculation Example: To determine the exact amount of pure alcohol in ounces, you can use a simple formula: can size (in oz) x ABV percentage. For instance:

A 16 oz tallboy at 5% ABV: $16 imes 0.05 = 0.8$ oz of pure alcohol.
A 24 oz tallboy at 6% ABV: $24 imes 0.06 = 1.44$ oz of pure alcohol.

Tallboy vs. Standard Can: A Comparative Look

To better illustrate the difference in alcohol content, it's helpful to compare a standard 12 oz can to the two common tallboy sizes at various ABV levels. This shows how quickly the total alcohol consumed can change based on both can size and ABV.


Feature	Standard 12 oz Can	16 oz Tallboy	24 oz Tallboy
Pure Alcohol (5% ABV)	$12 imes 0.05 = 0.6$ oz	$16 imes 0.05 = 0.8$ oz	$24 imes 0.05 = 1.2$ oz
Pure Alcohol (6% ABV)	$12 imes 0.06 = 0.72$ oz	$16 imes 0.06 = 0.96$ oz	$24 imes 0.06 = 1.44$ oz
Pure Alcohol (8% ABV)	$12 imes 0.08 = 0.96$ oz	$16 imes 0.08 = 1.28$ oz	$24 imes 0.08 = 1.92$ oz
U.S. Standard Drinks (5% ABV)	1.0 drink	1.33 drinks	2.0 drinks
U.S. Standard Drinks (6% ABV)	1.2 drinks	1.6 drinks	2.4 drinks
U.S. Standard Drinks (8% ABV)	1.6 drinks	2.13 drinks	3.2 drinks

Note: One U.S. standard drink is defined as containing 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol.

What Determines a Beer's ABV?

Several factors during the brewing process influence a beer's final ABV. The primary driver is the amount of fermentable sugar the yeast has to consume.

Malt Extract: Adding more malt extract provides more sugars for the yeast, resulting in a higher ABV.
Yeast Strain: Different yeast strains have varying alcohol tolerance levels. Brewers can select specific yeasts to achieve higher ABVs.
Brewing Process: Techniques like extending the boil time to concentrate sugars or adding other sources of simple sugars can be used to influence the final alcohol percentage.
Style: Certain beer styles are naturally higher in alcohol than others. For example, Imperial IPAs and stouts generally have higher ABVs than light lagers.

Decoding Your Tallboy Can Label

To ensure you know exactly how much alcohol is in your tallboy, follow these steps when reading the can label. Don't be fooled by brand names or label art; the numbers tell the real story.

Look for ABV: The ABV is typically listed as a percentage near the bottom of the can, often close to the nutritional information.
Check the Volume: Ensure you read the actual volume printed on the can, usually in ounces (oz) or milliliters (ml), to differentiate between 16 oz and 24 oz sizes.
Consider the Style: The beer style can also give you a clue. A "Session IPA" will almost always have a lower ABV than an "Imperial Stout".

The True Verdict

In conclusion, the question of how much alcohol is in a tall boy truly has no single answer because it is dependent on two key variables: the can's volume and the beer's Alcohol By Volume (ABV). A tallboy can be a 16 oz or 24 oz can, and the ABV can range widely from 4% to over 10%. To accurately determine the alcohol content, always check the label for both the volume and the ABV, then perform a simple calculation. This practice is essential for informed and responsible consumption. Understanding these details allows you to appreciate the full spectrum of beer styles and strengths available in the popular tallboy format.

For more resources on understanding alcohol content and responsible drinking, consult organizations like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference is the volume of liquid. A 16 oz tallboy, often called a 'pounder' or 'pint can', is popular with craft brewers, while a 24 oz can is a larger, less common size sometimes referred to as a 'silo' or 'stovepipe'.

No, the can size does not dictate the strength of the beer. While some craft beers in tallboys have higher ABVs, many tallboys contain beer with a standard 4-6% ABV, just in a larger quantity.

The Alcohol By Volume (ABV) is legally required to be printed on the label. Look for a percentage (%) symbol, typically found near the nutritional information or other product details.

This depends entirely on the can's volume and the beer's ABV. A 16 oz tallboy of 5% ABV beer contains about 1.33 U.S. standard drinks, while a 24 oz can of 6% ABV beer contains 2.4 U.S. standard drinks.

Craft brewers favor 16 oz tallboys for several reasons, including increased space for marketing and artistic labels, perceived premium branding, and the convenience of selling them in single units or four-packs.

Yes, ABV varies significantly across beer styles. For instance, a light lager might have a 4.2% ABV, while an Imperial IPA could be 8% or higher, and some specialty stouts can exceed 10%.

In the United States, a 16 oz tallboy is considered a pint can, aligning with the standard 16 oz American pint glass. However, a British pint is 20 oz, which is a key difference to remember internationally.