Whether you’re a brewery owner, retailer, or just curious about beer can sizes, understanding exact dimensions matters. From cooler planning to packaging design, these measurements make a real difference.

This guide covers everything about standard beer can dimensions.

12 oz Beer Can Dimensions (The Standard)

Height and Diameter of 12 oz Cans

The 12 oz beer can stands 4.83 inches tall. This measurement includes the entire can from bottom to top rim. The diameter measures exactly 2.13 inches across.

In metric terms, that’s 12.3 cm in height and 5.4 cm in diameter. These dimensions have remained consistent since the 1960s when the aluminum can became standard.

This size holds 355 milliliters of liquid. It’s the most manufactured beverage can in North America. Over 70% of beer sold in the US comes in this format.

The standard 12 oz can fits perfectly in most cup holders. It also works with standard koozies and cooling sleeves designed for the beverage industry.

12 oz Sleek Can Dimensions

The sleek 12 oz can offers a taller, slimmer profile. It measures approximately 6.125 inches in height with a narrower 2.25-inch diameter.

Craft breweries favor this design for premium positioning. The extra height provides more label space for branding. It also creates a more sophisticated visual appeal on retail shelves.

Despite the different shape, it still holds 355 ml of beer. The sleek design has grown 15% in market share since 2020, according to industry reports.

16 oz Beer Can Dimensions (Tallboy)

Standard 16 oz Can Measurements

A 16 oz beer can stands 6.19 inches tall. This makes it roughly 1.36 inches taller than the standard 12 oz version. The diameter remains 2.13 inches, matching the smaller format.

This size is commonly called a “tallboy” in American markets. It holds 473 milliliters of beer, making it a popular choice for value-conscious consumers.

The 16 oz format accounts for nearly 20% of beer can sales in convenience stores. Gas stations and single-serve retailers stock this size heavily.

16 oz Sleek Can Dimensions

The sleek 16 oz can measures approximately 7.12 inches tall. Its diameter narrows to about 2.25 inches, creating an elongated appearance.

Craft beer producers use this format extensively. The tall, slim profile stands out in crowded coolers. It also communicates premium quality to consumers.

Energy drinks and hard seltzers have popularized this shape. The design has crossed over successfully into the craft beer packaging market.

Large Format Beer Can Dimensions

19.2 oz Beer Can Size

The 19.2 oz can stands 6.69 inches tall. It maintains the standard 2.13-inch diameter found in smaller formats.

This size emerged as a value alternative to the pint (16 oz). It offers 568 milliliters of beer while fitting standard production lines.

Regional breweries favor this format for local distribution. It provides more volume without requiring different equipment or can end sizes.

24 oz Beer Can Dimensions

A 24 oz beer can reaches 8.46 inches in height. The diameter increases to approximately 2.60 inches to accommodate the larger volume.

This single-serve format holds 710 milliliters of beer. It’s popular for malt liquors and value beer brands in urban markets.

The taller design requires special consideration for retail shelf space. Many convenience stores dedicate specific sections to this large format beer can.

According to Can Manufacturers Institute data, 24 oz cans represent about 8% of total beer can production.

25 oz and 28 oz Beer Cans

The 25 oz can typically measures 8.5 inches tall with a 2.60-inch diameter. It holds 739 milliliters of liquid.

A 28 oz beer can stands approximately 8.75 inches high. Its diameter matches the 24 oz format at 2.60 inches. This size contains 828 milliliters.

These formats serve regional markets and specific brands. Malt beverage producers use these sizes more than traditional beer brewers.

Specialty Beer Can Dimensions

8 oz Mini Beer Can Size

The 8 oz mini can measures 4.75 inches tall. Its diameter is narrower at approximately 2.00 inches.

This smaller beer can format has gained traction since 2018. It holds 237 milliliters, perfect for tasting flights and portion control.

Craft breweries use mini cans for high-ABV beers and variety packs. The format allows consumers to sample multiple styles without commitment.

16.9 oz (500ml) Beer Can Dimensions

The 16.9 oz can stands roughly 6.25 inches tall. It features the standard 2.13-inch diameter common in North American production.

This size represents the European standard of 500 milliliters. Import beers frequently use this measurement for global consistency.

The format bridges imperial and metric systems. It’s slightly larger than a standard 16 oz but smaller than 19.2 oz.

32 oz Crowler Dimensions

A 32 oz crowler measures 7.12 inches tall. The diameter expands to 3.00 inches to hold the full quart of beer.

Craft breweries seal crowlers on-demand for takeout. The larger diameter requires specialized canning equipment called a crowler machine.

This format holds 946 milliliters of fresh beer. It offers an alternative to traditional growlers with better seal integrity.

Beer Can Diameter Explained

Standard Beer Can Diameter Measurements

Most beer cans use a 202 diameter specification. In practical terms, that’s 2.13 inches or 54 millimeters across.

The industry uses a numbering system for can end sizes. The first digit represents inches, the remaining digits show sixteenths of an inch.

202 means 2 and 2/16 inches in diameter. Some specialty cans use 204 (2.25 inches) or 206 (2.375 inches) specifications.

This standardization allows beverage manufacturers to use the same production lines. It also simplifies packaging and distribution logistics.

Sleek vs. Standard Diameter

Standard cans measure 2.13 inches in diameter. Sleek versions narrow to approximately 2.25 inches but appear slimmer due to increased height.

The sleek can profile creates more vertical label space. This benefits brands wanting prominent graphics and messaging.

Consumer perception studies show sleek cans command higher perceived value. The format grew from 5% to 20% market share between 2015 and 2023.

Beer Can Size vs. Bottle Size

Standard beer bottles hold 12 oz just like cans. However, bottles measure taller at approximately 9 inches including the neck.

Cans offer better space efficiency for shipping and storage. According to Beverage Industry Magazine, cans stack 30% more efficiently than bottles.

Aluminum cans block 100% of light, protecting beer flavor. Glass allows UV light penetration unless colored brown or green.

The carbonation retention in cans exceeds bottles. Sealed aluminum creates a better barrier against oxygen infiltration.

Regional Variations in Beer Can Dimensions

USA Beer Can Standards

American beer cans follow ANSI standards established by the Can Manufacturers Institute. The 12 oz format dominates with over 70% market share.

TTB regulations require volume accuracy within 0.5% for labeled amounts. This ensures consumers receive advertised quantities.

Regional preferences affect size popularity. The South and Midwest favor 12 oz standards. Urban areas show stronger 16 oz and 24 oz sales.

International Beer Can Sizes

European markets standardize on 330 ml and 500 ml. These translate to 11.2 oz and 16.9 oz respectively.

The 500 ml can measures approximately 6.7 inches tall with standard diameter. It’s become common for imports entering US markets.

Asian markets prefer smaller formats. Japan and South Korea commonly use 350 ml (11.8 oz) cans measuring 4.9 inches tall.

Australia uses 375 ml (12.7 oz) as their standard size. These cans match US height but hold slightly more liquid.

FAQ’s

What are the dimensions of a can of beer?

A standard beer can measures 4.83 inches tall and 2.13 inches in diameter. This 12 oz format holds 355 milliliters of beer.

These dimensions have remained consistent for decades. They represent the most common beer can size in North America.

What is the diameter of a 12 oz beer can?

The diameter of a 12 oz beer can is 2.13 inches (54 millimeters). This measurement is taken across the widest part of the can body.

This standard diameter fits universal cup holders and koozies. It’s consistent across virtually all 12 oz beer brands.

How wide is a 16oz beer can?

A 16 oz beer can measures 2.13 inches in diameter for standard formats. Sleek 16 oz versions narrow slightly to 2.25 inches.

The width remains identical to 12 oz cans despite the increased height. This allows shared production line compatibility.

How tall is a 24 oz beer can in inches?

A 24 oz beer can stands 8.46 inches tall. This makes it nearly twice the height of a standard 12 oz can.

The increased height accommodates 710 milliliters of beer. The diameter expands to 2.60 inches for structural support.

What size is a regular beer can?

A regular beer can is 12 ounces in volume. It measures 4.83 inches tall and 2.13 inches in diameter.

This standard beer can size represents over 70% of beer sold in cans. It’s universally recognized as the default format.

How tall is a 16.9 oz can?

A 16.9 oz can measures approximately 6.25 inches in height. This format holds exactly 500 milliliters of liquid.

It uses the standard 2.13-inch diameter found in most North American cans. European imports commonly use this measurement.

Is a tallboy 16 or 24 oz?

A tallboy is 16 ounces. It stands 6.19 inches tall with the standard 2.13-inch diameter.

The term “tallboy” specifically refers to 16 oz cans, not 24 oz formats. Some regions call 24 oz cans “tall boys” incorrectly.

How tall is a 12oz can in inches?

A 12 oz can is 4.83 inches tall. This measurement runs from the bottom rim to the top edge of the can.

In metric terms, that equals 12.3 centimeters. This dimension is standardized across the brewing industry.

How tall is a 28 oz can?

A 28 oz can typically measures 8.75 inches in height. The diameter matches the 24 oz format at 2.60 inches.

This larger format holds 828 milliliters of beer. It’s less common than standard sizes but available in specific markets.

Conclusion

Beer can dimensions follow industry standards that make production, distribution, and storage efficient. The 12 oz format at 4.83 inches tall remains America’s favorite size.

Understanding these beer can measurements helps breweries, retailers, and consumers make informed decisions. From tallboys to crowlers, each format serves specific market needs with precision-engineered specifications.