KegWorks Homepage
Wondering how many beers are in a keg? Whether you're hosting a party, stocking your kegerator, or running a draft beer setup, knowing how many servings you’ll get from each keg size is key to making sure you’re prepared. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular keg sizes, their capacities in ounces, and exactly how many 12-ounce or pint-sized servings you can expect from each. Whether you’re a home enthusiast or a bar owner, this information will help you enjoy draft beer at its best.
Download your FREE Keg Size Guide
Enter your email address to get your free keg size guide chart.
Keg Sizes and Types
These different types of kegs each have different characteristics, but if you know what you’re getting into, it will help you make an informed decision about what kind of kegerator you need to maximize your draft beer enjoyment. By familiarizing yourself with the various types of kegs, you can select the one that best
Cornelius Keg
Alternate Names: Corny Keg, Homebrew Keg, Soda Keg
The tall, cylindrical Cornelius Keg (or Corny Keg) was originally developed (and still used) to store, distribute, and dispense soda like Pepsi or Coke.
However, with a five-gallon capacity (the size of a typical homebrew batch) and a design that’s easy to fill, clean, and maintain, Corny Kegs have become very popular with homebrewers who want to skip the process of bottling beer and enjoy their brew on draft.
Most Cornelius Kegs utilize a ball-lock style connection, but some older models still feature a pin-lock style.
- Pints (16 oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 40
- Cans / Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 53
- Capacity: 5 gallons / 18 liters / 640 ounces
- Dimensions: 23" x 9"
Sixth Barrel Keg
Alternate Names: Sixtel, 1/6 Barrel, 1/6 BBL
A standard Sixth Barrel Keg (⅙ Barrel) is very similar in size, shape, and capacity to a Cornelius Keg but just a little bit bigger (5.16 gallon capacity vs. 5.0 in a Corny Keg). The main difference is that this style doesn’t utilize a ball or pin-lock connection system but a traditional keg valve that requires a keg coupler for dispensing.
⅙ Barrels (or sixtels, as they’re often called) have become increasingly popular because many craft brewers offer their small-batch experiments only in kegs of this size. Furthermore, many beer-minded restaurateurs that want to offer their customers a wide variety will opt for Sixth Barrel Kegs because they take up less space than their bigger brothers.
If you opt for a dual-tap kegerator in your home, you’ll have plenty of options to serve on tap because you can fit two of these in one standard kegerator cabinet.
- Pints of beer per keg: Approx. 41
- Cans / Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 55
- Capacity: 5.16 gallons / 20 liters / 661 ounces
- Dimensions: 23⅜" x 9¼"
Quarter Barrel Keg
Alternate Names: Pony Keg, Stubby Quarter, 1/4 BBL
The Quarter Barrel Keg (AKA Pony Keg or Stubby Quarter) looks like the standard beer keg you’re used to from keg parties but much shorter (hence the “stubby” description). It's 7.75 gallons and perfect for small parties.
- Pints of beer per keg: Approx. 62
- Cans / Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 82
- Capacity: 7.75 gallons / 30 liters / 992 ounces
- Dimensions: 13⅞" x 16⅛"
Slim Quarter Keg
Alternate Names: Tall Quarter, Slim 1/4 BBL
This tall, slender keg holds the exact same amount as its stubbier relative, the Quarter Barrel Keg. Much like a ⅙ Barrel, the dimensions of this keg make it a popular choice for people with dual-tap kegerators, but it holds 7.75 gallons, making it more than two gallons larger than a sixtel.
- Pints of beer per keg: Approx. 62
- Cans / Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 82
- Capacity: 7.75 gallons / 30 liters / 992 ounces
- Dimensions: 23⅜" x 11⅛"
Half Barrel Keg
Alternate Names: Full Size Keg, Full Keg, 1/2 BBL
The granddaddy of them all, the 15.5 gallon Half Barrel Keg is probably what you picture when you think of a beer keg. This vessel has been used to distribute macro brews for generations, and if you’re reading this, you’ve likely served yourself a red Solo cup or two from one of these beauties.
Of course, this is also the keg that most bars and restaurants use, and it will also fit any standard-sized kegerator. If you’re interested in trying new brews, you’ll probably want to stick with the smaller sizes.
- Pints of beer per keg: Approx. 124
- Cans / Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 165
- Capacity: 15.5 gallons / 58.7 liters / 1,984 ounces
- Dimensions: 23⅜" x 16⅛"
50 Litre Keg
Alternate Names: Import Keg, European Barrel, 50 Liter
A 50 Litre Keg is used by European Breweries and is similar in size to its American cousin, the Half Barrel Keg. This is the most common keg size in European countries, including the UK. Popular import brands in the US include Heineken, Newcastle, Hoegaarden and Stella Artois.
Remember that import kegs do not use a standard US Sankey D coupler. Check our keg coupler guide or ask your supplier to make sure you have the right coupler for your keg.
- Pints (16oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 105
- Cans / Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 140
- Capacity: 13.2 gallons / 50 liters / 1,690 ounces
- Dimensions: 20.94" x 16.06"
Mini Keg
Alternate Names: None
Having a shape similar to a small barrel, a Mini Keg is a perfect option for a small gathering of friends where you might normally bring a 12-pack. The 5-liter mini keg holds about 14 12-ounce pours.
The most popular and easy-to-find version of this keg style is Heineken mini kegs, which contain a CO2 canister to dispense the beer. There isn’t a large selection of mini kegs available, but you can find a few additional imports (ex., Warsteiner, Bitburger) and some craft beers (ex., Bell’s Oberon Ale & Hopslam) depending on where you live. For these mini kegs, you introduce air by opening the bung at the top of the keg and then dispense the beer using the spigot at the bottom.
- Pints (16oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 10
- Cans / Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 14
- Capacity: 1.32 gallons / 5 liters / 1,69 ounces
- Dimensions: 9 ⅞” x 6 ¾”
How Many Beers In A Keg?
| Corny | Sixtel | ¼ Keg | Slim ¼ | ½ Keg | 50L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gal | 5.0 | 5.16 | 7.75 | 7.75 | 15.5 | 13.2 |
| Oz | 640 | 661 | 992 | 992 | 1,984 | 1,690 |
| Liters | 18.93 | 19.55 | 29.34 | 29.34 | 58.67 | 50.0 |
| Pints (16 oz) |
40 | 41 | 62 | 62 | 124 | 105 |
| Cans (12oz) |
53 | 55 | 82 | 82 | 165 | 140 |
| Growler (64 oz) |
10 | 10 | 15.5 | 15.5 | 31 | 26 |
Keg Sizes & Dimensions Quick Reference Chart
Download your FREE Keg Size Guide
Enter your email address to get your free keg size guide chart.
Now that you know your keg sizes, you’ll want to ensure the keg coupler on your kegerator or draft system is compatible with the keg you are buying. Most domestic beers fit the D System Sankey coupler that comes standard on most kegerators. Consult our Keg Coupler List ahead of time to make sure the draft beer you pick will connect to your system.
Kegworks
Kegworks has been transforming hospitality spaces since 1998 with expertly crafted architectural metalwork and professional draft beer equipment, helping designers, architects, and bar professionals bring their visions to life.Comments
Luis Moreno
October 2, 2016, 2:40 am
Great info guys! Thanks for the help!
Alex Kill
April 13, 2017, 10:29 pm
Thanks for the info guys it really helped!!
Zamir Zahavi
April 22, 2017, 10:04 pm
Awesome and helpful information.
Richard Boyer
April 28, 2017, 3:30 am
Is there a keg called a " ferkin "?
Caitlin
April 28, 2017, 5:59 pm
Yes. A firkin is used for cask ale. We sell them in two sizes (5.4 and 10.8 gallons). https://www.kegworks.com/firkin-cask-for-real-ale-stainless-steel-10-8-gallons
jade potter
May 17, 2017, 6:45 pm
how many glasses of beer can be in a 40 gallon keg of beer?
Dan s
June 14, 2017, 11:19 pm
I love beer, keg is where it is at
Ray
September 1, 2017, 5:00 pm
How big are your glasses?
40 gasses if they are 1 gal each
Charlene Jordan
September 4, 2017, 1:11 pm
Thxs guys geart help
sandra rivas
January 12, 2018, 2:20 am
please send quote for 25 keg slim keg 7.75gal o sea 30lts
thanks
L James
May 16, 2018, 4:39 pm
As I do not drink beer, but throwing a gathering for my husband and his friends this was very helpful and took the guess work out. THANK YOU....
Mark Sweyer
May 16, 2018, 10:29 pm
Great info as well! Thankyou!!
Ed Haagen
June 4, 2018, 11:00 pm
I would like to use a pony keg as a tumbler. I need something about 2 gallons in size and have a top through which I can dump my rifle and pistol cases. Stainless steel would work best. Do you have any suggestions.
Robert O'Connell
June 6, 2018, 3:21 pm
What ever happened to the full keg?
Bob
August 19, 2018, 4:09 pm
How many 12oz beers will I get from my 50L keg
Chris
September 25, 2018, 2:36 pm
Hi Bob,
Per the chart, you should get about 140 12-oz beers from your 50-L keg. Cheers!
Ray
October 19, 2018, 10:03 pm
This is going to my favorites bookmark.
mark louez
December 2, 2018, 7:52 am
excelent, on my way to Ayres Rock and looking forward to a cold beer along the way, very helpful
Chay
March 1, 2019, 6:40 am
I'm looking for a keg that I can fill with a batches cocktail or wine. What are those called and how much are they?
Chris
March 1, 2019, 2:01 pm
Hey Chay,
What you're referring to is a Cornelius keg. We do offer them in a variety of sizes, depending on what you're looking for. A Cornelius keg can be filled with everything from coffee to home brew to wine or cocktails on tap. They are connected to the lines through a ball-lock system.
Chris
April 5, 2019, 8:27 pm
Hi Ed,
Our 2.5 gallon Cornelius keg would be the closest thing we sell to what you're looking for. However, purchase at your own discretion, we don't recommend using it for other purposes than kegging liquids, but that's your choice. Cheers!
Mark
May 9, 2019, 10:55 pm
I was wondering that as well. Rolling those around could be dangerous at times.
wallo
July 26, 2019, 12:59 pm
Thanks this was very useful! Hopefully it comes handy to someone!
Louis E.
August 10, 2019, 7:31 am
The "half barrel keg" was traditionally called a "half keg",not a "full keg" (which was a whole barrel,31.5 gallons,but hasn't generally been available since 1984).
Leaving aside the US/Imperial and wine/beer/ale barrel distinctions,the broader volume unit system is still complex,and based on an archaic unit called the tun (distinct from the ton with an O) which is 252 gallons.
1/2 tun is a pipe (or butt),126 gallons.
1/3 tun is a puncheon,84 gallons.
1/4 tun is a hogshead,63 gallons (some have made beer barrels this size or the 54-gallon beer/ale version).
1/6 tun is a tierce,42 gallons (this is the size in which petroleum barrels are measured).
1/8 tun is the keg/barrel noted above.
3.875 gallons is the classic pony keg (1/8 barrel rather than 1/6 or 1/4).
A kilderkin is generally 18 gallons,half a kilderkin a firkin,half a firkin is a pin.
Half a gallon is a pottle,and even that's too much to drink at once!
Nkhensani
April 30, 2020, 9:31 am
Do you deliver to south africa?
Dave Buchanan
May 22, 2020, 1:01 pm
Hi, at this time we have suspended international shipping due to recent changes in business requirements from COVID-19. Monitor our international shipping page to find out when we resume shipping internationally. https://www.kegworks.com/customer-service/order-information/international-orders Thank you.
Edgar Nava
October 5, 2020, 1:47 pm
Hello there I need your help, I would love to use Kegs to hold a shipping container little house
So I would like to know how much weight can a 124 pints keg of beer hold
Clifford Luther
November 28, 2020, 11:59 pm
I want to buy a set up for my man cave that reasonable give me some pointer, I drink bud platinum light,I am trying to getaway from bottles and cans.
David Buchanan
December 8, 2020, 2:40 pm
Hi, Clifford. Check out our post about draft beer for some ideas on what system you might want to get. https://content.kegworks.com/blog/draft-beer-101
Brent Collinsworth
February 4, 2021, 10:22 pm
Great Information to have
Nicole Denzler
July 16, 2021, 2:22 pm
Hello, my wedding is on September 3rd and I wanted to get some prices for kegs of beer and some liquor. My Fiance and I are doing signature beers instead of liquor!
David Buchanan
July 16, 2021, 5:47 pm
Hi, Nicole! Congratulations on your upcoming big day. You can find our selection of empty kegs on our site - https://www.kegworks.com/draft-beer/keg-tapping-equipment/homebrew-kegging/
If you're looking for kegs of beer or liquor, then check with beer and spirit distributors in your area as we do not sell alcoholic beverages. Cheers!
Andres Batista
September 11, 2021, 2:51 pm
GReat
Roger Penn
September 8, 2022, 11:12 pm
This is so awesome! I wish it were available in an (easily) printable format.
David Buchanan
September 9, 2022, 2:12 pm
Stay tuned, this is coming soon!
Sean O'Neil
September 30, 2022, 11:27 pm
Hi. I'm converting a camper trailer into a bar. I want a double tap beer system with my kegs under counter. What is the minimum height of the interior of a cabinet to accommodate a keg that's hooked up to taps? And do you have recommendations on a dual tap set up? Thanks!
David Buchanan
October 3, 2022, 1:49 pm
Hi, Sean. The typical keg you'll probably use is 23 3/8". You'll also need 3-6" of clearance for the keg coupler. Don't forget you'll have to keep your kegs refrigerated. We recommend an under counter kegerator to chill and dispense your beer. Give us a call at 877.636.3673 and we'll get you everything you need!
Chad Snyder
December 10, 2022, 2:02 am
Great info. We were having an animated discussion on keg sizes. All settled now and didnt come to blows. Had a great time reviewing all the keg sizes. We all identified with your narrative.
Michael Quinn
August 2, 2023, 6:51 pm
How much beer do we lose because of foam
Judi Chambers
February 12, 2024, 2:47 pm
Thank you!!! This was a great help.
William Brault
June 1, 2024, 6:36 pm
Why is the 1/8 barrel not mentioned 3.87 gallons.
Carl Godwin
October 28, 2024, 3:24 am
Thanks for the info
Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC) Training
March 15, 2025, 6:07 am
This is a great read. Unogeeks is the top Oracle Integration Cloud Training Institute, which provides the best Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC) Training
More Topics
Related Posts
Fast Shipping
Quick Turnaround Times
Hassle-free Returns
60-Day Return Policy
Secure Shopping
Through SSL Protection
Expert Support
Call 877.636.3673