All Keg Sizes! Beer Volume & Dimensions Chart
Planning a party? Stocking your new home bar? Or maybe you’re just curious about how much beer is actually in that enormous metal drum?
Understanding BEER KEG SIZES is crucial for anyone diving into the world of draft beer. From tiny sixtels perfect for a small gathering to massive half-barrels designed to fuel an entire wedding, the size you choose affects everything: portability, cost per pint, and how much refrigeration space you’ll need.
But the terminology can be confusing. Is a pony keg actually used for ponies? (No.) How many standard drinks are in a corny keg?
We’ve poured out all the necessary data. Below is your definitive guide, including dimensions, volume conversions, and estimated serving counts for all standard US and international BEER KEG SIZES.
The Standard North American Beer Keg Sizes
In the United States, keg sizes are traditionally measured based on the US liquid barrel, which equals 31 US gallons. This leads to the fractional names you often hear when ordering draft beer.
The Half-Barrel (Full Keg)
This is the standard, traditional keg used by most large breweries and bars. If you order “a keg” without specifying the size, this is usually what you get.
Serving Capacity: Massive—perfect for large parties, weddings, or commercial use. Weight: Can weigh over 160 lbs (full). Nicknames: Full Keg, Half Barrel.
The Quarter-Barrel (Pony Keg)
Don’t let the name fool you. The quarter-barrel is an excellent option for medium-sized gatherings where the full half-barrel is too much, but a sixtel is too little. It comes in two common variants:
- Standard Quarter Barrel: A taller, narrower version.
- Stubby Quarter Barrel: A shorter, wider version that is sometimes easier to fit into small refrigerators or outdoor kegerators.
Serving Capacity: Moderate to large. Nicknames: Pony Keg, Quarter Keg, Quarter Barrel.
The Sixth-Barrel (Sixtel)
The Sixtel has become incredibly popular among craft breweries and home consumers. Its smaller size allows breweries to offer a wider variety of specialized beers, and it’s far easier to lift and store.
Serving Capacity: Ideal for small parties or home use (ensures the beer stays fresh before it’s gone). Nicknames: Sixtel, Log, Torpedo Keg.
The Cornelius Keg (Corny Keg)
The Corny Keg is a special case. It is primarily used by soda producers (like Coca-Cola and Pepsi) and, most commonly today, by homebrewers. Its unique shape and easy-to-open lid make it simple for homebrewers to fill, clean, and carbonate their custom brews.
Volume: Roughly equivalent to a Sixtel (just slightly smaller). Note: Corny kegs utilize ball-lock or pin-lock disconnects, not the standard D-coupler used by commercial US breweries.
Beer Keg Sizes Comparison Chart (US Standards)
This chart compares the most common US keg sizes, based on a standard 12 oz (355 ml) serving size.
| Keg Type | Volume (US Gallons) | Volume (Liters) | Approx. 12 oz Servings | Height (Inches) | Diameter (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Barrel (Full Keg) | 15.5 | 58.7 | 165 | 23.5 | 16.8 |
| Quarter-Barrel (Pony Keg) | 7.75 | 29.3 | 82 | 13.75 | 16.8 |
| Slim Quarter-Barrel | 7.75 | 29.3 | 82 | 23.5 | 11.1 |
| Sixth-Barrel (Sixtel) | 5.16 | 19.5 | 55 | 23.5 | 9.25 |
| Cornelius Keg (Corny) | 5.0 | 18.9 | 53 | 23.0 | 8.0 |
Understanding Metric Keg Sizes (European/International)
While the US relies on the fractional barrel system, much of the rest of the world uses standard metric volumes, making the names far more straightforward. These metric kegs are most commonly found in Europe, the UK, and in imported specialty beers worldwide.
The standard European “full size” keg is 50 Liters.
Common Metric Beer Keg Sizes
| Keg Type | Volume (Liters) | Volume (US Gallons) | Approx. 12 oz Servings | Common Dimensions (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 Liter Keg | 50L | 13.2 | 140 | Tall and narrow |
| 30 Liter Keg | 30L | 7.9 | 84 | Equivalent to a Quarter Barrel |
| 20 Liter Keg | 20L | 5.3 | 56 | Slightly larger than a US Sixtel |
Note: The 50L keg is close to, but slightly smaller than, the US Half-Barrel (15.5 gallons).
Why Do Beer Keg Sizes Matter?
Choosing the right size is about more than just fitting the keg into your car. The volume and dimensions impact three critical factors:
1. Cost Efficiency
Generally, the larger the BEER KEG SIZE, the lower the cost per ounce. If you know you are going to consume 150+ servings, purchasing a half-barrel is the most cost-effective choice. For smaller events or highly specialized craft beers, the convenience and freshness offered by a sixtel often outweigh the slight cost premium.
2. Kegerator and Fridge Compatibility
This is often the primary concern for home users.
Half-Barrel: Usually requires a commercial-grade or custom-built full-size kegerator. They rarely fit into standard residential refrigerators. Sixtel/Corny Keg: These are the most flexible sizes. Their narrow diameter (8–9 inches) means many small under-counter or compact kegerators are designed specifically to hold two or three of these simultaneously. Quarter-Barrel (Pony): The wider, shorter pony keg version often fits better into modified chest freezers (often called “ferm-chambers” or “keezer conversions”).
3. Freshness
Once tapped, beer kegs maintain optimal quality for about 6–8 weeks (if properly refrigerated and using CO2 pressure). If you’re a casual drinker, a smaller sixtel ensures you finish the beer before oxidation or staleness sets in. No one wants flat, stale draft beer!
Understanding the full spectrum of BEER KEG SIZES empowers you to select the perfect volume for your needs, ensuring maximum enjoyment and minimal waste at your next event. Cheers!