The size of a keg of beer can change depending on the country, the type of keg, and how the beer is intended to be served. In general, a keg relates to a cylindrical container used to store and dispense beer under pressure, and it comes in various sizes to accommodate different needs—from small gatherings to commercial bar settings.
In the United States of America, the most common keg size is the half-barrel keg, which holds 15.5 U.S. gallons, or approximately 58.7 liters. This size is standard in many bars and restaurants and yields around 165 twelve-ounce servings. Other United States keg sizes include:
• Quarter-barrel keg (pony keg): 7.75 gallons (29.3 liters), around 82 twelve-ounce beers.
• Sixth-barrel keg (sixtel): 5.16 gallons (19.5 liters), more or less 55 twelve-ounce servings.
• Cornelius keg: 5 gallons (18.9 liters), popular among homebrewers, providing around 53 twelve-ounce beers.
In the United Kingdom and in Europe, keg sizes are generally measured in liters. The most common size is the 50-liter keg, which holds roughly 88 UK pints or about 105 U.S. pints. Other sizes include:
• 30-liter keg: Around 52 UK pints.
• 20-liter keg: Around 35 UK pints.
• 10-liter and 6-liter mini kegs: Ideal for personal or small event use, yielding between 8–17 UK pints.
Kegs are generally made of stainless steel or aluminum and designed to maintain pressure and freshness. When choosing a keg size, consider the number of guests, storage space, and whether the beer will be served via a kegerator, tap system, or manual pump. Selecting the right keg ensures you have enough beer for your event without excessive waste.
Read other articles : How much does a keg of beer weigh ? and How sizes beer keg in the UK ?
