Whether you're a bar owner, a homebrewer, or hosting an event, choosing the right keg size is essential for efficient beer storage and serving, as different keg sizes offer varying capacities, weights, and compatibility with draft systems. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common keg sizes and their specifications, how much beer each keg holds, how to select the right keg for your needs, and important considerations regarding keg weights and handling.
Beer Kegs: What Are They? Purpose & How They Work
How to Store Beer Properly: A Comprehensive Guide
Common Keg Sizes And Types
Half Barrel Keg
Alternate Names: Full Size Keg, Full Keg, 15.5 Gallon Keg
Half Barrel Keg is the standard keg size used in bars, restaurants, and large events in the United States. It holds the most beer of any commonly used keg and is compatible with most commercial draft systems.
This keg is ideal for high-volume beer service and is widely used by breweries and venues that serve beer on tap. Due to its large size, it requires sufficient storage space and a proper kegerator setup.
Half Barrel Keg holds:
- 165 12oz cans/bottles
- 124 pints (16oz)
Specifications:
- Pints (16oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 124
- Cans/Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 165
- Capacity: 15.5 gallons / 58.7 liters / 1,984 ounces
- Dimensions: 23.37” height x 16.06” diameter
Quarter Barrel Keg
Alternate Names: Pony Keg, Stubby Quarter
Quarter Barrel Keg, also known as the Pony Keg, is half the size of a Half Barrel Keg. It is a popular choice for small events, parties, and home kegerators.
Since it has the same diameter as the Half Barrel Keg but is shorter, it is easier to transport and store. However, it requires the same standard US Sankey D coupler for dispensing.
Quarter Barrel Keg holds:
- 82 12oz cans/bottles
- 62 pints (16oz)
Specifications:
- Pints (16oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 62
- Cans/Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 82
- Capacity: 7.75 gallons / 29.3 liters / 992 ounces
- Dimensions: 13.87” height x 16.06” diameter
Slim Quarter Keg
Alternate Names: Tall Quarter Keg
Slim Quarter Keg holds the same amount of beer as the standard Quarter Barrel Keg but is taller and slimmer. This design makes it more compatible with kegerators that need to accommodate multiple taps in a compact space.
It is a great option for home kegerators and small bars that want to offer multiple draft beer selections without taking up too much room.
Slim Quarter Keg holds:
- 82 12oz cans/bottles
- 62 pints (16oz)
Specifications:
- Pints (16oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 62
- Cans/Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 82
- Capacity: 7.75 gallons / 29.3 liters / 992 ounces
- Dimensions: 23.37” height x 11.13” diameter
Sixth Barrel Keg
Alternate Names: Sixtel, 1/6 Barrel Keg
Sixth Barrel Keg is a smaller keg often used by craft breweries and homebrewers. It is ideal for limited beer offerings, small kegerators, and dual-tap draft systems.
Since it has the same height as a Half Barrel Keg but a smaller diameter, it fits easily into tight storage spaces. Most commercial draft systems and home kegerators are compatible with this keg.
Sixth Barrel Keg holds:
- 55 12oz cans/bottles
- 41 pints (16oz)
Specifications:
- Pints (16oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 41
- Cans/Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 55
- Capacity: 5.16 gallons / 19.5 liters / 661 ounces
- Dimensions: 23.37” height x 9.25” diameter
Cornelius Keg (Corny Keg)
Alternate Names: Homebrew Keg, Soda Keg
Cornelius Keg, or Corny Keg, was originally used for soda but is now the preferred keg for homebrewers. It has a unique quick-connect fitting system that allows for easy cleaning and refilling.
This keg is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for homebrewing, small events, and experimental batches.
Cornelius Keg holds:
- 53 12oz cans/bottles
- 40 pints (16oz)
Specifications:
- Pints (16oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 40
- Cans/Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 53
- Capacity: 5 gallons / 18.9 liters / 640 ounces
- Dimensions: 23” height x 9” diameter
Mini Keg
Mini Keg is the smallest standard keg size and is commonly used for small gatherings and portable beer dispensing. Some popular brands sell their beer in this format, including Heineken.
This keg does not require a CO₂ system and is often equipped with a built-in tap.
Mini Keg holds:
- 14 12oz cans/bottles
- 10 pints (16oz)
Specifications:
- Pints (16oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 10
- Cans/Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 14
- Capacity: 1.32 gallons / 5 liters / 169 ounces
- Dimensions: Varies by brand
How Many Beers In A Keg?
| Cornelius Keg | Sixth Barrel Keg | Quarter Barrel Keg | Slim Quarter Keg | Half Barrel Keg | 50 Litre Keg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (gal / oz / L) | 5.0 gal 640 oz 18.93L |
5.16 gal 661 oz 19.55L |
7.75 gal 992 oz 29.34L |
7.75 gal 992 oz 29.34L |
15.5 gal 1,984 oz 58.67L |
13.2 gal 1,690 oz 50.0L |
| Pints (16 oz) | 40 | 41 | 62 | 62 | 124 | 105 |
| Bottles / Cans (12oz) | 53 | 55 | 82 | 82 | 165 | 140 |
| Growlers (64 oz) | 10 | 10 | 15.5 | 15.5 | 31 | 26 |
Keg Sizes & Dimensions Quick Reference Chart
| Cornelius Keg | Sixth Barrel Keg | Quarter Barrel Keg | Slim Quarter Keg | Half Barrel Keg | 50 Litre Keg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (gal / oz / L) | 5.0 gal 640 oz 18.93L |
5.16 gal 661 oz 19.55L |
7.75 gal 992 oz 29.34L |
7.75 gal 992 oz 29.34L |
15.5 gal 1,984 oz 58.67L |
13.2 gal 1,690 oz 50.0L |
| Height | 23" | 23⅜" | 13⅞" | 23⅜" | 23⅜" | 20.94" |
| Width (Diameter) | 9" | 9¼" | 16⅛" | 11⅛" | 16⅛" | 16.06" |
| Weight (Full) | 55 lbs | 58 lbs | 87 lbs | 87 lbs | 160 lbs | 130 lbs |
| Weight (Empty) | 9 lbs | 16.5 lbs | 22 lbs | 22 lbs | 30 lbs | 28 lbs |
| Alternate Names | Corny Keg | ⅙ Barrel, Sixtels |
Pony Keg, Stubby Quarter |
Tall Quarter | Full Size Keg, Full Keg |
Import Keg, European Barrel, 50 Liter |
How to Choose the Right Keg for Your Needs
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Keg Size
Before choosing a keg, consider:
- Usage – Is it for a bar, a restaurant, an event, or homebrewing?
- Storage Space – Does your fridge, kegerator, or cooler have enough room?
- Beer Volume Needs – How many servings will you require?
- Handling & Mobility – Will you need to move the keg frequently?
Best Keg Sizes for Different Applications
- Bars & Restaurants → Half-barrel kegs (most common for high-volume draft beer service).
- Events & Parties → Quarter-barrels or slim kegs (easy to transport & serve).
- Homebrewing → Cornelius kegs (perfect for small-batch brewers).
- Compact Kegerators & Small Spaces → Sixth-barrel kegs or mini kegs (ideal for tight spaces).
Keg Weights & Handling Considerations
How Much Do Beer Kegs Weigh?
The weight of a beer keg depends on its size and whether it’s full or empty:
| Keg Size | Empty Weight | Full Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Barrel | ~30 lbs (14 kg) | ~160 lbs (73 kg) |
| Quarter-Barrel | ~22 lbs (10 kg) | ~87 lbs (39 kg) |
| Slim Quarter | ~22 lbs (10 kg) | ~87 lbs (39 kg) |
| Sixth-Barrel | ~16 lbs (7 kg) | ~58 lbs (26 kg) |
| Cornelius Keg | ~10 lbs (4.5 kg) | ~55 lbs (25 kg) |
| Mini Keg | ~2 lbs (1 kg) | ~13 lbs (6 kg) |
Safe Handling & Storage Tips
- Always lift with your legs – kegs are heavy and can cause back injuries if lifted incorrectly.
- Use a hand truck to move full kegs safely.
- Store kegs at 36-40°F (2-4°C) to maintain beer freshness.
- Keep kegs upright to prevent excessive foaming.
Conclusion
Choosing the right keg size depends on volume needs, storage capacity, and intended use. From half-barrel kegs for bars to Cornelius kegs for homebrewing, understanding keg sizes ensures efficient draft beer service.
