Comparing Keg Sizes & Types:
Below, we present a chart that compares eight common types of kegs, including how much beer they hold, their overall size, shape, dimensions, as well as their most common uses and nicknames you may hear them referred too as.
Capacity (gal / oz) |
Cans / Bottles (12oz) |
Pints (16oz) |
Height / Weight |
Width (Diameter) |
|
Mini Keg |
1.32 / 169 | 14 | 10.6 | 9⅞” / 13lbs. | 6¾” |
Cornelius Keg |
5.0 / 640 | 53 | 40 | 23″ / 49lbs. | 9″ |
Sixth Barrel |
5.16 / 661 | 56 | 42 | 23⅜” / 58lbs. | 9¼” |
Quarter Barrel |
7.75 / 992 | 82 | 62 | 13⅞” / 87lbs. | 16⅛” |
Slim Quarter |
7.75 / 992 | 82 | 62 | 23⅜” / 87lbs. | 11⅛” |
Half Barrel |
15.5 / 1984 | 165 | 124 | 23⅜” / 161lbs. | 16⅛” |
Rubber Barrel |
7.75 / 992 | 82 | 62 | 13⅞” / 87lbs. | 17″ |
Beveled Barrel |
7.75 / 992 | 82 | 62 | 13⅞” / 87lbs. | 17″ |
While the comparison chart above gives you a quick way to compare different sizes of kegs against others, below we have gone into more detail on each type of keg.
Designed for mini kegerators, this size keg only holds 5 liters of beer, or 169.07 ounces to be exact.
This is the perfect sized keg for one-time use and/or portable purposes. This may include watching the game with a couple of friends, weekend camping trip or a small dinner party with family. The downside of mini-kegs, is that you may have a hard time finding them with a specific beer you want. Here’s a list of the most common mini keg beers.
- Nicknames: Bubba Keg
- Common Uses: One-time Use, Portable Applications
- Dimensions: 9⅞” x 6¾”
- Capacity: 1.32 gallons / 169 ounces
Commonly used by homebrewers as an alternative to bottling their beer, Cornelius kegs were originally developed by the soft drink industry.
While Pepsi and Coca-Cola both have uses for them, they have grown in popularity by those that brew their own beer or soda from home. They are easy to fill up and clean.
There are two types of connectors that are available for the Cornelius keg, including ball-lock and pin-lock. Both have different connectors that you would need to become familiar with.
- Nicknames: Corny Keg, Homebrew Keg, Soda Keg
- Common Uses: Home Brewing, Wine, Coffee, Kombucha
- Dimensions: 23″ x 9″
- Capacity: 5.0 gallons / 640 ounces
Commonly used for personal use in dual or triple-tap kegerators, the sixth barrel is roughly the same size as the Corny Keg, just slightly larger. This smaller sized keg functions just like their larger counterparts with the only difference being that it holds less beer than other types of kegs.
This size keg is also a great choice for restaurants and/or bars that have little space, but want to have a large variety of beer available for customers.
- Nicknames: Sixtel, Torpedo, Log
- Common Uses: Dual-Tap Kegerators, Home Brewing, Individual Use
- Dimensions: 23⅜” x 9¼”
- Capacity: 5.16 gallons / 661 ounces
Short and stubby in size, the Quarter barrel keg is the same width (16⅛”) as a full barrel, yet approximately 10″ shorter in terms of height.
Commonly called a “Pony Keg” or a “Stubby Keg,” this popular keg size will hold the equivalent of sixty-two pints or eighty-two bottles off beer.
- Nicknames: Pony Keg, Stubby Quarter
- Common Uses: Small Parties
- Dimensions: 16⅛” x 13⅞”
- Capacity: 7.75 gallons / 992 ounces
The Slim Quarter holds the exact same amount of beer as the aforementioned Quarter barrel, however, the over shape and size resembles the sixth barrel keg. This variation in size makes it a popular choice for anyone with a dual-tap kegerator.
With a tall and skinny build, the Slim Quarter is the same height as the Sixth barrel, but has a slightly larger width. This extra width allows it to hold an extra two gallons, which equals an extra 27.5 bottles of beer.
- Nicknames: Tall Quarter, The Slim
- Common Uses: Dual-Tap Kegerators; Small Parties
- Dimensions: 11⅛” x 23⅜”
- Capacity: 7.75 gallons / 992 ounces
When you think of your average beer keg, the Half barrel size is probably what comes into your mind. Undoubtedly, you’ve probably seen this size keg at a party or large event.
This full size keg is the largest that is available to you, and what is commonly used in bars and restaurants across the world. Most home kegerators will fit this size keg, however, the smaller versions are typically more popular amongst craft beer drinkers.
- Nicknames: Full Size Keg, Barrel of Beer, Full Keg
- Common Uses: Home Bar, Large Events, Business, Frat Parties
- Dimensions: 16⅛” x 23⅜”
- Capacity: 15.5 gallons / 1984 ounces
KEG SIZE GUIDE
What size keg holds beer?
Commonly called a “Pony Keg” or a “Stubby Keg,” this popular keg size will hold the equivalent of sixty-two pints or eighty-two bottles off beer. The Slim Quarter holds the exact same amount of beer as the aforementioned Quarter barrel, however, the over shape and size resembles the sixth barrel keg.
How much beer can a 5 liter Keg hold?
These smaller kegs are designed for one-time use with or without mini kegerators, and are often brought to parties or homes instead of cans or bottles of beer. 5 liter mini kegs hold 1.32 gallons of beer (169 ounces of beer) of beer, which is equivalent to about 10 and ½ 16oz pints of beer, or about 14 12-oz bottles or cans.
How much beer can a mini keg hold?
Designed for mini kegerators, this size keg only holds 5 liters of beer, or 169.07 ounces to be exact. This is the perfect sized keg for one-time use and/or portable purposes. This may include watching the game with a couple of friends, weekend camping trip or a small dinner party with family.
What is a slim quarter keg?
The Slim Quarter holds the exact same amount of beer as the aforementioned Quarter barrel, however, the over shape and size resembles the sixth barrel keg. This variation in size makes it a popular choice for anyone with a dual-tap kegerator.