Whether you’re running a bar, pub, restaurant, or simply love enjoying a cold beer at home, understanding beer glass measurements is essential. From classic pints to schooners and pots, beer glasses come in a range of sizes that can be confusing—especially since measurements vary between countries, states, and even individual venues.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about beer glass sizes, how they differ, and why the right measurement matters for flavour, foam, and customer experience.

Why Beer Glass Measurements Matter

Beer isn’t just about taste—presentation matters. The shape and size of a glass can affect:

• Aroma release

• Head retention (foam)

• Carbonation levels

• Serving accuracy and legal compliance

• Customer perception and value

Using the correct beer glass measurement ensures consistency, avoids over-pouring, and gives customers the ideal drinking experience.

Common Beer Glass Measurements in Australia

Australia uses a mix of traditional beer glass sizes. Some vary by state, making things more confusing—so here’s a clear breakdown.

1. Pint – 570ml (or 568ml UK Standard)

The pint is one of the most recognised beer measurements worldwide.

Australian Pint

• 570ml

• Used commonly in VIC, NSW, TAS, SA

• Suitable for ales, lagers, and craft beers

International Pint Comparison

• UK Pint: 568ml

• US Pint: 473ml (smaller)

A matched pint glass ensures a full, frothy pour with enough space for a generous head.

2. Schooner – 425ml

A schooner is one of the most common beer sizes served in Australian pubs.

• 425ml standard

• Popular in NSW, QLD, ACT, SA

• Perfect for IPAs, pale ales, lagers

Schooners are ideal for drinkers who want more than a middy but less than a pint.

3. Pot / Middy – 285ml

Depending on where you are in Australia, this glass goes by different names:

• Pot: VIC, QLD, TAS

• Middy: NSW, ACT, WA

• 285ml

This versatile mid-sized glass is popular for lighter beers or for those who want smaller servings.

4. Half-Pint – 285ml (UK) / 295ml (Varies)

Some venues also refer to a half-pint:

• Equivalent to a pot/middy in many cases

• Usually around 285ml

• Great for tasting sessions or stronger craft beers

5. Seven – 200ml

A traditional size used more commonly in older-style pubs, particularly in Victoria.

• 200ml

• Also called a "glass" in some states

• Ideal for low-alcohol beers or slow drinkers

6. Pony – 140ml

A small, rare beer measurement today, but still used in some hotels.

• 140ml

• Great for tasting strong beers or for small servings

7. Taster Glass – 90–120ml

Used for beer paddles or tasting trays.

• 90–120ml

• Essential for craft breweries and beer flights

• Lets customers sample a range of flavours

International Beer Glass Measurements

Beer glass sizes vary dramatically around the world. If your venue serves imported beers or themed nights, these measurements may apply.

United States

• US Pint: 473ml

• US Mug: 350–500ml

• Stein: 500ml–1 litre

United Kingdom

• Imperial Pint: 568ml

• Half Pint: 284ml

UK glasses are marked with a crown certification to guarantee measurement accuracy.

Germany

• Stein/Mass: 1 litre

• Kolsch Stange: 200ml

• Weizen Glass: 500ml

Germany is iconic for its big, tall glasses—particularly for wheat beers.

Belgium

Belgian beers often have unique branded glassware, usually:

• 330ml

• 500ml Tulip Glasses

• Chalice-style 250–330ml

Each shape is designed to enhance aroma and flavour.

Beer Glass Shapes and Their Effects

Beyond measurement, shape plays a critical role.

Tulip Glass

Enhances aroma—perfect for IPAs and Belgian ales.

Pilsner Glass

Tall and slender to emphasise clarity—ideal for lagers and pilsners.

Stein

Thick-walled, durable, and perfect for Oktoberfest-style beers.

Stout Glass

Designed to enhance roasted flavours and crema-like head.

Mason Jar Beer Glass

Used for rustic pubs and craft venues.

Use both shape and size strategically to provide the best customer experience.

How to Choose the Right Beer Glass for Your Venue

When selecting beer glasses for a pub, bar, or restaurant, consider:

• Your beer menu (craft, lager, ale, stout)

• Desired serving sizes

• Legal measurement requirements

• Customer expectations

• Branding possibilities

• Durability and break-resistance

Business owners often benefit from keeping multiple sizes on hand to match various drinking preferences.

Where to Buy Beer Glasses in Australia

If you're looking for high-quality, commercial-grade beer glasses, Hospitality Connect offers a wide range of options suitable for pubs, clubs, hotels, cafes, and breweries.

You’ll find:

• Pint glasses

• Schooners

• Pots/middies

• Tasting glasses

• Branded glassware

• Heavy-duty commercial beer glasses

Shop Beer Glasses at Hospitality Connect:
👉 https://hospitalityconnect.com.au/collections/beer-glasses-and-mugs

Final Thoughts

Beer glass measurements might seem simple at first glance, but they vary widely across Australia and internationally. Choosing the right size and shape doesn’t just meet customer expectations—it enhances the drinking experience, improves aroma and carbonation, and ensures legal compliance.

With the right glassware, every beer becomes more enjoyable—from the first sip to the last.