Beer Math: How Much Are You Actually Buying?

A standard beer pitcher contains about 1.8 L of beer, which works out to roughly five short cans (355 mL) or just over three pints. A 20 L keg holds about 35 pints, while a 50 L keg holds nearly 90 pints. If you're comparing pitchers, pints, cans, and kegs, here's the beer math made simple.

How Much Beer Is in a Pitcher?

Most beer pitchers in Canada hold between 1.7 L and 1.9 L, with 1.8 L (60 oz) being the most common size. That means a typical pitcher is roughly equivalent to:

• 5 short cans (355 mL)
• 3.2 imperial pints (568 mL)
• 3.8 tall cans (473 mL)
• About 1.8 L of beer

It's worth noting that pitcher sizes can vary slightly from one bar to another, so if you're splitting a pitcher with friends, the exact amount per person may differ. Steam Whistle pitchers are 60 oz or 1.8L.

Beer Serving Sizes, Compared

Beer comes in a variety of formats, from bottles and cans to pints and pitchers. Here's how some of the most common formats compare.

Having these conversions handy makes it easier to compare prices, estimate quantities for events, or decide whether a pitcher really is the best deal.

How Many Beers Are in a Keg?

Whether you're hosting a backyard party, wedding, corporate event, or festival, keg sizes are usually measured in litres.

20 L Keg

• 35 pints
• 42 tall cans
• 56 short cans

This size is often a good fit for smaller gatherings of 15–25 people.

30 L Keg

• 53 pints
• 63 tall cans
• 84 short cans

A popular choice for medium-sized events where beer is expected to be one of the primary beverages.

50 L Keg

• 88 pints
• 106 tall cans
• 141 short cans

This is the standard full-size keg you'll find in many bars, restaurants, and larger events.

Planning a Party? How Much Beer to Buy

A simple rule of thumb is to plan for one to two drinks per guest, per hour. For example, a group of 20 people at a four-hour event could reasonably consume between 80 and 160 drinks, depending on the occasion and the crowd.

A few factors can influence how much beer you'll need:

• The length of the event
• Whether food is being served
• The season and weather
• Whether wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic drinks are available
• Your guests' typical drinking habits

As a rough starting point:

Not sure exactly how much you'll need? That's where our calculator comes in. Plug in your numbers below.

Try the Calculator

Where to Buy Steam Whistle

Whether you're grabbing a few cans for the cottage, ordering a keg for a special event, or enjoying a fresh pint at your local pub, Steam Whistle has you covered.

You can find Steam Whistle Pilsner in:

• 341 mL bottles
• 355 mL short cans
• 473 mL tall cans
• 568 mL super cans
• Bars and restaurants across Ontario
• Keg and party kit formats for special events

FAQ

How many beers in a pitcher?

A standard 1.8 L pitcher contains roughly five short cans worth of beer, or just over three pints.

How many cans in a keg?

A 50 L keg contains approximately 141 short cans (355 mL) worth of beer. A 20 L keg contains about 56 short cans.

How much beer do I need for a party of 20?

For a typical three-to-four-hour gathering, plan for approximately 80–120 drinks. Depending on your crowd, that may translate to one or two 20 L kegs.

Is a pint 16 oz or 20 oz?

In Canada, a pint is generally understood to mean an imperial pint, which equals 568 mL (20 oz). In the United States, a pint is 473 mL (16 oz).

Is a pitcher cheaper than buying individual pints?

Usually, yes. Many bars price pitchers at a lower cost per ounce than individual pints, making them a popular option for groups.