How Much In a Pint

The UK Pint

The imperial pint is commonly used in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries. It is defined as 568 milliliters (ml) or 20 fluid ounces. This measurement system originated in the early 19th century and has been used ever since in Britain for measuring liquids, especially beer and cider. So, when you order a pint at a pub in the UK, you are getting 568 ml of your chosen beverage.

The US Pint

In the United States, the pint is smaller than the imperial pint. It is defined as 473 milliliters (ml) or 16 fluid ounces. The US pint is part of the US customary system of measurements, which dates back to the British colonial period but has since evolved independently of the imperial system.

Differences in Context

Beverages: When enjoying a pint of beer in the UK, you'll receive 20 fluid ounces, while in the US, you’ll get 16 fluid ounces. This difference can be quite noticeable, especially if you’re used to one system and then experience the other.



Cooking and Baking: Recipes from the UK using pints will call for slightly larger quantities than those from the US. It's important to be aware of these differences to ensure accurate measurements and successful results in your culinary endeavors.

Other Variations

In addition to the UK and US pints, other countries may have their own definitions and uses for pints. For instance, in Canada, both the imperial pint and the US pint are used, depending on the context and the region.