How many beers are in a 5 gallon keg?

Answered by Robert Flynn

A 5-gallon keg, also known as a “corny keg,” is a popular choice among homebrewers and beer enthusiasts. With a capacity of 5 gallons or approximately 18 liters, it can hold a decent amount of beer. But how many beer cans can you fit inside?

To determine the number of beer cans that can fit in a 5-gallon keg, we need to consider the size of the cans. The most common beer can size is 12 ounces or 355 milliliters. So, let’s do some calculations.

First, we need to convert the capacity of the keg from gallons to ounces. Since there are 128 fluid ounces in a gallon, a 5-gallon keg can hold 640 fluid ounces (5 gallons x 128 ounces/gallon = 640 ounces).

Now, let’s divide the total capacity of the keg (640 ounces) by the size of a beer can (12 ounces) to find out how many cans can fit inside. By doing this calculation, we get:

640 ounces / 12 ounces = 53.33 cans

Since we can’t have a fraction of a can, we’ll round down to the nearest whole number. Therefore, a 5-gallon keg can hold approximately 53 beer cans (each 12 ounces).

It’s important to note that this calculation assumes that the cans are stacked perfectly and there is no wasted space. In reality, there may be some empty spaces between the cans, especially if they are not stacked efficiently. So, it’s always a good idea to consider a small buffer when planning for a keg party.

Furthermore, if you prefer to measure in pints rather than ounces, a 5-gallon keg can hold around 40 pints (each 16 ounces). This is a common serving size in many bars and pubs.

In my personal experience, I have used 5-gallon kegs for homebrewing and social gatherings. They are convenient and easy to handle compared to larger kegs. It’s always exciting to fill up the keg with freshly brewed beer and share it with friends and family. The capacity of 53 beer cans is usually sufficient for a small to medium-sized gathering, but it may vary depending on the preferences and drinking habits of the attendees.

To summarize, a 5-gallon keg can hold approximately 53 beer cans (each 12 ounces) or 40 pints (each 16 ounces). It’s important to consider the size of the cans and allow for some empty space when planning for a keg party. Cheers!