A Comprehensive Guide on Mason Jar Sizes
2025-06-24 13:22:23

Mason jars are versatile glass containers with screw-on lids. They are very useful from canning and storage to creative DIY projects. Since they come in so many sizes, which one should you pick is a valid question to ask.
Exploring mason jar sizes helps you choose the right size depending on your particular needs. Whether you are preserving fruits and vegetables, storing dry goods, or creating decorative displays, understanding the right jar sizes is key to choosing the ideal jar every time.
Read this blog to learn about Mason jar sizes to choose the right one for your business needs.
Explore Standard Sizes of Mason Jars
Mason jars are available in a variety of sizes, which makes them adaptable to versatile uses. Each mason jar size serves a unique purpose, from small jars for individual servings to large jars ideal for bulk storage. Let’s explore standard sizes of mason jars and their popular uses:
Small Jars: 4 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz
Small mason jars are usually divided into three sizes: 4 oz, 8 oz, and 12 oz. The smallest size, often used for spices, herbs, or small servings. 8 oz is commonly used for jams, jellies, and individual servings. The uses of small standard-sized mason jars are mentioned below:
Small Jars |
Uses |
4 oz |
These are miniature jars ideal for single-serving jams, jellies, or spice mixes. 4-oz jars are also a popular choice for wedding favors and small gifts. |
8 oz |
8-oz jars are also known as "half-pint jars." These jars are perfect for preserving jams, honey, and sauces in small quantities. Their compact size makes them convenient for personal use. |
12 oz |
Slightly larger than 8 oz or half-pint jars, which are commonly used for specialty products like salsas or candles. |
Medium Jars: 16 oz, 24 oz
Medium mason jars are usually divided into two standard sizes: 16 oz and 24 oz. 16 oz is a popular size for canning fruits, vegetables, and sauces. However, another versatile size, 24 oz, is ideal for various canning and storage needs.
Medium Jars |
Uses |
16 oz |
16-oz jars are often called "pint jars." This size is versatile for canning fruits, vegetables, and soups. They also work well as drinking glasses or for overnight oats. |
24 oz |
These jars are perfect for storing dry goods like rice or pasta and are a popular choice for making layered salads. |
Large Jars: 32 oz, 64 oz, 128 oz
Large mason jars are usually divided into three standard sizes: 32 oz, 64 oz, and 128 oz. 32 oz is suitable for larger servings of fruits, vegetables, and meats. While 4 oz is primarily used for canning apple and grape juice, or for storing larger quantities of food. Other details are:
Large Jars |
Uses |
32 oz |
32-oz jars are called “quart jars.” This size is commonly used for canning large batches of pickles, sauces, or whole fruits. They’re also great for storing bulk items. |
64 oz |
64 oz jars are half-gallon jars. They are ideal for fermenting kombucha or sourdough starter. These jars are also suitable for storing cereals or flour. |
128 oz |
128 oz jars are perfect for large-scale storage needs. These are basically 1-gallon jars, which are great for keeping large quantities of liquids or dry goods. |
Difference between Wide-Mouth Jars and Regular-Mouth Mason Jars
One major difference in Mason jar design is the mouth size. Based on mouth size, there are two main types: wide-mouth jars and regular-mouth jars. Overall, wide-mouth jars have a larger opening, which makes them easier to fill with larger items and clean, while regular-mouth jars are more readily available and better suited for pourable foods. Let’s dive deep into their difference:
Wide-Mouth Jars
These jars allow easier filling with larger items like whole fruits, vegetables, and meats. Their larger opening makes it easier to clean the jar, especially by hand. Wide-mouth jars are ideal for canning whole fruits and vegetables, meat, and items that are difficult to clean.
Regular Mouth Jars
These jars are better suited for pourable foods like jams, jellies, sauces, and pie fillings. Lids for regular mouth jars are generally more common and often cheaper. Regular mouth jars are suitable for preserving pourable foods and for stacking in smaller spaces.
To give you a comparative review, consider this table for wide-mouth and regular mouth jars in terms of features and uses:
Feature |
Wide Mouth |
Regular Mouth |
Opening Size |
Larger, easier to access |
Smaller, more compact |
Ideal for |
Whole foods, crafts |
Liquids, jams, and sauces |
Ease of Cleaning |
Easier |
Slightly harder |
Considerations for Wide-Mouth vs Regular-Mouth Jars
If you want easy access and hassle-free cleaning, choose wide-mouth jars, especially for crafts or preserving large items. But if you are looking to store liquids or save space, choose regular-mouth jars.
Mason Jar Size Chart
Have a quick look at the mason jar size chart summarizing the common sizes for mason jars and their ounce capacities:
Mason Jar Size |
Ounces |
Milliliters |
Best Uses |
2 oz |
2 oz |
60 ml |
Spices, samples, gifts |
8 oz (Half Pint) |
8 oz |
240 ml |
Jams, jellies, and sauces |
10 oz |
10 oz |
300 ml |
Dips, salsas, dry goods |
16 oz (Pint) |
16 oz |
480 ml |
Canning, drinks, storage |
32 oz (Quart) |
32 oz |
960 ml |
Bulk food storage, canning, and beverages |
64 oz (Half Gallon) |
64 oz |
1.9 liters |
Kombucha, pantry staples, décor |
Choose the Right Mason Jar Size for Your Needs
When it comes to choosing a mason jar, consider which type of items you want to store inside it. Then, opt for the respective size as different sizes serve various purposes:
Purpose |
Sizes |
Uses |
Food Preservation and Canning |
8 oz and 16 oz |
Ideal for canning jams, jellies, and sauces. |
Food Preservation and Canning |
32 oz and 64 oz |
Works well for canning whole fruits, pickles, or larger food batches. |
Food Storage and Organization |
10 oz and 16 oz |
Great for organizing dry goods like spices, nuts, and grains. |
Food Storage and Organization |
32 oz and 64 oz |
Store pasta, cereal, or baking supplies. |
DIY Crafts and Home Décor |
2 oz and 8 oz |
Perfect for DIY candles, party favors, or mini floral arrangements. |
DIY Crafts and Home Décor |
16 oz and 32 oz |
Popular for creating decorative centerpieces for rustic lighting. |
Beverage Serving and Entertaining |
16 oz |
Commonly used for serving drinks like iced coffee, lemonade, or cocktails. |
Beverage Serving and Entertaining |
32 oz |
Make fun oversized drink containers, great for sharing at parties. |
Where to Find the Right Mason Jar Sizes?
Choosing the right mason jar sizes is crucial for fully utilizing their usefulness. Whether you are canning, storing, or crafting, choose different sizes and their uses to ensure you get the right jar for your needs. You can also contact OXO Packaging to customize right-sized mason jars without compromising quality and integrity!