A stein is a traditional drinking vessel, often recognized as a beer mug made from materials like stoneware, pewter, or porcelain, and typically featuring an ornamental, hinged lid. The English word “stein” is a borrowing from the German word for “stone” or “stone vessel,” reflecting the early materials used in their construction. Because these vessels were designed to hold beer, capacity is a primary feature, but the volume is not uniform across all designs. This variation stems from differences in historical context, regional standards, and whether the stein is intended for daily use or collection.
Defining Standard Stein Capacity
The capacity of a stein is most commonly defined by two dominant standards, one rooted in German tradition and the other aligning with modern US beverage serving sizes. The most recognizable authentic German standard is the one-liter volume, which translates to approximately 33.8 US fluid ounces. This large volume, the equivalent of more than two standard American pints, is the benchmark for many traditional and collectible steins.
This one-liter measurement is precise, corresponding to 33.814 US fluid ounces, and is the volume of a true Maß (measure) of beer. German volume is historically measured to a specific fill line on the vessel, which allows an ample amount of space above the liquid for the beer’s foam or head. This practice contrasts with many US serving methods, where capacity is often measured to the brim.
The other common capacity is the half-liter size, which is frequently adapted or marketed in the US to match the standard pint measurement. A half-liter is precisely 16.91 US fluid ounces, making it nearly identical to the 16 US fluid ounces in a standard American pint. Steins of this size are popular for everyday use and align with the capacity of many modern craft beer cans and bottles.
When discussing ounces, it is important to note the difference between US fluid ounces and Imperial fluid ounces, as the two are not the same. For an American audience, the US fluid ounce is the relevant measure, where one liter is 33.8 US fluid ounces. The use of US fluid ounces in the US market means a stein’s capacity is based on a unit equal to about 29.57 milliliters.
Regional and Historical Capacity Variations
Beyond the two main standards, a wide range of capacities exists, reflecting historical practices and regional preferences, especially those tied to Bavarian culture. The Maßkrug is a specific type of large stein or beer mug, often made of glass, which is intrinsically linked to the Maß or one-liter volume served at events like Oktoberfest. While the general 1.0-liter stein is 33.8 ounces, the Maßkrug is designed to hold that exact volume of beer up to a legally required calibration line.
Historically, the Maß was not always a perfect liter, as the unit measured 1.069 liters in the Austro-Bavarian region before metric standardization. This slight historical variation, equal to about 36.1 US fluid ounces, shows how local measures predated the modern, precise metric system. These older, slightly larger volumes are sometimes reflected in antique steins or historical reproductions.
Smaller steins are also common, often serving as collectible items or specialized serving vessels. These can range from a quarter-liter (0.25 L), which holds about 8.45 US fluid ounces, to a half-liter (0.5 L) at 16.91 ounces. The 0.5-liter stein, sometimes called a Schoppen or Seidel in German-speaking regions, is a well-established traditional size for a smaller serving.
Steins can also be found in much larger sizes, with some ornamental or novelty versions reaching 2.0 or 2.5 liters, which are volumes of 67.6 and 84.5 US fluid ounces, respectively. The material also plays a role in the perceived volume, as thick-walled ceramic or stoneware steins may appear larger than a thin glass Maßkrug of the same capacity.