Whether you’re hosting a party or just like to keep a few weeks' worth of beer on hand, buying a whole case at once is the most economical option. However, not everybody has the upper-arm strength to carry one home, especially if you have to walk more than a block or two. Exactly how much does a case of beer weigh?
Cases come in different sizes, so it’s difficult to say exactly how much yours will weigh. Generally, a case of beer will weigh between 24 and 31 pounds. That's about the weight of a two-year-old child.
To learn more about the weights of different quantities of beer, take a moment to browse our complete guide.
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Different Weights for Different Case Sizes
Exactly how much your case of beer weighs depends entirely on its size. Take a look at these common case sizes and their weights.
How Much Does a 6-Pack of Beer Weigh?
The advantage of a six-pack of beer cans is that it's easier to carry at just under 5 pounds. However, keep in mind that you will be spending more per beer on average. In some cases, a six-pack of beer will come in a case, while in others, it will just be packaged in plastic rings.
A six-pack of bottles weighs approximately nine and a half pounds. These are usually sold in a cardboard carrying case.
Will drinking a 6-pack of beer give you heartburn? Find out more here.
How Much Does a 12-Pack of Beer Weigh?
A 12-pack is the smallest size that can properly be called a "case." They will tend to weigh about 9.4 pounds, or about as much as a large bag of groceries. Usually, they will have perforated holes in the top of the box for you to grip with your fingers.
12-packs of bottles aren't common, though when you can find them, you can expect them to weigh about 19 lbs.
How Much Does a 24-Pack of Beer Weigh?
24-packs are one of the most common sizes and can be a good way to save money on beer. However, make sure you have plenty of space in your fridge. You should also avoid carrying your 24-pack for long distances because it can weigh up to 18.72 pounds! For a point of reference, that's about the weight of a microwave or a medium-sized potted plant.
How Much Does a 30-Pack of Beer Weigh?
30-packs are the largest cases of beer you're likely to find at your local grocery or liquor store. Even if you have a car, you still might have trouble carrying it to your house, as each one weighs just under 24 pounds. Also, don't try to carry your 30-pack with the cardboard handles, as they will likely break. Instead, carry it with both hands under the bottom of the box.
How Much Does a Can of Beer Weigh?
Beer cans are made of aluminum, which is a very light metal. This means that most of the weight of a can of beer comes from the beer itself. Each one weighs approximately 0.78 of a pound, or around 0.35 kg. The type of beer inside the can won’t drastically affect the overall weight.
Keep in mind that most cans of beer are 12 ounces each. However, 16-ounce cans are also available and weigh about a pound each.
How Much Does a Bottle of Beer Weigh?
Bottles of beer weigh about twice as much as cans, at 1.56 lbs (0.71 kg). Part of the reason for this has to do with the material of the container itself. A bottle of beer uses much more glass than a can uses aluminum. Also, bottles of beer are usually 16 ounces each, whereas cans are 12 ounces each.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is a wide range of factors that contribute to the size of beer cases, including marketing, shipping costs, and pricing. However, one of the main factors has to do with the strength of the customer. That's right. Manufacturers chose a weight of 18.74 pounds as one that most people should be able to physically carry on their own.
Beer isn’t high in potassium, meaning those on a low-potassium diet can drink it safely. Learn more about beer’s nutritional information here.
Packaging terms for beer can vary depending on the manufacturer. Generally, a pack of 24 beers is called a "case," and that of 12 beers is called a "half-case." Still, you can find "cases" of beer that consist of 18 or 30 cans.
There's no clear winner when it comes to bottles vs. cans, and most beer drinkers fall on one side of the debate or the other. However, studies have shown that beer from a bottle or a can tastes the same when poured into a glass.
Still, you might prefer other aspects of one or the other, such as the size, the convenience of opening, or the texture of the material on your lips.
Alcohol does weigh less than beer, at about 0.8 of a pound per pound. However, the differences in alcohol content between beers are so small that they won’t play a significant role in the weight of the can. Bottles of hard liquor, on the other hand, will weigh significantly less than similarly sized bottles of beer.
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