Mason jars come in a variety of sizes, from small 4 oz jars to large 128 oz jars. Knowing how many ounces each size holds can help when planning for food preservation and storage. Here are some key questions and answers:
What are the common mason jar sizes?
The most popular mason jar sizes are:
- 4 oz (half pint)
- 8 oz (one cup)
- 16 oz (pint)
- 32 oz (quart)
- 64 oz (half gallon)
- 128 oz (gallon)
What qualifies as a large mason jar?
Mason jars of 32 oz (quart size) and larger are generally considered large mason jars. The most common large sizes are:
- 32 oz (quart)
- 64 oz (half gallon)
- 128 oz (gallon)
How many ounces does a quart size mason jar hold?
A quart size mason jar holds 32 fluid ounces (oz). One quart equals two pints or four cups.
How many ounces does a half gallon mason jar hold?
A half gallon mason jar holds 64 fluid ounces (oz). One half gallon is equal to two quarts or eight cups.
How many ounces does a gallon size mason jar hold?
A gallon size mason jar holds 128 fluid ounces (oz). One gallon equals four quarts or 16 cups.
How many cups are in a quart mason jar?
A quart size mason jar holds four cups. Here is the cup equivalency breakdown:
- 1 quart = 4 cups
- 1 pint = 2 cups
- 1 cup = 8 oz
So a 32 oz quart jar holds the same volume as four 8 oz cups.
How many cups are in a half gallon mason jar?
A half gallon mason jar holds eight cups. Here is the cup equivalency:
- 1 half gallon = 8 cups
- 1 gallon = 16 cups
- 1 quart = 4 cups
- 1 cup = 8 oz
So a 64 oz half gallon jar equals eight 8 oz cups.
How many cups are in a gallon mason jar?
A gallon size mason jar holds 16 cups. Here are the cup equivalents:
- 1 gallon = 16 cups
- 1 half gallon = 8 cups
- 1 quart = 4 cups
- 1 cup = 8 oz
So a 128 oz gallon jar holds the same volume as sixteen 8 oz cups.
How many pint jars fit in a quart mason jar?
Two pint jars fit in one quart mason jar. Here are the size equivalents:
- 1 quart = 2 pints
- 1 pint = 16 oz
Since a quart jar holds 32 oz and a pint holds 16 oz, two pint jars take up the full 32 oz volume of a quart jar.
How many pint jars fit in a half gallon mason jar?
Four pint jars fit in one half gallon mason jar. Here are the size equivalencies:
- 1 half gallon = 4 pints
- 1 pint = 16 oz
With a half gallon holding 64 oz and a pint sized for 16 oz, four pint jars fill up the 64 oz half gallon jar.
How many pint jars fit in a gallon mason jar?
Eight pint jars fit in one gallon mason jar. Here are the size equivalents:
- 1 gallon = 8 pints
- 1 pint = 16 oz
Since a gallon holds 128 oz and a pint holds 16 oz, eight pint jars take up the full gallon volume.
How many cup jars fit in a quart mason jar?
Four 8 oz cup jars fit in one quart mason jar. Here is the breakdown:
- 1 quart = 4 cups
- 1 cup jar = 8 oz
With four 8 oz cups making up the 32 oz quart, four cup jars fill the quart.
How many cup jars fit in a half gallon mason jar?
Eight 8 oz cup jars fit in a half gallon mason jar. Here are the equivalents:
- 1 half gallon = 8 cups
- 1 cup jar = 8 oz
Since eight 8 oz cups equal the 64 oz half gallon, eight cup jars fill up the half gallon space.
How many cup jars fit in a gallon mason jar?
Sixteen 8 oz cup jars fit in one gallon mason jar. Here are the size equivalencies:
- 1 gallon = 16 cups
- 1 cup jar = 8 oz
With sixteen cups making up 128 oz, sixteen cup jars fill the gallon volume.
Summary of large mason jar capacities
Here is a summary of how many ounces and cups the large mason jar sizes hold:
| Mason Jar Size | Total Ounces | Cup Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Quart | 32 oz | 4 cups |
| Half Gallon | 64 oz | 8 cups |
| Gallon | 128 oz | 16 cups |
Key Takeaways
- Quart jars hold 32 oz or 4 cups
- Half gallon jars hold 64 oz or 8 cups
- Gallon jars hold 128 oz or 16 cups
- Two pint jars fit in a quart jar
- Four pint jars fit in a half gallon jar
- Eight pint jars fit in a gallon jar
- Four 8 oz cup jars fit in a quart jar
- Eight cup jars fit in a half gallon jar
- Sixteen cup jars fit in a gallon jar
Uses for large mason jars
Large mason jars have many uses for home kitchens, crafts, storage and preservation. Here are some common uses:
Food storage
Wide mouth quart and half gallon jars are perfect for storing bulk dried goods like beans, rice, pasta, oats, flour, sugar, etc. Their lid seals keep food fresh for extended periods. Jars allow you to see contents clearly.
Home canning
Quart and half gallon jars are ideal sizes for canning large batches of fruits, tomatoes, salsas, sauces, jams, pickles and more. Their high heat tolerance makes them safe for water bath or pressure canning.
Fermenting
Fermenting foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles and hot sauce can be done in quart or half gallon jars. Their wide openings make it easy to add ingredients and remove foods.
Freezing
Wide mouth quart jars work well for freezing broths, stocks, chili, soups, baked goods and more. Leave headspace and seal lids.
Crafts
Quart and half gallon mason jars are great for DIY crafts. Paint and decorate them for pencil holders, vases, lamps, planters. Use them for shadow boxes, terrariums, jewelry displays.
Gifts
Fill quart jars with cookies, candy, mixes or ingredients to make great personalized gifts. Attach a cute label and ribbon for homemade presents.
Leftovers
Quart jars are the perfect size for storing leftovers. Sauces, soups, grains and baked goods will keep longer in a sealed mason jar versus plasticware.
Beverages
Infused water, teas, cold brew coffee, lemonades and mocktails can all be made in quart and half gallon jars. Add fruits, herbs or vegetables to flavor the water.
Wedding decor
Decorate quart and half gallon mason jars with lace, ribbon, paint or twine to use as rustic vases, lanterns, drink dispensers and eclectic wedding decor.
Tips for maximizing large mason jar use
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most out of your quart, half gallon and gallon jars:
Match lids to jars
Use specifically sized lids for each jar – regular mouth lids for quarts, wide mouth for half gallons and gallons for best seals.
Check for cracks
Inspect jars for any cracks or chips before use. Cracks prevent an airtight seal and can break further when heated.
Clean well
Wash jars thoroughly in hot, soapy water before each use to remove residue. Sterilize canning jars before filling.
Leave headspace
Always leave 1/2 inch headspace for expansion during freezing or canning. Too little room can cause lids to pop off.
Use freezer tape
Place freezer tape over quart jar lids before freezing for an extra seal. Freezer temperature can compromise seals.
Label contents and date
Label your jars with contents and date before storing. This lets you rotate stock and track shelf life.
Store properly
Store jars in a cool, dark place. Keep canning jars upright. Lay freezing jars on their sides to prevent leakage if seals fail.
Check seals
Push down on jar lids after 24-48 hours to check seals popped. If lids spring up when pressed, reprocess jars.
FAQs
Why are mason jars good for storage?
Mason jars are ideal for storage because their tight sealing lids lock in freshness. The heat tempered glass also allows for boiling water canning and freezing while resisting cracks. The transparency also makes contents visible.
Can mason jars be reused?
Yes, mason jars can be reused indefinitely as long as they are in good condition with no cracks or broken seals. Jars and lids should be thoroughly cleaned between each use.
Can mason jars be used for fermenting?
Yes, mason jars work great for fermenting foods like kombucha, kimchi, vegetables and more. Their wide mouths provide easy access for adding ingredients and their glass materials won’t react with acidic foods.
How long does an unopened mason jar last?
An unopened mason jar can last indefinitely. As long as the jar remains sealed and stored properly away from sunlight, heat and temperature fluctuations, it should maintain an airtight seal.
Do mason jar lids expire?
Mason jar lids are good for about 5 years after manufacturing date as long as they remain rust-free. Old lids may fail to seal properly on jars when reused. Always do the “finger test” after canning to check seals.
Conclusion
Mason jars are a versatile and eco-friendly tool for any kitchen. Quart and half gallon sizes are ideal for handling large volume food preservation, storage, crafts and more. With proper care, mason jars can be reused indefinitely, saving money and resources.
Understanding quart, half gallon and gallon jar capacities in cups and ounces makes it easy to adapt recipes and know which size to use. Following best practices for sealing, labeling, storing and testing jar lids helps maximize freshness and prevent food waste. Take advantage of all the benefits mason jars have to offer!
