Is a tall boy 16 or 24 oz?

When it comes to beer sizes, there can be some confusion over the exact volume that different names refer to. Two common beer sizes are the “tall boy” and the “pounder”. But are they the same size or different? Let’s take a closer look at tall boys and pounders to find out.

What is a Tall Boy?

A tall boy refers to a can or bottle of beer that is 16 ounces (oz). It gets its name from the taller, sleeker cans that are used for this size. Traditional 12 oz beer cans are wider and shorter, while 16 oz tall boy cans are more slender and elongated.

Some key facts about tall boys:

• Contain 16 fluid ounces of beer
• Come in 16 oz cans or bottles
• Taller, sleeker can design
• Also referred to as “pounder” or “tall”

Major beer brands like Coors, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Budweiser all produce popular 16 oz tall boy options. You’ll typically find tall boys sold in packs at liquor stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and anywhere else beer is sold.

What is a Pounder?

A pounder is another term used to refer to a 16 oz can or bottle of beer. It gets its name from being approximately one pound in weight when full, though the exact weight varies by brand.

So in summary:

• A pounder is 16 fluid ounces
• It is another name for a tall boy
• Called a pounder because it weighs about one pound when full

Pounder, tall boy, and 16 oz can all refer to the same standard beer size. The terms are used interchangeably by beer brands and drinkers.

Is a Tall Boy the Same as 24 oz?

No, a tall boy and a 24 oz beer are not the same size. A tall boy is 16 oz while a 24 oz beer is noticeably larger at 24 fluid ounces.

A 24 oz beer is usually referred to by the exact volume size “24 ounces” or “24 oz” rather than a unique nickname like tall boy. However, some brands do use distinctive names like:

• Cobra – Used by brands like Coors
• Silver Bullet – Also used by Coors
• Single – Used by Pabst Blue Ribbon

But in most cases, if you see a 24 oz beer for sale, it will be clearly labeled as “24 ounces” or “24 oz”. This eliminates any confusion with the smaller 16 oz tall boy.

Comparing 16 oz and 24 oz Beer Sizes

Let’s compare the key specs of 16 oz vs 24 oz beers:

Size	16 oz Tall Boy/Pounder	24 oz Can
Fluid Ounces	16	24
Typical Weight When Full	1 lb	1.5 lbs
Also Called	Tall boy, pounder, tall	24 oz, Cobra, Silver Bullet, Single

As you can see, the 24 oz beer contains 50% more volume at 24 fluid ounces compared to the 16 ounce tall boy. This makes a noticeable difference in weight as well as overall size of the can/bottle.

Common Beer Sizes

Here are some of the most popular beer sizes you’re likely to encounter:

Size	Fluid Ounces	Common Names
Standard	12 oz	Can, bottle, draft
Tall Boy	16 oz	Pounder, tall
Large Can	24 oz	24 oz, Cobra, Silver Bullet, Single
40 oz Bottle	40 oz	40, quart
Keg	1/2 barrel = 15.5 gal	Half keg, pony keg

As you move up in size from 12 oz standard cans to tall boys, 40s, and kegs, the amount of beer and alcohol increases. But the key takeaway is that a 16 oz tall boy cannot be confused with the larger 24 oz cans.

Appearance of 16 oz vs 24 oz Cans

In addition to the volume differences on the label, you can visually spot the difference between a tall boy and a 24 oz beer can thanks to their distinct sizes and proportions:

• 16 oz Tall Boy – Sleek, slender can that is roughly 5″ tall with a 2.25″ diameter.
• 24 oz Can – Wider, stouter can that is about 6.5″ tall with a 2.75″ diameter.

Side by side, a 24 oz beer can looks substantially bulkier and a bit shorter compared to a tall boy. The larger girth of a 24 oz can is very noticeable compared to the slimmer tall boy.

Price Differences

Tall boys (16 oz) and 24 oz cans are both single-serve sizes, but you’ll typically pay more for the larger 24 oz beer.

For example, a popular domestic beer like Coors might cost:

• 16 oz Tall Boy Can: $1.50 – $2.00
• 24 oz Can: $2.00 – $3.00

This 50-100% price jump for 50% more beer volume shows that you pay a premium for the extra 8 oz. But some beer drinkers find that the superior value of the tall boy is worth the smaller size.

Popularity

While 24 oz cans have their fans, the 16 oz tall boy reigns supreme in terms of popularity and accessibility. Tall boys can be found everywhere from gas stations to stadiums to supermarkets. The shape even works great in coolers.

But 24 oz cans are a bit more niche, with some beer drinkers viewing them as a bit gimmicky. You’re more likely to see them at certain convenience store chains or as special releases from breweries.

This is why when someone refers to grabbing a “tall boy” or “pounder”, they invariably mean a 16 oz beer. The 24 oz size just doesn’t have that same universal shorthand in beer culture.

Common Brands

Nearly every major beer brand produces 16 oz tall boy options, while only some make 24 oz cans. Here are some examples:

Popular 16 oz Tall Boy Beers

• Coors
• Pabst Blue Ribbon
• Budweiser
• Miller High Life
• Natural Light
• Corona
• Modelo
• Heineken

24 oz Beers

• Coors (Silver Bullet)
• Pabst Blue Ribbon (Single)
• Miller High Life
• Natural Light
• Bud Ice

As you can see, some popular tall boy beers like Coors and PBR also make 24 oz versions. But overall, you’ll find far more variety in 16 oz form.

Pros of a Tall Boy

Some advantages that 16 oz tall boy cans offer compared to 12 oz standard beers:

• More beer than a 12 oz can
• Ideal for enjoying 1-2 beers
• Often have fuller flavor than smaller cans
• Sleek size great for coolers/parties
• Usually cheaper than 24 oz cans
• Very portable and easy to store

For all these reasons, tall boys strike an excellent balance for casual drinking situations without going overboard on volume.

Pros of a 24 oz Can

Benefits that 24 oz beer cans provide:

• Lots of beer for thirsty drinkers
• Great for sharing at parties
• Unique look and branding
• Convenient single-serve volume

The extra 8 ounces can satisfy bigger beer cravings, which is the allure of 24 oz cans for most drinkers.

Should You Choose 16 oz or 24 oz?

In most cases, the 16 oz tall boy hits the sweet spot in terms of beer volume and value. But here are some factors to consider when deciding between sizes:

• If you want to casually drink 1-2 beers, tall boys are a great pick.
• For big beer drinkers, 24 oz lets you quench your thirst.
• If you’re watching costs, tall boys give you more ounces per dollar.
• When sharing at a party, 24 oz cans allow people bigger servings.
• If you want unique branding, some 24 oz cans have eye-catching designs.
• Based on availability, 16 oz beers are easier to find than 24 oz.

As you can see, it really comes down to your personal needs and preferences. But now that you know the difference between a 16 oz tall boy and 24 oz beer, you can make the best choice!

FAQs

Is a tallboy bigger than a 24 oz can?

No, a tallboy contains 16 oz which is smaller than the 24 oz in a 24 oz beer can. The 24 oz can contains 50% more beer.

What’s bigger, a tallboy or 40 oz?

A 40 oz bottle contains significantly more beer than a tallboy. A 40 oz has 2.5 times the volume of a 16 oz tallboy.

Is a tallboy the same as a pint?

No, a pint is 16 oz of beer served on draft or sometimes in a bottle. A tallboy is a specific 16 oz sized can or bottle.

Is a tallboy bigger than a pounder?

A tallboy and pounder are different names for the same 16 oz beer can. So they refer to equal sizes.

What is bigger, a 24 oz or a 32 oz beer?

A 32 oz “quart” beer contains 33% more volume than a 24 oz beer. 32 oz is the largest commonly available single-serve beer size.

The Bottom Line

When trying to determine tall boy vs 24 oz beer sizes, the key facts are:

• A tall boy is 16 oz
• A 24 oz beer is noticeably larger at 24 oz
• Tall boys emphasize sleek portability
• 24 oz cans provide more beer volume

So next time you reach for a cold one, you can choose between these two popular beer sizes with confidence. Understanding exact volumes takes the guesswork out of the “tall boy” and “pounder” nicknames. While personal preferences vary, you really can’t go wrong with the classic 16 oz tall boy.