What Sizes Do Mason Jars Come In?

Mason jars come in a variety of sizes, from tiny 4-ounce selections to large 1-gallon products. Manufacturers produce, round, square, and decorative twisty options. Producers make most sizes with regular and wide-mouth openings. Mouth circumference describes opening diameter size but doesn't impact overall jar volume. Wide-mouth mason jars tend to be easier to empty and clean. All but the largest options feature secure twist-on caps.

Companies often package bath products and perishable-once-opened items in shorter mason jars. Large 1-gallon selections create attractive craft and dry goods retail displays. Thicker products such as peanut butter and jellies work well in wide-mouth options. Restaurants and bars can use 16-oz choices for drink service. Some event planners put flowers in 16 oz jars and tea lights in 4 oz selections to create country chic centerpieces.

Height and Dimensions

Mason jar height typically ranges from between 2 inches (5 cm) and 9.5 inches (24 cm). There are two things that determine the height of a mason jar: the capacity of the mason jar and its shape. The wider jars are typically not as high as thinner jars of the same capacity due to the width accommodating more of the contents. For example, a 16-oz (470 ml) mason jar with a wide shape is around 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall while a standard jar is approximately 5.2 inches (13 cm) tall. This also varies between brands as each brand produces jars with slightly different diameters even though the capacity may be the same. If the shape is similar and the capacity is the same, the difference in height will likely be very small.

Mason jars come in a variety of sizes from relatively small 4-oz options to large 2-quart items. Mason jar dimensions depend on the product's overall volume. A 16-oz selection will have a substantially different diameter, circumference, and height than a 64-oz choice. There are, however, only two available mouth sizes: wide and regular. Measure straight across the opening to determine the diameter of the product's mouth. Most Mason jars with regular mouths have an outer diameter of 2.75 inches. That number increases to 3.38 inches for wide-mouth choices. Any given wide-mouth lid will fit on all wide-mouth Mason jars, no matter how large or small. The same is also true for regular-sized mouth options.

Sizes and Shapes

Mason jars come in a variety of shapes and capacities — popular sizes include 4, 8, 16, 28, and 32 ounces. All feature clear, odor and stain-resistant glass, making them well suited for food packaging and reuse. There are two opening styles: regular and wide-mouth. Wide-mouth openings work well with thick food products like jam or honey. They're also easy for customers to wash and reuse. Regular-mouth mason jars have slightly tapered silhouettes. Producers typically use these options to package foods that pour relatively easily, such as sauces and marinades.

Mason jars are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes to satisfy the packaging needs of nearly countless companies and products. The two most common and popular mason jar sizes tend to be 8 and 16-ounces. Bulk packaging prices for both jars and lids help control costs and increase profit margins. Jams and jellies in 12-ounce mason jars fit neatly inside of refrigerator doors. Textured sides help prevent slipping, even with condensation and moisture. Larger 32-ounce selections are popular choices for sauces and condiments.

The largest mason jars in current production have a total volume of 1 gallon or 128 oz. At 11.5 inches tall and featuring a 6-inch diameter, they work well for traditional country store food items, such as pickles and loose candy. Purchase in bulk and pair with scoops to give customers an old-fashioned, do-it-yourself dry goods store experience. Retail establishments sometimes use these sizeable, clear glass selections for product displays. The largest mason jars make colorful and customer-friendly displays of craft merchandise, such as yarn and ribbon. These 1-gallon mason jars feature convenient snap-on lids. Selections with traditional screw-on tops only go up to 64 oz.

You'll have trouble finding a mason jar that holds less than 2 ounces. Bars and restaurants often emboss mini-plastic mason jars and use them to serve shots and other alcoholic beverages. Mini-plastic-mason jars provide fun solutions for catering companies, bars, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and restaurants looking for creative ways to serve infusions, cocktails, shots, and drink samples.

Small or mini-plastic mason jars typically hold 2 to 2.5 ounces, roughly the same amount as a shot glass. Shatterproof, they're easy to pack and ship. They're useful service options in areas like swimming pools and beaches where glass is frequently not allowed. They can also be washed and reused, making them fun options for souvenir shops, weddings, and large parties.