A friendly guide from Mason Jar Lifestyle
Hey there, Mason jar fans!
Build Your Jar → Have a jar already? Start with yours.
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Will this fit my Mason jar?!” And we get it! I’ve been on your side of the screen, finger poised over the Buy Now button for a cute pair of size 7 shoes, wondering, “Will these fit?” I always wear a 7... well, almost always.
Don’t panic! We’re here to make sense of regular mouth and wide mouth jars, compare the common sizes, and help you find accessories you’ll love. We’ve even got a printable guide to make checking at home a little easier.
Already have a jar? Want a new one?
Build your perfect Mason jar drinking setup
Turn your favorite jar into a water bottle, coffee cup, or smoothie tumbler! Start with a jar you own or choose one from us, then explore sleeves, lids, and extras with fit notes along the way.
Check the fit notes for your exact jar. Accessories are optional.
First, the basics
Good news! For most standard Mason jars, there are two common lid sizes: regular mouth and wide mouth. The jar’s capacity tells you how much it holds; its mouth size tells you which of those lids to choose.
So a regular mouth 8 oz jar and a regular mouth quart can use the same regular mouth lid. Pretty neat, huh?! A sleeve is different: it wraps around the body, so jar shape and brand matter as well as capacity.
Ball, Kerr, Bernardin, and Azure make many jars with these standard mouth sizes. Vintage jars, novelty jars, and some food or storage jars can be different - measure and check before buying.
The fit starts here
Regular mouth or wide mouth?
Both of these a-Mason jars have plenty to offer. The easiest way to tell them apart is to measure straight across the inside opening - not the widest part of the jar.
across the inside opening
Often a favorite for pourable foods, flowers, and drinks.
across the inside opening
Easy to fill, scoop, and clean. Hello, leftovers!
Photos show example jars and are not to scale. Measurements are approximate; threaded rims and nonstandard jars vary.
Save this for later
Mason jar size comparison chart
A quick look at common jar sizes, names, and uses. One U.S. cup equals 8 fluid ounces, so 12 oz is 1½ cups and 24 oz is 3 cups.
Regular mouth
Example photos are not to scale.
4 ozJelly jar½ cup
8 ozHalf pint1 cup
12 ozThree-quarter pint1½ cups
16 ozPint2 cups
32 ozQuart4 cups
Swipe to see the full chart →
| Jar | Capacity | Cups | Example height | Example width | Straw starting point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jelly jar | 4 oz | ½ cup | 2¼″ | 2¾″ | N/A |
| Half pint | 8 oz | 1 cup | 3¾″ | 2⅜″ | Short |
| Three-quarter pint | 12 oz | 1½ cups | 5¼″ | 2⅜″ | Often medium |
| Pint | 16 oz | 2 cups | 5″ | 2¾″ | Medium |
| Quart | 32 oz | 4 cups | 6¾″ | 3⅜″ | Long |
Wide mouth
Example photos are not to scale.
8 ozHalf pint1 cup
16 ozPint2 cups
24 ozPint and a half3 cups
32 ozQuart4 cups
64 ozHalf gallon8 cups
Swipe to see the full chart →
| Jar | Capacity | Cups | Example height | Example width | Straw starting point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half pint | 8 oz | 1 cup | 2½″ | 2⅞″ | Measure |
| Pint | 16 oz | 2 cups | 4⅝″ | 3″ | Medium |
| Pint and a half | 24 oz | 3 cups | 6⅝″ | 3″ | Long |
| Quart | 32 oz | 4 cups | 6½″ | 3¼″ | Long |
| Half gallon | 64 oz | 8 cups | 9⅛″ | 4″ | Extra long |
Heights and midpoint widths are approximate measurements from the original guide’s example jars, not universal dimensions. The photos show a mix of Ball and Azure examples and are not to scale; the pictured jars may differ from the chart’s reference jars. Straw suggestions are starting points; account for your jar and lid.
So many possibilities
Jar sizes and uses
For me, choosing a jar comes down to what I’m using it for. Here are a few of our favorite ideas - from little snack jars to seriously big batches.
The regular mouth line-up
Jelly jar - 4 oz - ½ cup
This sweet little jar is a natural for jams, dips, infused vinegars, and snack-size portions. I also love it for corralling paper clips and craft supplies. Add a storage lid for the pantry or a decorative lid for a little charm. A 4 oz sleeve adds a splash of color.
Half pint - 8 oz - 1 cup
The regular mouth half-pint is a handy size for jams and kid-sized drinks. Around here, each kid can make a cup their own with a straw-hole lid, a compatible sleeve, and a short straw - and keep track of it all day. Saving my dishpan hands! A favorite tradition: hot chocolate in the car while looking at Christmas lights. It also makes a tidy little pen holder with a frog lid.
Three-quarter pint - 12 oz - 1½ cups
The 12 oz regular mouth comes in different styles, including quilted jelly jars and the tall Azure jar shown here. Use one for a drink, dry goods, or a little bathroom makeover with a soap pump. A medium straw is often a good starting point for the tall quilted style; measure your own jar and lid to check the fit.
Pint - 16 oz - 2 cups
The regular mouth pint has that iconic Mason jar shape and makes a great everyday drinking jar. Choose a sleeve that fits your particular jar, add a straw-hole lid and medium straw, and you are ready to go. Buy staples in bulk? Hey, me too! This jar is just as happy holding pantry staples or showing off a flower arrangement.
Quart - 32 oz - 4 cups
Get ready to meet The Thirst Buster! This quart jar packs 32 glorious ounces for your desk, the gym, or a day out. Pick the right sleeve for your jar, a regular mouth straw-hole lid, and a long straw. It also makes a useful home for bulk dry goods with a storage lid, or a rainy-day vacation fund.
The wide mouth line-up
Half pint - 8 oz - 1 cup
Short and round, with a wide opening for reaching in, this little jar is a snack superstar! Think hummus, dressings, or a perfectly portable handful of treats. Add a compatible storage lid to keep things covered, or a cutout lid for a simple baking-soda air freshener. The photo shows our 8 oz Azure wide mouth jar.
Pint - 16 oz - 2 cups
The wide mouth pint is a favorite around here - just peek in our dishwasher! It is a lovely size for coffee, leftovers, and lunches. Try a straw-hole lid, a compatible sleeve, and a medium straw; for storage, start with a wide mouth storage lid. Sleeve fit varies between Ball, Kerr, Azure, and other jar shapes, so check the listing or builder.
Pint and a half - 24 oz - 3 cups
The pint and a half is tied for favorite drinking vessel at the MJL warehouse (again - see dishwasher). Its 24 oz capacity makes it a great smoothie or all-day hydration jar. Pair our 24 oz Azure jar with a 24 oz sleeve, a wide mouth straw-hole lid, and a long straw; or explore the shaker lid for another way to drink.
Quart - 32 oz - 4 cups
Love cold brew coffee? A quart jar with our cold brew filter is one of my favorites: brew, strain, and store in the same jar. It is also a stable base for flowers with a frog lid. For a drinking setup, use a wide mouth lid and check the sleeve fit for your specific jar.
Half gallon - 64 oz - 8 cups
When you need a lot of something, this is the jar for you! Make a big batch of tea or lemonade, stash dry goods, or explore fermentation supplies. Our glass fermentation weights fit wide mouth jars. Feeling really thirsty? Look for an extra-long straw and check the lid fit. You can also shop our 64 oz Azure jar.
Find the accessories that fit
Lids match the mouth. Sleeves match the body shape and size. Check the product fit notes, especially for vintage jars and pint jars from different brands.
Can Mason jars go in the freezer?
Some can - but not every jar is designed for it. Choose a jar the manufacturer identifies as freezer-safe and follow its instructions. Ball says its freezer-safe straight or tapered jars may be used for freezing, while jars with shoulders should not be used for freezing.
For more details, see Ball’s jar care guidance and the National Center for Home Food Preservation’s freezer-container guidance. For canning, use a tested recipe, a jar suitable for the method and size, and lids made for home canning. Check your jar maker’s guidance before using a microwave or oven; Ball says its canning jars should not be used in either.
How to use the printable size guide
We made this handy-dandy guide so you can check your jar before ordering.
- Download the printable size guide.
- Print on U.S. letter paper at 100% / actual size, not “fit to page.”
- Check the printed measurements with a ruler, then compare the jar opening with the guide.
- Still unsure? Send us a photo and we’ll help you check.
A printable is a starting point. A nonstandard jar can have a similar opening but different threads, so verify fit before ordering.
A few more questions
- Are all pint jars the same shape?
- No. Two 16 oz jars can have different mouth sizes or body shapes. Match the mouth for a lid and check the exact jar for sleeve fit.
- Will a regular mouth lid fit a wide mouth jar?
- No - choose the lid that matches the mouth, regardless of the jar’s capacity.
- How do I choose a straw?
- For common drinking jars, short is a starting point for 8 oz regular mouth, medium for 16 oz, long for 24 or 32 oz, and extra long for 64 oz. Jar shape and lid height vary, so check the product’s measurements and fit notes.
- What if my jar is not listed in the builder?
- Check the opening and the product fit notes, or ask us before ordering. We’re happy to help.
Looking for label sizes?
Canners and crafters may also like CanningCrafts’ label size charts. For preserving, remember that accessories for everyday storage aren’t automatically canning lids; choose supplies made for your method.
Ready to make your jar yours?
Start with your own jar or choose one of ours, then mix and match the pieces that fit your routine.
Build Your Jar →Wow, that’s a lot of information! Hopefully we’ve covered your Mason jar size questions. If not, get in touch - we love helping you find your fit. Looking forward to connecting with you soon!
A pint and a half jar is 24 oz, which is 3 cups, not 2.5 cups…..
I have a very old wide mouth Mason Jar that I’m thinking is a gallon sized jar that I’m trying to find a metal lid for. Do you have a lid to fit my jar?