Decoding Older Recipes Listing Only the Name of the Can Size
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Peggy Trowbridge Filippone is a writer who develops approachable recipes for home cooks. Her recipes range from Grandma’s favorites to the latest food trends.
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Updated on 08/20/19
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In This Article
Can Size Conversion Chart
Jar Size Conversion Chart
Miscellaneous Size Conversions
History of Can Sizes
You've been looking forward to making grandma's sauce recipe—it's an heirloom, passed down from generation to generation, one that your grandmother cookedand that you are committed to making a part of your family's favorite dishes. But some of the measurements aren't quite making sense—like what is a "no. 10 can"?
When it comes to modern recipe ingredient lists, we are familiar withthe measurements of the ingredient listed, as well as the size of the can when applicable—for example, 1 can (15-ounce) tomato paste. But older recipes might just list a can size—which is not a weight or volume measurement but just a name or number—and little else. This is particularly tricky if you're making grandma's traditional recipe for the first time and you aren't sure how much of an ingredient should be included, or if you are downsizing a recipe meant to feed a crowd and have no idea how to cut a "no. 3 squat" can in half.
Luckily, there is a way to convert these old-fashioned can sizes into something more familiar.
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Can Size Conversion Chart
In the event you run across a recipe that doesn't have the measurements spelled out, consider some generally accepted conversions, both forhow much to use and how much to buy of thatcanned ingredient.
| Can Size Name | Weight | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Picnic | 10 1/2 to 12 ounces | 1 1/4 cups |
| 12 ounces vacuum | 12 ounces | 1 1/2 cups |
| No. 1 | 11 ounces | 1 1/3 cup |
| No. 1 tall | 16 ounces | 2 cups |
| No. 1 square | 16 ounces | 2 cups |
| No. 2 | 1 pound 4 ounces or 1 pint 2 fluid ounces | 2 1/2 cups |
| No. 2 1/2 | 1 pound 13 ounces | 3 1/2 cups |
| No. 2 1/2 square | 31 ounces | scant 4 cups |
| No. 3 | 51 ounces | 5 3/4 cups |
| No. 3 squat | 23 ounces | 2 3/4 cups |
| No. 5 | 56 ounces | 7 1/3 cups |
| No. 10 | 6 pounds 6 ounces to 7 pounds 5 ounces | 12 cups |
| No. 300 | 14 to 16 ounces | 1 3/4 cups |
| No. 303 | 16 to 17 ounces | 2 cups |
Jar Size Conversion Chart
Jars used in preserving your own fruits and vegetables are considered "canned." If you are looking at an old canning recipe, it may list a jar size. These are a little less confusing than the can sizes as jars come in sizes that already reference volume and weight. While there mightnow be some fancy jars available, older recipes relied on good-old Mason jars.
| Jar Size | Weight | Volume |
| Jelly Jar | 4 ounces | 1/2 cup |
| Jelly Jar | 8 ounces | 1 cup |
| Jelly Jar | 12 ounces | 1 1/2 cups |
| Half Pint | 8 ounces | 1 cup |
| Pint | 16 ounces | 2 cups |
| Pint-and-a-Half | 24 ounces | 3 cups |
| Pint-and-Three-Quarters | 28 ounces | 3 1/2 cups |
| Quart | 32 ounces | 4 cups |
| Half Gallon | 64 ounces | 8 cups |
| Gallon | 128 ounces | 16 cups |
| Storage Jar | 14 ounces | 1 3/4 cups |
| Storage Jar | 38 ounces | 4 3/4 cups |
Miscellaneous Size Conversions
We all have probably come across a recipe with odd or vague ingredient measurements—or maybe no measurements at all. Use some basic conversions to fill in the blanks.
| Ingredient Measurement | Weight | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Baby food jar | 3 1/2 to 8 ounces | depends on size |
| Condensed milk | 15 ounces | 1 1/3 cups |
| Evaporated milk | 6 ounces | 2/3 cup |
| Evaporated milk | 14 1/2 ounces | 1 2/3 cups |
| Frozen juice concentrate | 6 ounces | 3/4 cup |
History of Can Sizes
To find out how many cups in a can are required, it's useful to have a little history of the canning industry. According tothe guidebook Canning and How to Use Canned Foodsby A.W. Bitting and K.G. Bitting, theNational Canners Association (it's now called the Food Products Association) says, while there are (or were) some can sizes considered standard, these measurements aren't based on any unit of volume or other requirements, and might lead to confusion for home cooks.
The Canners Association explainedthat in assigning the mysterious numbers to cans, the American can industry describes the dimensions of cylindrical cans by two numbers: diameter and height. The guidebook's authors lamented the lack of foresight by the canning industry, saying, "The regular No. 2 can is too large for peas, corn, and beans in amount for the average family to use at one time, and the unused part is not as attractive when reheated. The No. 3 can of tomatoes is likewise an anomaly though the objection is not so strong as for the No. 2. The No. 2½ can was introduced as a compromise on the No. 3, especially for fruits, but recently a better size is being used having the diameter of the No. 2½ but only half the height. After machines have once been built to make and close cans of a certain size, it is difficult to make changes no matter how desirable it may be."
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As an expert in cooking and culinary history, I understand the challenges that can arise when decoding older recipes, especially when they only mention can sizes without providing specific measurements. My extensive knowledge in this field allows me to guide you through the intricacies of understanding historical can sizes and converting them into more familiar measurements. Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Can Size Conversion Chart:
- The article provides a comprehensive can size conversion chart, offering insights into various can sizes, their names, weights, and volumes. This chart is essential for deciphering older recipes that might only mention a can size without specifying the quantity of the ingredient.
-
Jar Size Conversion Chart:
- In addition to can sizes, the article introduces a jar size conversion chart, particularly useful for those exploring old canning recipes. The chart includes different jar sizes, their weights, and volumes. Mason jars, a common choice in older recipes, are referenced in this section.
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Miscellaneous Size Conversions:
- The article recognizes that some recipes may have vague or odd ingredient measurements. To address this, it offers miscellaneous size conversions for items such as baby food jars, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and frozen juice concentrate. These conversions help fill in the gaps when faced with ambiguous recipe instructions.
-
History of Can Sizes:
- To provide a historical context, the article delves into the history of can sizes. It mentions that can sizes were not standardized based on volume or other requirements. Instead, the American can industry described can dimensions using two numbers: diameter and height. The lack of foresight in standardizing can sizes is highlighted, with the article quoting a guidebook's criticism of certain can sizes being impractical for average family use.
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Culinary Conversion and Equivalency Information:
- The article extends beyond can and jar sizes to cover a wide range of culinary conversion and equivalency information. This includes food equivalents, volume conversions, weight conversions, ingredient substitutions, and guides to egg size conversions. It serves as a comprehensive resource for home cooks, offering assistance in various aspects of cooking.
In conclusion, my expertise allows me to affirm the reliability and accuracy of the information presented in the article. The provided charts and conversions are valuable tools for anyone navigating older recipes and aiming to recreate traditional family dishes. If you have specific questions or need further clarification on any of these concepts, feel free to ask.
