Can Size Equivalents Calculator

Standard US can sizes: #303 = 16 oz, #2 = 20 oz, #2.5 = 28 oz, #10 = 109 oz. Convert by weight, cups, mL.

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How to use this calculator

  • Pick the can size mentioned in the recipe.
  • Enter quantity needed.
  • Use cups/mL to portion into a different container.

About this calculator

US standard can sizes are a holdover from canning industry codes. #303 (the most common — tomato sauce, chili, canned vegetables) is 16-17 oz (~2 cups). #10 cans are food-service / restaurant size — 6.5 lb each, used for bulk tomatoes, beans. Modern cans often print net weight in oz/g but the # number persists in older recipes ("a #2 can of tomatoes"). Net weight ≠ drained weight: a #303 can of beans contains ~16 oz total but only ~10 oz drained beans.

Frequently asked

Can size on the label?+
Modern US cans print net weight in oz only. The # designation is mostly archival but still used in older cookbooks and bulk catalogs.
Net vs. drained weight?+
Cans are filled with brine/syrup to a net weight. Drained weight (just the solids) is 60-80% of net depending on product.
EU equivalents?+
EU uses metric: 400g cans (close to #303), 800g cans (close to #2). 425 g/15 oz cans are common in commonwealth countries.
Why so many sizes?+
Historical: each food category settled on a size. Tuna = "half-#1" (5 oz). Tomatoes = #303 or #2.5. Beans = #303. Less rationalized than metric.
Does the can shape matter?+
No — sizes are by volume. Tall vs. short cans of the same size hold the same amount.

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