Convert Volume from Pints to Kannor (pt to kanna)

What is a Pint (pt)?

A pint (pt) is a unit of volume in the imperial and US customary systems.

Still, its exact size can vary depending on the context. The plural form is pints.

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Key Takeaways:

• A UK Imperial pint (~568 ml) is about 20% larger than a US liquid pint (~473 ml).
• The United States also uses a separate dry pint (~551 ml) for measuring foods like berries.
• The pint is a cultural icon, central to ordering beer in pubs across the UK and Ireland.

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Is a UK Imperial Pint Bigger Than a US Pint?

Yes, it is. While both the United States and the United Kingdom use the term "pint," the UK Imperial pint is significantly larger.

This is a crucial difference to remember for international recipes or when ordering a drink abroad.

An Imperial pint, used in the UK, Ireland, and some Commonwealth nations, contains 20 imperial fluid ounces. In contrast, a US liquid pint contains 16 US fluid ounces.

Here is a simple breakdown:

• UK Imperial Pint: Contains 20 imperial fluid ounces (approximately 568 ml).
• US Liquid Pint: Contains 16 US fluid ounces (about 473 ml).

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What is a Dry Pint Used For?

To add another layer, the United States has a separate measurement called a "dry pint." This is used for measuring the volume of dry goods, such as blueberries, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.

A US dry pint is equal to 1/8 of a dry gallon, which is approximately 551 milliliters.

This means a US dry pint is about 16% larger than a US liquid pint, so be sure not to use them interchangeably when measuring ingredients for a recipe.

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Why is the Pint So Important in Pub Culture?

The pint is not just a unit of measurement but a cultural institution, particularly when it comes to beer. In places like the UK and Ireland, ordering "a pint" is the standard way to get a beer in a pub.

This long-standing tradition even influenced the design of its glassware, such as the classic "Nonic" pint glass. It features a bulge near the top to improve grip and prevent the rim from chipping, making the pint a cornerstone of both social gatherings and the authentic pub experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pints

How many ml in a pint?

It depends on which pint you are using!

A UK Imperial pint is approximately 568 ml, while a US liquid pint is about 473 ml.

Which countries use the Imperial pint?

The Imperial pint is primarily used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and some Commonwealth nations like Canada. However, it's used primarily for beer there.

Can I use a liquid pint measuring cup for dry ingredients?

For the best accuracy in cooking and baking, it is not recommended.

A US dry pint (~551 ml) holds more volume than a US liquid pint (~473 ml), so using the wrong one could lead to incorrect measurements.

What is a Kanna?

A Kanna is a traditional unit of volume from Sweden, equal to 2.617 liters.

The word itself means "can," "pot," or "jug" in Swedish, directly reflecting its use as a container for measuring.

The correct plural form is Kannor, a term you'll find in historical records and recipes.

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Where Did the Kanna Measurement Come From?

The Kanna has deep roots in Swedish history, serving as a standard unit of measurement long before the country adopted the metric system in 1889.

This measurement was a part of everyday life, used in homes and markets all across Sweden to measure everything from milk and spirits to dry goods.

The Kanna was part of a larger system of units, where a stop was half a Kanna, and a tunna (or barrel) was made up of 48 Kannor.

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How Much is a Kanna? (Conversions)

To help you visualize this volume, one Kanna is approximately the size of a large 2-liter soda bottle.

Here is a quick Kanna conversion guide to modern and historic units:

• 1 Kanna = 2.617 liters
• 1 Kanna = approximately 0.691 US gallons
• 1 Kanna = approximately 5.5 US pints
• 1 Kanna = 2 stop
• 48 Kannor = 1 tunna (barrel)