Australian beer culture is known for a lot of things, but consistent serving size names across the country is not one of them.

Lets look at the various beer sizes and how to order a beer in Australia.

When is a pint not a pint?

A Londoner and New Yorker walk into a Sydney pub and order order a ‘pint’. No, this isn’t the start of a bad joke.

The Londoner will get what they expect, a 20 fluid oz (570 Ml) glass. However, the New Yorker will receive a slightly larger serving than they get at home, as American pints are only 16 fluid oz (473 Ml).

If they decide to keep on drinking together in Adelaide, South Australia they will get a shock when they order those ‘pints’ as it will only be 14 fluid ounces.

Confused yet?

If you are visiting from overseas or traveling interstate, here’s a quick guide to getting to know your pots from your pints across Australia so you can order the beer size you are after.

Australian beer sizes by size & state

Overseas, beer names tend to mean the same thing everywhere, even if the sizes vary. In Australia, it’s the opposite: the volumes are consistent, but the names change by state. Once you know that, the whole system makes a lot more sense.

Beer sizes in Australia use the same volumes nationwide, but the names change depending on the state.

Names vary, volumes don’t. South Australia and Western Australia use some terms differently, so when in doubt, pointing at the tap and asking for the size by volume always works.
State	285 ml (10 oz)	425 ml (14 oz) Standard pub pour	570 ml (20 oz)	1125 ml (40 oz)
NSW	Middy	Schooner	Pint	Jug
QLD	Middy / Ten / Pot	Schooner	Pint	Jug
VIC	Pot	Schooner	Pint	Jug
SA	Schooner	Pint	Imperial Pint	Jug
WA	Middy	Schooner / Pint	Pot	Jug
TAS	Pot / Handle / Ten	Fifteen / Schooner	Pint	Jug
ACT	Middy	Schooner	Pint	Jug
NT	Middy / Pot / Handle	Schooner	Pint	Jug

While the table above is not an extensive list of every size of beer glass size you will find, it does cover the four most popular sizes and what they are called state by state.

Note that some sizes have more than one name, so while a small 10 oz size is called a ‘middy’ in New South Wales, you might hear that same size called a ‘middy, a ‘ten’, or a ‘pot’ depending on where you are in Queensland.

But at least the middy beer size is consistent at 285 ml or 10 ounces. Just don’t try to order one in Melbourne..

And having said all of that, some specialised breweries may have their own sizes of beer glass at their taproom.

If you get too confused, just shout your group a jug, you’ll not only be safe with the bar staff, but be a champion with your mates.

Looking for a map of breweries in Marrickville? We’ve got you covered, just click here. Want to find a place outside? Here are some other options.

Common tourist mistakes when ordering beer in Australia

Asking for “a beer” and stopping there. In most pubs, the next question will be “What size?” Beer orders are a two-part sentence.
Assuming a pint means the same thing everywhere. The volume is consistent, but the names can change by state.
Using the right word in the wrong state. A pot works in Melbourne, a middy works in Sydney, but rarely both.
Thinking the bartender is being difficult. They’re not testing you, they’re trying to give you exactly what you want.
Overthinking it instead of pointing. If in doubt, pointing at the tap and asking for “the 425 ml one” always works.