Guide
Australian beer glass sizes by state: pot, middy, schooner and pint
What to order in an Australian pub, state by state: pots, middies, handles, schooners and pints, why a schooner in Adelaide is smaller than in Sydney, how glass size relates to standard drinks, and how to order with confidence.
Published
In most Australian states, the two most common beer glass sizes are 285 ml (called a pot in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania, a middy in NSW, WA and the ACT, and a handle in the NT) and 425 ml (a schooner in most states). A pint is commonly 570 ml. South Australia is the exception: a schooner there is 285 ml and a "pint" is 425 ml. If in doubt, ask for the size in millilitres.
These are the traditional names commonly used in pubs. Venues are free to serve other sizes, and some craft venues use different glassware, so check the menu or ask. This guide is part of our Australian beer guide.
Why the names differ
Australian beer glass names developed separately in each colony and state before Federation and afterwards, and they stuck. The result is that the same word can mean different sizes in different states. Locals take it for granted; visitors are often confused.
Glass sizes by state
The table shows the names commonly used for each size. Not every venue uses every size.
| State or territory | ~200 ml | ~285 ml | ~425 ml | ~570 ml |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | (less common) | Middy | Schooner | Pint |
| Victoria | Glass | Pot | Schooner | Pint |
| Queensland | (less common) | Pot | Schooner | Pint |
| South Australia | Butcher | Schooner | Pint | Imperial pint |
| Western Australia | (less common) | Middy | Schooner | Pint |
| Tasmania | (less common) | Pot (or ten) | Schooner | Pint |
| Northern Territory | (less common) | Handle | Schooner | Pint |
| ACT | (less common) | Middy | Schooner | Pint |
State notes
New South Wales and the ACT
The schooner is the standard pub order in Sydney. The middy is the smaller option. Pints are widely available, especially in Irish and British-style pubs. See our NSW venues page.
Victoria
Melbourne drinkers commonly order a pot or a pint. Schooners are available in many venues. The small glass is less common than it used to be. See our Victorian venues page.
Queensland
The pot is the classic Queensland order, and schooners are common. In hot weather, smaller glasses keep beer cold. See our Queensland venues page.
South Australia
South Australia is where visitors get caught out. A schooner is the smaller 285 ml glass, a pint is 425 ml and an imperial pint is 570 ml. The butcher is a traditional small glass. See our SA venues page.
Western Australia
Perth uses the middy and schooner, as in NSW. See our WA venues page.
Tasmania
Tasmanians commonly order a pot or a schooner; older drinkers may call the 285 ml glass a "ten". See our Tasmanian venues page.
Northern Territory
In the NT, the 285 ml glass is often called a handle. Schooners are also common.
Other serves you may see
- Jugs: shared jugs are served in some pubs and clubs.
- Tasting paddles: small glasses of several beers, common at taprooms. See our tasting guide.
- Craft glassware: taprooms often use different glass shapes and sizes and list them on the menu.
- Cans and bottles: common sizes include 375 ml and 440 ml cans; the label shows the volume and standard drinks.
Glass size and standard drinks
Glass size alone does not tell you how much alcohol you are drinking. A schooner of mid-strength beer contains less alcohol than a schooner of full-strength beer, and a strong IPA can contain significantly more. A standard drink in Australia contains 10 g of pure alcohol.
All packaged alcohol in Australia must show the number of standard drinks on the label, according to the Department of Health's standard drinks guide. For beer on tap, ask staff about the alcohol content. Our standard drinks guide explains how to count.
How to order with confidence
- Check the menu or tap list for sizes and prices.
- Ask for the size in millilitres if you are unsure.
- Ask the bartender what locals usually order.
- Consider a smaller glass for stronger beers, or to keep beer cold on a hot day.
- Ask about mid-strength or non-alcoholic options if you are driving or pacing yourself. See low and no-alcohol beer.
Pub etiquette
- Shouts: in a group, people often take turns buying a round ("a shout"). If you join a shout, be ready to buy your round.
- Tipping: not expected in Australian pubs.
- ID: you must be 18 or over to buy alcohol, and staff may ask for ID.
- Responsible service of alcohol: staff are required to refuse service to intoxicated people.
Where to go next
Frequently asked questions
How big is a schooner?
In most of Australia a schooner is commonly 425 ml. In South Australia, a schooner is commonly 285 ml, and the 425 ml glass is called a pint.
What is a middy?
A middy is commonly a 285 ml glass, the name used in New South Wales, Western Australia and the ACT. Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania usually call the same size a pot.
How big is a pint in Australia?
In most states an Australian pint is commonly 570 ml. In South Australia a 'pint' is commonly 425 ml and the 570 ml glass is called an imperial pint. Some venues serve other sizes, so ask.
How many standard drinks are in a schooner?
It depends on the beer's alcohol content. A schooner of full-strength beer is typically more than one standard drink. Ask staff or check the brewery's information.
What should I order if I'm not sure?
Ask for the size in millilitres, or ask the bartender what the local names are. Staff are used to visitors asking.