ale gallon

measurement

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The ale gallon is an old English unit of liquid capacity. It is equivalent to 282 cubic inches or 4.62 liters. This unit is also known as the beer gallon. The first known use of the term "ale gallon" dates back to 1677. A barrel, another unit of measurement, can range from 31.5 to 42 gallons for liquids. Specifically, an ale and beer barrel traditionally held 36 gallons.123

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measurement system
The English system
…231 cubic inches; however, the ale gallon was retained at 282 cubic inches. There were also a corn gallon and an older, slightly smaller wine gallon. There were many other attempts made at standardization besides these, but it was not until the 19th century that a major overhaul occurred.
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…231 cubic inches; however, the ale gallon was retained at 282 cubic inches. There were also a corn gallon and an older, slightly smaller wine gallon. There were many other attempts made at standardization besides these, but it was not until the 19th century that a major overhaul occurred.
Read More