Have you ever wondered what everyday objects measure 20 ounces in length? While ounces typically measure weight, some items are designed to be around 20 fluid ounces in volume or have a length that roughly corresponds to this measurement.
In this article, we’ll explore 8 common things that are 20 ounces long (or hold 20 ounces) and dive into interesting facts about each. Whether you’re curious about measurements or just love random trivia, this list will surprise you!
Here’s a list of the 8 things that are 20 ounces long (or hold 20 ounces) from the article:
- Standard Water Bottle
- Large Coffee Cup (e.g., Starbucks Grande)
- Four Stacked Soda Cans (approx. height)
- Large Beer Stein
- Small Bottle of Ketchup
- Sports Drink (Gatorade/Powerade)
- Hand Sanitizer Bottle
- Travel-Sized Hair Spray or Sunscreen
1. A Standard Water Bottle
Most disposable plastic water bottles hold 20 fluid ounces (591 mL). These bottles are a popular size for single-use hydration and are roughly 8-9 inches tall, depending on the brand.
Fun Fact: The average person should drink about eight 20-ounce bottles of water per day to meet the recommended daily intake.
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2. A Large Coffee Cup
Many coffee chains, like Starbucks, serve their “Grande” size at 20 ounces. This is a popular choice for those who need an extra caffeine boost.
Did You Know? A 20-ounce coffee contains about 330 mg of caffeine, which is close to the FDA’s recommended daily limit (400 mg).
3. A Standard Soda Can (Height When Stacked)
A typical 12-ounce soda can is about 4.83 inches tall. If you stack four cans, their combined height is roughly 19.32 inches, which is close to 20 ounces in length when laid out.
Bonus Fact: The first soda can was introduced in 1938 by Pepsi!
4. A Large Beer Stein
Traditional German beer steins often hold 20 ounces (about 0.6 liters). These are commonly used during Oktoberfest and measure around 6-8 inches tall.
Interesting Note: The world’s largest beer stein holds 400 liters (over 13,500 ounces) and stands 6 feet tall!
5. A Small Bottle of Ketchup
A standard 20-ounce ketchup bottle is a common size found in restaurants. It stands about 8 inches tall and is perfect for family meals.
Fun Fact: Americans consume about 71 pounds of ketchup per person every year!
6. A Large Sports Drink (Gatorade/Powerade)
Many sports drinks come in 20-ounce bottles to help athletes rehydrate. These bottles are usually 8-9 inches tall with a wide mouth for easy drinking.
Pro Tip: Drinking a 20-ounce sports drink after a workout helps replenish electrolytes lost through sweat.
7. A Small Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
Large hand sanitizer bottles often come in 20-ounce sizes, measuring around 7-8 inches tall. These are common in offices and public spaces.
Did You Know? The CDC recommends using at least a nickel-sized amount of sanitizer for effective cleaning.
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8. A Travel-Sized Hair Spray or Sunscreen
Some travel-sized aerosol cans (like hairspray or sunscreen) hold 20 ounces and are roughly 7-9 inches tall, making them TSA-friendly for carry-ons.
Travel Hack: Always check airline liquid restrictions—most allow bottles under 3.4 ounces in carry-ons, but checked bags can hold larger sizes.
FAQs About Things That Are 20 Ounces Long
Q1: Is 20 ounces a common measurement for drinks?
- Yes! Many bottled beverages (water, soda, sports drinks) come in 20-ounce sizes, making them a standard single-serving option.
Q2: How tall is a 20-ounce bottle?
- Most 20-ounce bottles are between 7-9 inches tall, depending on the shape and brand.
Q3: Can 20 ounces also refer to weight?
- Yes, ounces measure both volume (fluid ounces) and weight (avoirdupois ounces). This article focuses on volume and comparable lengths.
Q4: What’s the difference between 20 fl oz and 20 oz by weight?
- Fluid ounces (fl oz) measure volume (like liquids).
- Ounces (oz) measure weight (like food or objects).
Q5: How many 20-ounce bottles make a gallon?
- Since 1 gallon = 128 ounces, you’d need 6.4 (20-ounce) bottles to make a gallon.
Q6: Why do so many drinks come in 20-ounce sizes?
- It’s a convenient single-serving size—big enough to quench thirst but not too large to waste.
Final Thoughts
From water bottles to beer steins, many everyday items measure 20 ounces in volume or length. Whether you’re measuring liquids or comparing heights, this size is more common than you might think!
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments what other 20-ounce items you can think of!