Bars & Breweries
How-To Guide
Feb 3, 2026 4 min read
What Size Keg Do I Need? A Simple Guide for Bars, Cafes, and Offices
Not sure whether to order a sixtel, a quarter barrel, or a half barrel? This quick guide matches keg sizes to your venue type and expected volume.
Keg Sizes, Demystified
If you've never ordered a keg before, the sizing can be confusing. Here's a plain-English breakdown.
The Three Sizes You'll See
Sixtel (1/6 Barrel)
- Volume: 5.16 gallons / ~55 twelve-ounce pours
- Best for: Cafes, small offices, testing a new flavor
- Dimensions: 23⅜" tall × 9¼" diameter
Quarter Barrel (1/4 Barrel)
- Volume: 7.75 gallons / ~82 twelve-ounce pours
- Best for: Medium offices, boutique bars, events under 100 people
- Dimensions: 13⅞" tall × 16⅛" diameter (short and wide - "pony keg")
Half Barrel (1/2 Barrel)
- Volume: 15.5 gallons / ~165 twelve-ounce pours
- Best for: High-traffic bars, large offices, events over 100 people
- Dimensions: 23⅜" tall × 16⅛" diameter
Quick Decision Matrix
| Venue Type | Weekly Volume | Recommended Size |
|---|---|---|
| Cafe / coffee shop | 20-40 drinks | Sixtel |
| Small office (15-30 people) | 30-60 drinks | Sixtel or Quarter |
| Large office (50+ people) | 80-150 drinks | Quarter or Half |
| Bar (moderate NA demand) | 40-80 drinks | Quarter |
| Bar (strong NA program) | 100+ drinks | Half |
| Wedding / event (one day) | Varies | See our event calculator |
Pro Tips
1. Start small: Order a sixtel first to gauge demand, then scale up
2. Rotation: Swap flavors between keg orders to keep things fresh
3. Shelf life: NA kegs stay fresh for 45-60 days once tapped (longer than most craft beer)
Not sure? Tell us your venue type and expected weekly volume, and we'll recommend the right size.
