Whether you’re cooking dinner, pouring drinks, or measuring out ingredients for a recipe, you’ve probably asked yourself: how much is 1 pint in ounces? It’s one of the most common kitchen conversions—and it’s surprisingly easy to remember once you know the system.
Knowing how many ounces are in a pint can help you scale recipes, portion drinks, or understand nutritional labels without confusion.
Meta Description: Wondering how many ounces are in a pint? Learn the answer for both U.S. and U.K. measurements, plus helpful conversion charts and everyday examples.
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Quick Answer: How Many Ounces in a Pint?
In the U.S. system:
- 1 pint = 16 fluid ounces (fl oz)
In the U.K. (Imperial) system:
- 1 pint = 20 fluid ounces
So, depending on where you are, a pint can hold different volumes of liquid. Most recipes in the United States are based on the 16 fl oz pint, while recipes or drink servings in the U.K. use the larger 20 fl oz measure.
Pint to Ounce Conversion Table
| System | Fluid Ounces in 1 Pint |
| U.S. Customary | 16 fl oz |
| U.K. Imperial | 20 fl oz |
That’s a difference of 4 ounces—so be sure you know which system your recipe or beverage is using!
How About Dry Pints?
While pints are typically used for liquids, they can also apply to dry ingredients.
In the U.S., a dry pint = 18.6 dry ounces, but this refers to weight, not fluid volume.
So it’s important to distinguish:
- Liquid pints measure volume (fluid ounces)
- Dry pints measure weight (dry ounces)
Tip: If your recipe calls for a pint of berries, for example, it’s likely using a dry pint in volume—but the weight can vary depending on how tightly the item is packed.
Why This Matters in Cooking and Daily Life
Understanding how many ounces are in a pint can help you:
- Measure liquids for recipes (broth, cream, milk, water)
- Portion beverages accurately (especially for parties or cocktails)
- Read and interpret product packaging
- Convert measurements for baking, where precision matters
It also comes in handy when you’re scaling up recipes or using tools like measuring cups and pitchers.
Real-World Examples of 1 Pint
Here are some examples of how much 1 pint looks like in fluid ounces:
| Item | Volume in Fluid Ounces |
| 1 pint of milk (U.S.) | 16 fl oz |
| 1 pint of beer (U.S. pour) | 16 fl oz |
| 1 pint of beer (U.K. pour) | 20 fl oz |
| 1 pint of ice cream | 16 fl oz (volume, not weight) |
| 1 pint of chicken broth | 16 fl oz |
Fun Fact:
The term “pint” comes from the Old French pinte, and it has roots in the Latin word pincta, meaning “painted” or “marked measure.”
How to Convert Pints to Ounces (And Back)
These formulas make conversions super simple:
- To convert pints to ounces:
Ounces = Pints × 16 (U.S.)
Ounces = Pints × 20 (U.K.) - To convert ounces to pints:
Pints = Ounces ÷ 16 (U.S.)
Pints = Ounces ÷ 20 (U.K.)
Example Conversions:
- 2 pints (U.S.) = 32 fl oz
- 1.5 pints (U.S.) = 24 fl oz
- 40 fl oz (U.S.) = 2.5 pints
- 60 fl oz (U.K.) = 3 pints
FAQs About Pints and Ounces
Is 1 pint always 16 ounces?
Only in the U.S. liquid measurement system. In the U.K., 1 pint = 20 fluid ounces.
What about a dry pint—how many ounces is that?
A U.S. dry pint is about 18.6 ounces by weight, not fluid ounces.
Is ice cream sold by fluid ounces or weight?
Ice cream pints are measured by volume, so a pint of ice cream = 16 fluid ounces, not 16 ounces by weight.
How many cups are in a pint?
In the U.S., 1 pint = 2 cups. Each cup = 8 fl oz.
Can I use a pint-to-ounce ratio for measuring cooking oil?
Yes! Cooking oil, like other liquids, follows the same U.S. conversion—1 pint = 16 fl oz.
So, how much is 1 pint in ounces? In most U.S. kitchens, the answer is simple:
1 pint = 16 fluid ounces
But always remember—if you’re working with U.K. recipes or products, that pint jumps up to 20 fluid ounces.
Knowing this quick conversion makes cooking, baking, and beverage planning much easier—no more guessing or second-guessing your measurements!
