How Much Beer Is in a Yard Glass?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 01, 2020

A yard glass holds 48 fluid ounces, or three pints, of beer. The trumpet-shaped glass is three-feet-long and has a long, narrow neck and a bulb-shaped bottom.

A yard glass is also called a “coachman’s quaff,” or a “yard of ale.” Because of their irregularly shaped bottoms, yard glasses are sold with a specially designed stand that individuals must use to rest the glass when not in use.

Yard glasses are an English tradition deriving from the 17th century. Folk legends claim that the glasses came into use so that stage coach drivers could keep both hands on the reins while drinking beer and driving. The glasses are most commonly used for beer drinking competitions in England and Australia.