Handbook 44 – 2015 4.45. Dry Measures 

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Table of Contents 

Section 4.45. Dry Measures ................................................................................................ 4-35

A. Application .................................................................................................................................................. 4-35

A.1. General. ...............................................................................................................................................4-35

A.2. Exceptions. ..........................................................................................................................................4-35

A.3. Additional Code Requirements. ..........................................................................................................4-35

S. Specifications ............................................................................................................................................... 4-35

S.1. Units. ...................................................................................................................................................4-35

S.2. Material. ..............................................................................................................................................4-35

S.3. Shape...................................................................................................................................................4-35

S.3.1. Conical Dry Measure. ...........................................................................................................4-35

S.4. Capacity Point. ....................................................................................................................................4-36

S.5. Top Reinforcement. ............................................................................................................................4-36

S.6. Marking Requirements........................................................................................................................4-36

N. Notes ............................................................................................................................................................. 4-36

N.1. Testing Medium. .................................................................................................................................4-36

N.1.1. Watertight Dry Measures. .....................................................................................................4-36

N.1.2. Non-Watertight Dry Measures. .............................................................................................4-36

T. Tolerances .................................................................................................................................................... 4-36
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Handbook 44 – 2015 4.45. Dry Measures 

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Section 4.45. Dry Measures

A. Application 

A.1. General. – This code applies to rigid measures of capacity designed for general and repeated use in the 

measurement of solids, including the capacities of 1⁄2 bu or more. 

A.2. Exceptions. 

(a) This code does not apply to “standard containers” used for the measurement of fruits and vegetables and as 

shipping containers thereof. 

(b) This code does not apply to berry baskets and boxes. (Also see Section 4.46. Code for Berry Baskets and 

Boxes.) 

 (Added 1976) 

A.3. Additional Code Requirements. – In addition to the requirements of this code, Dry Measures shall meet the 

requirements of Section 1.10. General Code. 

S. Specifications 

S.1. Units. – The capacity of a measure shall be 1 bu, a multiple of the bushel, or a binary submultiple of the 

bushel, and the measure shall not be subdivided or double-ended. 

S.2. Material. – A dry measure shall be made of any suitable material that will retain its shape during normal 

usage. 

S.3. Shape. – A measure, other than a basket, of a capacity of 1⁄2 bu or less, shall be cylindrical or conical in shape. 

The top diameter shall in no case be less than the appropriate minimum diameter shown in Table 1. Minimum Top 

Diameters for Dry Measure other than Baskets. The bottom of a measure, other than a basket, shall be perpendicular 

to the vertical axis of the measure and shall be flat, except that a metal bottom may be slightly corrugated. The 

bottom of a measure shall not be adjustable or movable. 

Table 1.

Minimum Top Diameters for Dry Measures other than Baskets

Nominal Capacity Minimum Top Diameter Inches

1 pint 4 

 1 quart 5

3

/8

 2 quarts 6

5

/8

1⁄2 peck 81⁄2

 1 peck 107/8

 1⁄2 bushel 133⁄4

S.3.1. Conical Dry Measure. – If conical, the top diameter shall exceed the bottom diameter by not more 

than 10 % of the bottom diameter. 
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S.4. Capacity Point. – The capacity of a measure shall be determined by the top edge of the measure. 

S.5. Top Reinforcement. – The top edge of a measure shall be reinforced. On a wooden measure other than a 

basket, of a capacity of 1 qt or more, this reinforcement shall be in the form of a firmly attached metal band. 

S.6. Marking Requirements. – A measure shall be conspicuously marked on its side with a statement of its 

capacity. If the capacity is stated in terms of the pint or quart, the word “Dry” shall be included. The capacity 

statement shall be in letters of the following dimensions: 

(a) At least 1⁄2 in high and 1⁄4 in wide on a measure of any capacity between 1⁄2 pt and 1 pk. 

(b) At least 1 in high and 1⁄2 in wide on a measure of a capacity of 1⁄2 bu or more. 

(c) On a measure of a capacity of 1⁄4 pt or less, the statement shall be as prominent as practicable, considering 

the size and design of such measure. 

N. Notes 

N.1. Testing Medium. 

N.1.1. Watertight Dry Measures. – Water shall be used as the testing medium for watertight dry measures. 

N.1.2. Non-Watertight Dry Measures. – A dry measure shall be tested either volumetrically using rapeseed 

as a testing medium or geometrically through inside measurement and calculation. 

(Amended 1988) 

T. Tolerances 

T.1. – Maintenance tolerances in excess and in deficiency shall be as shown in Table 2. Maintenance Tolerances, in 

Excess and in Deficiency, for Dry Measure. Acceptance tolerances shall be one-half the maintenance tolerances. 

Table 2.

Maintenance Tolerances, in Excess and in Deficiency, for Dry Measures

Nominal Capacity

Tolerance

In Excess

Cubic Inches

In Deficiency

Cubic Inches

1

/32 pint or less 0.1 0.05

1

/16 pint 0.15 0.1

1

/8 pint 0.25 0.15

1⁄4 pint 0.5 0.3

1⁄2 pint 1.0 0.5

1 pint 2.0 1.0

1 quart 3.0 1.5
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Table 2.

Maintenance Tolerances, in Excess and in Deficiency, for Dry Measures

Nominal Capacity

Tolerance

In Excess

Cubic Inches

In Deficiency

Cubic Inches

2 quarts 5.0 2.5

1⁄2 peck 10.0 5.0

1 peck 16.0 8.0

1⁄2 bushel 30.0 15.0

1 bushel 50.0 25.0
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