Handbook 44 – 2009 4.45. Dry Measures 

Section 4.45. Dry Measures 

A. Application 

A.1. This code applies to rigid measures of capacity designed for general and repeated use in the measurement of solids, 

including capacities of 1⁄2 bu or more. 

A.2. This code does not apply to “standard containers” used for the measurement of fruits and vegetables and as shipping 

containers thereof. 

A.3. This code does not apply to berry baskets and boxes (see Section 4.46. Code for Berry Baskets and Boxes). 

(Added 1976) 

A.4. See also Section 1.10. General Code requirements. 

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 53/8

 2 quarts 65/8

 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. 

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. 

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4.45. Dry Measures Handbook 44 – 2009 

(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. Nonwatertight 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

Tolerance 

Nominal Capacity 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 

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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