Beer Can Sizes in Malaysia: Short Cans vs Long Cans
By JohorBeer Team ·
If you buy beer by the carton in Malaysia you will hear people talk about short cans and long cans. Here is what they mean and how to compare them.
Short cans: 320ml
A short can holds 320ml. Tiger, Carlsberg, Heineken, Anchor and Guinness are all sold in 320ml cans. A short can is a modest serving, which is why short-can cartons are popular for parties.
Long cans: 490ml or 500ml
Long cans are taller and hold about half a litre. Depending on the brand, a long can is 490ml or 500ml — check the product page or the can. Strong beers such as SKOL Super, Carlsberg Special Brew, El Diablo and Red Fox come only in long cans.
How much beer is in a carton?
Every beer carton at JohorBeer has 24 cans:
| Carton | Total volume |
|---|---|
| 24 × 320ml (short can) | 7.68 litres |
| 24 × 490ml (long can) | 11.76 litres |
| 24 × 500ml (long can) | 12 litres |
A long-can carton holds roughly 50% more beer than a short-can carton.
Compare price per litre, not per carton
Divide the carton price by its total litres. For example, a RM118 short-can carton works out to about RM15.40 per litre, while a RM165 long-can carton (24 × 490ml) is about RM14 per litre. Long cans are usually a little cheaper per litre; short cans are easier to finish cold.
Which should you buy?
- Short cans for parties, hot afternoons and guests who drink slowly
- Long cans for regular drinkers and the best value per litre
- Both for bigger groups — one carton of each of the same brand
Browse beer cartons to see every size we stock.