Answer Line FAQs
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What can size should be used when a recipe says "no. 2" can?

Older recipes were more likely to use this kind of measurement. Without a handy reference chart, there is no easy way to know the size of each can. A few of the can sizes and their equivalents are listed here:

  Can Size              Volume          Average Net Weight

No. 1 picnic         1 1/4 cups      10 1/2 ounces 
No. 300   1 3/4 cups  15  1/2ounces
No. 1 tall or 303   2 cups  15-17 ounces
No. 2   2 1/2 cups  20 ounces     
No. 2 1/2   3 1/2 cups  29 ounces
No. 3   4 cups  33 ounces
No. 3 cylinder   5 3/4 cups  46-51 ounces
No. 10   3 quarts

 6 lb. 9 ounces

 
Reference: Handbook of Food Preparation, Food and Nutrition Section, American Home Economics Association
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