Take the Guesswork out of Choosing Mason Jar Sizes for Canning

Selecting the right Ball^® jar size for the job is an important part of the food canning process. Just like there are distinct knives for carving different foods, there are also varied canning jars from small mason jars to large mason jars, crafted to preserve different types of foods. So how do you know which of these sizes of mason jars are right for each recipe?

Ball^® offers a variety of mason jar sizes designed specifically for the needs of home preservers found in our mason jar size chart to help you choose the best storage method possible. While certain jars, like those with straight or tapered sides, are ideal for freezing as well as for canning. Certain jars for canning, like those with shouldered sides, are ideal for shelf storage.

While jar shape can help you choose storage method, the jar mouth size can depend on a variety of factors. Regular Mouth Mason Jars work best with pourable foods such as jams, jellies, salsas, sauces, pie fillings, and vegetables. Wide Mouth Mason Jars allows for easier filling and works best with whole fruits and vegetables.

It’s best practice to refer to the canning recipe when it comes to selecting the perfect size jar for your application. Use the Mason Jar Size Chart below to help you select the mouth opening and jar shape that fit your needs. If you choose to process the recipe in a jar smaller than a quart but larger than a pint canning jar, follow the processing time given for quarts. If your jar selection is smaller than a pint, follow the processing time given for pints. Jams, jellies and other soft spreads canned in Quilted Crystal 4 oz, 8 oz, and 12 oz Jars use the same processing time as stated for an 8 oz jar.

The Ball® Mason Jar Size Chart

Regular Mouth Mason Jars

4 oz. Mason Jars (Freezer Safe) - Ideal jar for canning Jams, Jellies, Mustards, Ketchup, Dipping Sauces, Flavored Vinegars, Small Portion Sizes
8 oz. Mason Jars (Freezer Safe) - Ideal jar for canning Jams, Jellies, Conserves, Preserves, Fruit Syrups, Chutneys, Pizza Sauce
12 oz. Mason Jars (Freezer Safe) - Ideal jar for canning Jams, Jellies, Marmalades
16 oz. Mason Jars - Ideal Jar for Canning Salsas, Sauces, Relishes, Pie Fillings
32 oz. Mason Jars - Ideal Jar for Canning Fruit & Vegetable Slices, Pickles, Tomato based Juices & Sauces

Wide Mouth

16 oz. Mason Jars (Freezer Safe) - Ideal Jar for Canning Salsas, Sauces, Relishes, Fruit Butters
24 oz. Mason Jars (Freezer Safe) - Ideal Jar for Canning Asparagus, Pickles, Sauces, Soups, Stews
32 oz. Mason Jars - Ideal Jar for Canning Pickles, Tomatoes, Whole or Halved Fruits & Vegetables
64 oz. Jars - Ideal Jar for Canning Apple Juices & Grape Juices

**When filling freezer safe jars, leave ½-inch headspace to allow for the expansion of food during freezing.

In the world of home canning, selecting the right Ball^® canning jar is crucial to effectively preserving your food's flavor. While the shape of the jar helps you decide on the storage method, the size of the jar's mouth depends on various factors. Always remember that Regular Mouth Mason Jars for canning are best for pourable foods like Ball^® canning recipes for jams, jellies, salsas, sauces, pie fillings, and vegetables. Wide Mouth Mason Jars with their larger opening, make filling easier and are ideal for preserving whole fruits and vegetables. Selecting the right Ball^® jar size for your canning days ensures that your preserved foods are correctly stored to retain their quality. So, take the time to make the perfect choice and enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the year.