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How to Measure Glassware

Stemware is an example of glass made to hold a volumetric content as well as made to a specific size. A mold and a plunger processes molten glass to make pressed glass, and the interior form is independent of the exterior form, according to the PBS Roadshow glossary. With an independent interior, measuring the exterior is not an accurate measurement for many purposes. There are several ways to measure glassware, depending on the reason for the measurement.

Things You'll Need

Measuring cup
Ruler

Instructions

Measurement by Volume
- 1
  Measure stemware and drinkware by volume. Use a measuring cup to assist in this measurement. If you live in Australia, you may not need to measure, since alcohol content is marked on the side of the drinkware.
- 2
  Fill the stemware or drinkware to the level top with water, leaving no room for a drop more of liquid.
- 3
  Pour the water into a measuring cup and measure the liquid by ounces. When describing the stem or tumbler, state that it holds x number of ounces in liquid measure.
Measurement by Exterior Size
- 4
  Measure glassware that is not a stem or tumbler by size. Place the glassware on a flat surface.
- 5
  Hold a ruler or measuring stick to the side of the item with the bottom edge of the ruler perpendicular to the flat surface and parallel to the center of the glassware.
- 6
  Read the measurement in inches and parts of inches to determine the height. If you have a metric stick, your measurements will be in millimeters.
- 7
  Lay the ruler flat across the glassware top parallel to the flat surface. Measure the widest point in inches and parts of inches to determine the width. On round items, this is also the largest diameter.
- 8
  Read the measurement as the width. Combine the height and width measurements. Report that the glassware is x by x inches or millimeters. Record this measurement as x inches tall and x inches in diameter if the item is round.
Inside Diameter Size Measurement to Match Stoppers and Corks
- 9
  Measure the inside diameter of a bottle or decanter to match stoppers and corks. Use a ruler to accomplish this task.
- 10
  Hold the ruler to the inside of the top of the bottle or decanter and level across the top.
- 11
  Read only the measurement of the hole or the space between the glass sides. This is the size stopper or cork needed for the glass bottle or decanter, and is the inside diameter of the neck of the glassware item.

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