A closer look at bottles
Volume and silhouette shape a bottle’s character and the ways it can be described or redesigned. This pocket atlas explains familiar sizes and classic shapes, from half bottles to Magnums and from pronounced shoulders to slender Riesling bottles.
Names for larger formats may vary by region and beverage.
Bottle sizes: names and volumes
A Magnum holds 1.5 litres, the equivalent of two 0.75-litre bottles. For larger formats, names are less consistent and may vary by wine region and beverage. The following table therefore specifically lists the Champagne formats as defined by the Comité Champagne [1]. For a particular bottle, the volume stated on its label is authoritative.
Standard bottle
Magnum · 2 standard bottles
Champagne Jeroboam · 4 standard bottles
On smaller screens, scroll horizontally to view the table.
| Format | Litres | Centilitres | Equivalent 0.75-l bottles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter bottle | 0.2 l | 20 cl | approx. 0.267 |
| Half bottle / Demi | 0.375 l | 37.5 cl | 0.5 |
| Medium / Pinte | 0.5 l | 50 cl | approx. 0.667 |
| Standard bottle | 0.75 l | 75 cl | 1 |
| Magnum | 1.5 l | 150 cl | 2 |
| Jeroboam | 3 l | 300 cl | 4 |
| Rehoboam | 4.5 l | 450 cl | 6 |
| Methusalem | 6 l | 600 cl | 8 |
| Salmanazar | 9 l | 900 cl | 12 |
| Balthasar | 12 l | 1,200 cl | 16 |
| Nebukadnezar | 15 l | 1,500 cl | 20 |
| Salomon | 18 l | 1,800 cl | 24 |
| Souverain | 26.25 l | 2,625 cl | 35 |
| Primat | 27 l | 2,700 cl | 36 |
| Melchisedek / Midas | 30 l | 3,000 cl | 40 |
Source for names and volumes: Comité Champagne [1]. Comparisons calculated by Designeria: volume ÷ 0.75 l; non-integer values rounded to three decimal places. The list describes named formats, rather than current availability or external dimensions.
Recognising bottle shapes
A silhouette describes shape, rather than contents. These features help identify typical forms; they are not a binding standard or a reliable indication of beverage, origin or quality. The illustrations show typical basic shapes [2, 3].
Bordeaux shape
A straight body meets a clearly defined shoulder and neck. Its clean outline feels calm and architectural.
Burgundy shape
Rounded shoulders connect a wider body to the neck. The silhouette feels more flowing than a Bordeaux bottle.
Slender Riesling shape
An elongated body and a gentle transition to the neck define this form. The actual outline matters more than height alone.
Sparkling wine shape
Rounded shoulders and a substantial body are typical. The external shape alone confirms neither glass thickness nor pressure resistance.
Spirit bottles and unusual shapes
Compact, cylindrical or angular: these bottles offer many distinctive silhouettes. The round shape in our illustration is a generic example.
What defines a shape
Body, shoulders, neck and base together define the appearance. A size name such as “Magnum” does not specify this design.
From bottle format to design piece
A glass object is shaped by more than its former capacity: proportion, base and the interaction with other materials define its effect. A tall, slender bottle creates a different accent from a broad vessel.
A bottle lamp also requires consideration of the shade, lamp holder and stability. Each bottle is assessed individually. This reference does not replace a technical assessment or provide instructions for working glass.
Describe a bottle precisely
- Read the capacity from the label.
- Measure the total height without its cap or stopper.
- Measure the maximum width or diameter.
- For angular shapes, state depth and width separately.
- For enquiries, include a photo with a size reference.
The definitive dimensions of a finished Designeria piece are listed on its product page. Enquire about using your own bottle
Frequently asked questions about bottle sizes
How many litres does a Magnum hold?
A Magnum holds 1.5 l, equivalent to two standard 0.75-litre bottles [1].
How large is a Jeroboam?
In the Champagne naming system documented here, a Jeroboam holds 3 l [1]. Do not apply this definition to every wine region; check the label of the particular bottle.
Are 750 ml, 75 cl and 0.75 l the same?
Yes. One litre equals 100 centilitres or 1,000 millilitres. Therefore: 750 ml = 75 cl = 0.75 l.
How tall is a 0.75-litre bottle?
There is no single height that can be inferred from volume. Shapes and designs vary. For packaging or commissions, use the actual external dimensions or the manufacturer’s specification sheet [2].
Can any bottle be used for a bottle lamp?
Suitability cannot be determined from volume or shape alone. The bottle’s condition, base and proposed design must be assessed individually. Photos and measured external dimensions help us evaluate an enquiry.
Sources, method and citation
This editorial reference by Designeria combines verifiable volume data with a design perspective. External dimensions are deliberately not estimated from capacity. None of the illustrations depicts a specific branded product.
- Comité Champagne: Champagne frequently asked questions – Primary source for the Champagne format names and volumes listed here.
- Stadler Packaging: Wine packaging & bottle cartons – Practical source on bottle shapes and packaging dimensions; not a universal measurement standard.
- Weinfreunde: Wine bottles – a question of shape and size – Additional editorial context on classic wine bottle shapes.
Sources checked on 30 September 2026. Editorial work and calculations: Designeria. Illustrations created with AI in a style inspired by around 1900; not historical documents. Corrections are welcome via our contact page .
Cite this reference
Designeria (2026): “Bottle Sizes & Shapes – An Illustrated Reference”. Updated: 30 September 2026. https://designeria.at/en/pages/flaschengroessen-flaschenformen. Add your own access date when citing. To link directly to the size guide, use the bottle sizes section .