How to Measure Jars and Lids for the Perfect Match

Updated &#; February,

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We often hear from folks who have some bottles and jars but need some new lids in order to re-use or re-purpose them. This post will provide guidance on how to measure glass jars and lids to determine what size lid the jar needs, or vice versa. This post primarily addresses how to measure a jar in order to determine it&#;s finish measurements. If you need help deciding which type of lid/jar combination may best suit your needs, you will want to check out A Guide to Commercial Canning Lids or How to Choose a Canning Lid. If you are planning to sell your product, we recommend Food Processing Resources to help you on your journey.

The specific measurements (all of them!) of the jar finish and of the lid finish matter. Be sure you are choosing a lid compatible with your jar by browsing from the &#;Accessories&#; tab of the jar in question. We link them in this way to avoid order errors. If you need to verify, be sure to contact our customer service team before ordering.

Different Jar Finishes

First, it&#;s important to know that these are the two primary types of containers and closures currently used in food packaging.

Continuous-thread (CT) is the Mason-style closure mechanism where the jar and lid are both threaded in one continuous bead around the entire circumference of the opening; also referred to as &#;screw-on&#;. The skirt (the part that comes down around the mouth of the jar) of these CT lids can vary. Generally, typical mason jars have a 70/450 finish and would require that size of lid. However, there is also a &#;short skirted&#; CT finish; with a 70/400 finish. We show examples of these later in the post.

Lug is the closure system where the container has multiple threads and the lid has an equal number of lugs or tabs that grip the corresponding threads; also known as &#;twist-off&#; closures.

Examples of Lug finish and CT finish Jars & Lids

How to Measure Jars and Lids

Measurements for jars and lids are almost always in millimeters (mm). Don&#;t have a metric ruler? You can use a standard ruler or tape measure and convert it to metrics. Whether your jar has a CT or lug finish, you will measure it in the same manner. The distance (mm) indicated in the image above is what you will measure.

If you don&#;t have a tool designed for this purpose, you can place some masking tape or some card stock to serve as a straight edge to take out the guesswork.

To measure lids (CT or lug), you&#;ll measure the diameter across the inside of the lid.

Want more information on Custom Wide Mouth Jar? Feel free to contact us.

Once you know which size and whether or not it&#;s a lug or CT, you can move forward and choose the best lid for your process. Browse our selection of lids here.

We offer a variety of lids for many different uses. For example; We carry a CT metal closure that offers a shorter skirt/profile with F217 foam liner. This lid is ideal for candles, or bath & body products. It&#;s available in both 70/400 mm CT (which is a shorter profile lid) and 70/450 mm CT (a regular mouth style lid).

We do sell lids by the piece, however, our shipping is not subsidized by our product prices, so the cost of shipping of a few lids will seem quite disproportionate. So that we can properly track shipments once they leave our facility, we only ship UPS.

CAUTION&#;while we like to encourage responsible re-use of jars, we cannot recommend that you use jars of an unknown standard in your canning process.  Many jars are not designed to withstand the pressure canner process and you may end up with product loss or suffer personal injury. Some may not even be able to withstand water bath.  Please remember to keep the limits of your jars and/or lids in mind as you use them and re-use them.

*The specific measurements (all of them!) of the jar finish and of the lid finish matter. Be sure you are choosing a lid compatible with your jar by browsing from the &#;Accessories&#; tab of the jar in question. We link them in this way to avoid order errors. If you need to verify, be sure to contact our customer service team before ordering.

For lid care, please see next tab.

For the current style tumbler, printed vinyl decals on clear or white premium vinyl: ( or later)These premium custom printed labels are permanent and rated for outdoor use up to 5 years and they are dishwasher safe! The ink used is a solvent based ink which means it is can break down if exposed to rubbing alcohol or other solvents. If you know that your tumbler is going to be in frequent contact with solvents please let us know so that we can laminate your decal for protection.

For older style tumblers (made prior to ) made with small pieces of solid color vinyl (or multiple solid colors) follow these instructions: We recommend hand-washing your jar using only a soft dish brush and gentle dish soap on the decals.   You may also wash the jar with a cloth inside and rinsing with water without scrubbing the exterior decals.   Small decals or sharp corners may snag on a dishcloth, this is not recommended.   With larger designs without small pieces you may try washing your jar in the top rack of your dishwasher with the design facing the exterior wall of the dishwasher, but try this at your own risk.  We have had jars go through hundreds of times with no ill effects, and other jars that were destroyed in one washing.  It is our guess that even the detergent used can make the difference (anything containing essential oils seems to break down the adhesive). Small pieces (which make the design super cool) are more vulnerable to wear than larger pieces.   If you have a design failure please let us know! 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Custom Body Scrub Cream Jar. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.