Standard Barrels and Boxes.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 82-7
in effect82-7. Standard Barrels and Boxes.
1. A liquid barrel shall contain 31-1/2 gallons and a hogshead, 2 barrels; aliquot parts of a barrel shall contain the proportionate number of gallons. A barrel for beer, ale, porter or other similar fermented liquors shall contain 31 gallons. Each gallon to contain 231 cubic inches; a 1/2 barrel 15-1/2 gallons; a 1/4 barrel 7-3/4 gallons; an 1/8 barrel 3-7/8 gallons. The capacities of the barrel and its subdivisions enumerated shall apply to all containers in which beer, ale, porter or other similar fermented liquors are commonly sold, known as barrels, kegs, casks, or any other container made of staves, hoops and flat heads.
2.
A liquid gallon shall contain 231 cubic inches.
3.
A barrel of flour measured by weight shall contain 196 pounds.
4.
A barrel of potatoes or other vegetables shall be the same as the standard barrel for apples or pears or other fruits, as provided in sub. 6.
5.
A barrel of unslaked lime shall contain 200 pounds.
6.
The standard barrel for apples or pears or other fruit, unless otherwise specifically defined, shall have an inner capacity of 7,056 cubic inches and shall not be less than 26 inches between the heads inside; the diameter of the heads shall be 17-1/8 inches, including the beveled edge; the outside bilge or circumference shall not be less than 64 inches, the thickness of the staves being 4/10ths of an inch; provided, however, that any barrel of a different form but of an interior capacity of 7,056 cubic inches shall be a legal barrel.
7.
The standard barrel for cranberries shall measure not less than 25-1/4 inches between the heads inside; the diameter of the head shall be 16-1/4 inches, including the beveled edge; the outside bilge, or circumference, shall measure not less than 58-1/2 inches, the thickness of the staves being 4/10th of an inch. But any barrel of different form, but of the same interior capacity, shall be considered a legal barrel. (File #9722, Oct. 25, 1915.)
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-1/CH82.pdf#page=3Fetched: 10/26/2026