Firkin (unit)


A firkin is a unit of volume or mass used in several situations. Its etymology is likely to be from the Middle English ferdekyn, probably from the Middle Dutch diminutive of vierde 'fourth'.

American unit of dry measure

A firkin is an American unit of dry measure.
1 firkin = 9 US gallons = 34 litres

British unit for butter and cheese

A firkin was a British unit for the sale of butter and cheese.
1 firkin = 56 pounds = 25 kilograms

British unit of volume for beer and wine

A firkin is also a British unit for the sale of beer. It is one quarter of a barrel and its value depends on the current size of a barrel, but at present:
1 firkin = 0.25 barrel = 9 imperial gallons = 10.8 U.S. gallons = 41 litres
A wine firkin is much larger: 1 wine firkin = 70 imperial gallons.