Butter churn
A butter churn is a vessel with a mechanism for agitating cream to produce butter, traditionally operated by hand.
Also known as: dasher churn
How big is it?
20 L · defined nominal capacity
Also 5.283 US gal
Defined nominal capacity · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 15 L to 30 L.
A little perspective
Butter churn vs 20 litre jerrycan: volume comparison
The nominal capacity of a butter churn is approximately equal to the volume of a 20 litre jerrycan.
A butter churn is a vessel with a mechanism for agitating cream to produce butter, traditionally operated by hand.
Too small to see at this scale. The ring marks its true-scale position, not its volume. The shape has not been enlarged.
A jerrycan is a sturdy container for storing and transporting liquids such as fuel or water.
Too small to see at this scale. The ring marks its true-scale position, not its volume. The shape has not been enlarged.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Butter churn
Defined nominal capacity: 20 L; defined specimen; range 15 L–30 L.
A defined traditional 20 litre dasher churn, 80 cm tall and 10 kg empty. Construction and working fill vary.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined nominal capacity is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
20 litre jerrycan
Volume: 20 L; example.
Defined 20 litre capacity. Actual containers, servings and fills vary. Outer shape is not used to calculate capacity.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked volume is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 20 L
We compare the nominal capacity of a butter churn. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same. The recorded range is 15 L to 30 L.
A defined traditional 20 litre dasher churn, 80 cm tall and 10 kg empty. Construction and working fill vary.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 L | 15 L to 30 L | defined specimen | |
| 80 cm | 60 cm to 1 m | defined specimen | |
| 10 kg | 6 kg to 15 kg | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueContainers and capacity10 litre bucket10 LVolumeA bucket is a handled container used for carrying liquids or loose materials.
Around the same scaleContainers and capacity20 litre jerrycan20 LVolumeA jerrycan is a sturdy container for storing and transporting liquids such as fuel or water.
Nearest higher valueContainers and capacityMilk churn40 LDefined nominal capacityA milk churn is a traditional metal container used for transporting and storing milk from farms to dairies.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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