Half a gallon is traditionally known as a pottle.
The Pottle: A Historical Unit of Measure
The term "pottle" refers to a historical unit of liquid measure equivalent to two quarts, which precisely equals half a gallon in the U.S. customary system. While recognized in historical contexts and some U.S. unit definitions, the term "pottle" is rarely used in modern everyday language or commercial transactions. Its origin can be traced to Old French, where "potel" meant a small pot. You can find more about the term's definition on resources like Wikipedia.
Modern Usage and Common Terminology
In contemporary usage, when referring to half a gallon of a liquid, it is almost exclusively called simply "half a gallon" or "a half-gallon container." Many common household products, such as milk, ice cream, and juice, are frequently packaged and sold in half-gallon sizes. This straightforward naming convention ensures clarity and ease of understanding for consumers, avoiding the less familiar historical term.
Understanding U.S. Customary Fluid Measures
To fully appreciate where a half-gallon fits within the broader context of liquid volume, it's helpful to understand the relationships within the U.S. customary system of fluid volume measurement. This system follows a clear progression, making conversions relatively intuitive:
- 1 Pint = 2 cups
- 1 Quart = 2 pints (or 4 cups)
- 1 Gallon = 4 quarts (or 8 pints, or 16 cups)
Given these relationships, a half-gallon naturally equates to:
- 2 quarts
- 4 pints
- 8 cups
The following table provides a quick overview of common U.S. fluid volume units and their equivalencies:
| Unit | Equivalent to | Fluid Ounces (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Gallon | 4 Quarts | 128 fl oz |
| Half Gallon | 2 Quarts | 64 fl oz |
| Quart | 2 Pints | 32 fl oz |
| Pint | 2 Cups | 16 fl oz |
| Cup | 8 Fluid Ounces | 8 fl oz |
