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What is a measurement line?
A measurement line is a small line on the glass, usually with the capacity next to it, indicating how far to pour to serve a particular quantity. A beer glass with 0.3 l at the line, a wine glass with 15 cl, a shot glass with 3.5 cl. The line is always set some way below the rim, leaving room for foam or swirling.
Glasses with a verification mark go a step further: they have been checked by an accredited authority and bear a CE mark with the capacity symbol. In Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom, this is mandatory for beer and wine in the hospitality industry.
Is a measurement line mandatory in the Netherlands?
No. In the Netherlands and Belgium, there is no legal requirement for a measurement line or verification mark on drinking glasses in the hospitality industry. You can serve a 25 cl small beer without a line. What does apply: if you list a quantity on the menu, you must serve that quantity. A measurement line helps with this and prevents disputes with guests.
That’s why you’ll mainly see them in the Netherlands on wine glasses in restaurants that serve by the glass, and on shot glasses in bars that charge by the measure. Read more about the measures themselves in our article on pour measures.
Which measures are common?
Wine: 12 cl or 15 cl on a 32 to 41 cl glass, sometimes also 10 cl for a tasting pour. Spirits: 3.5 cl on a 5 to 6 cl shot glass. Beer: 0.2 and 0.3 liters on pilsner and specialty beer glasses, 0.5 liters on large glasses. Long drinks: 4 cl on a long drink glass, for the measure of spirits before adding the mixer.
Choose the line that matches your menu. If you serve wine in 15 cl pours, a glass with a line at 12 cl won’t help. You can find glasses with measurement lines in our wine glasses and drinking glasses collections; search for measurement line.
With measuring line
The Royal Leerdam L'Esprit du Vin wine glass holds 32 cl and has a measuring line at 12 cl, the standard serving size for wine by the glass. The Gilde aperitif glass holds 6 cl and has a line at the aperitif serving size. Find more in the wine glass collection.
Royal Leerdam L'Esprit du Vin Wine Glass 32 cl with 12 cl Measuring Line (6 Pieces)
Royal Leerdam Gilde Aperitif Glass 6 cl with Measuring Line (6 Pieces)
Good to know
Does a measuring line come off in the dishwasher?
A fired-on or etched line won't. A printed line may fade after hundreds of washes. Hospitality glasses have a fired-on line.
Can you have a measuring line added?
Yes, a line can be printed when customizing glasses. Read more on our page about custom glass printing.
What is the difference from a calibrated glass?
A calibrated glass is officially approved and bears a CE mark indicating its capacity. A measuring line helps with pouring but is not officially approved. Neither is required in the Netherlands.
Frequently asked questions
Is a measuring line on glasses required in the Netherlands?
No. There is no legal requirement in the Netherlands or Belgium. However, you must pour the amount listed on the menu, and a measuring line helps with that.
What does the measuring line on a glass mean?
The line indicates how far to pour to get the stated amount, for example 15 cl of wine or 3.5 cl of spirits.
Which measuring line for wine glasses?
12 or 15 cl, depending on how much you pour per glass. Browse our wine glasses with measuring lines.
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