Fitting Jelly Beans in a Mason Jar: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mason jars make for a fun and decorative way to store and display jelly beans. But how many of those colorful little candies can actually fit inside one? Read on for a complete walkthrough on calculating jelly bean capacity for a mason jar.

Why Store Jelly Beans in Mason Jars?

Mason jars have long been a staple for home canning and storage But their versatility also makes them a perfect vessel for displaying treats like jelly beans

• Durable glass construction keeps contents visible
• Lids provide an airtight seal to maintain freshness
• Available in a range of sizes to suit different needs
• Vintage appeal works with any decor style

Fill a mason jar with jelly beans to add a pop of color to your countertop, desk, or table display. The clear glass showcases the vibrant colors and allows you to easily track when your candy stash needs replenishing.

How to Calculate Jelly Bean Capacity

Determining how many jelly beans can fit inside a mason jar requires a few easy calculations:

Step 1: Measure Jar Dimensions

You’ll need to find the inner height and diameter of the jar without the lid

• Height – Measure from bottom to top opening

• Diameter – Measure across center without including rim

Step 2: Calculate Inner Volume

Use the measurements to find the inner volume in cubic inches:

• Radius = Diameter ÷ 2
• Area of Base = π x (Radius)2
• Volume = Area of Base x Height

Step 3: Estimate Jelly Bean Size

Since jelly beans are an irregular shape, you’ll need to average their size:

• Measure length, width, and depth of a single jelly bean
• Calculate the average of the three dimensions

Step 4: Find Bean Volume

Use the average size to determine jelly bean volume:

• Radius = Average Size ÷ 2
• Area of Base = π x (Radius)2
• Volume = Area of Base x Average Size

Step 5: Allow for Empty Space

Jelly beans won’t pack perfectly. Account for empty space:

• Fill a known volume with jelly beans and measure empty space
• Subtract the % of empty space from the jar’s volume

Step 6: Divide Adjusted Volume by Jelly Bean Volume

This gives you the approximate maximum capacity!

Jar Size Examples

Here’s how many jelly beans would fit in some typical mason jar sizes:

• Pint (16 oz) – Holds around 390 jelly beans
• Quart (32 oz) – Fits approximately 804 jelly beans
• Half Gallon (64 oz) – Holds about 1600 beans
• Gallon (128 oz) – Fits around 2792 jelly beans

So a quart jar could accommodate over 800 candies! The exact amount depends on jelly bean dimensions and how efficiently they pack inside.

Tips for Filling Jars

Here are some useful tips when filling mason jars with jelly beans:

• Give the jar a gentle shake while adding beans to help them settle into empty spaces
• Consider using decorativefiller like shredded paper or Easter grass to take up unused room
• Stick to a color theme or assortment for visual appeal
• Add a label identifying the flavor/type of beans
• Tie some ribbon around lid for extra flair

Fun Ways to Use Jelly Bean Jars

Once filled, mason jars of jelly beans can be used in many fun ways:

• Give as gifts for birthdays, holidays, or Easter
• Use as accent decor for a candy buffet
• Craft into luminary lights or vases
• Incorporate into wedding favors or welcome baskets
• Display in kids’ rooms, offices, or parties
• Allow guests to guess the number of beans inside

With the right technique, you can create festive jars of jelly beans to enjoy or share. Just follow the calculations to find out exactly how many candies a specific sized mason jar can contain.