ABSTRACT
Normally the tin plate can used in the home is cylindrical and is of the same type used in the food industry. In North America cans are designated by name, such as No. 2 can, or, in the case of cylindrical cans, by dimensions, such as 307 x 409. The diameter of a cylindrical can is given first, and the height of the can follows the “x. ” In the statement of each dimension, the first digit gives the number of whole inches, and the second and third digit give the fraction expressed in sixteenths of an inch. Thus 307 x 409 means that the can is 3 7/16 in. in diameter and 4 9/16 in. high. For home use, most fruits, vegetables, meat and fish are canned in No. 2 (307 x 409) or No. 2 1/2 (401 x 411) cans. A No. 2 can holds about 2 1/2 cups, and a No. 2 1/2 can about 3 1/2 cups (19).
