A 214 beer can bottom end is generally identified by a nominal diameter code of 2 14/16 inches, equivalent to 2.875 inches or approximately 73.0 mm. This code is a useful starting point, but it does not confirm that an end will fit a particular can body or seaming line. Before ordering, buyers should verify the end profile, curl and chuck-wall dimensions, material and coating, as well as the can maker’s and seamer manufacturer’s requirements. We recommend confirming compatibility against the actual can specification and production equipment rather than relying on the “214” designation alone.
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This guide is for beverage can manufacturers, breweries, contract packers, packaging distributors and procurement teams evaluating 214 beer can bottom ends. It is also useful when a buyer is changing suppliers, reviewing a new can format or investigating a mismatch between ends and existing equipment. The aim is to help you prepare a clear technical inquiry and reduce avoidable uncertainty before purchasing. Final acceptance should always follow your can maker’s specifications and production-line validation.
In common can-end sizing notation, the digits represent a nominal diameter expressed in sixteenths of an inch. Under that convention, 214 corresponds to 2 + 14/16 inches, which equals 2.875 inches or 73.025 mm. Rounded for practical communication, that is approximately 73.0 mm.
These figures describe the nominal size reference, not every critical dimension of the end. The actual geometry includes features such as the curl, countersink, panel and chuck wall, and the required dimensions depend on the design and mating can body. Different specifications may use additional codes or drawings to define those details. Ask the supplier and can maker to confirm how they use the 214 designation in the specific product specification.
The bottom end closes the base of a metal beverage can and forms part of the package’s structural enclosure. Its profile must mate with the can body and support a properly formed double seam under the conditions defined for the filling and seaming process. The end also needs to suit the intended product, package design and handling requirements. A size code alone cannot establish that these functional requirements have been met.
Beer is the primary context for this guide, but a 214-size end may also be considered for other beverage applications where the can format and technical specification call for it. For example, products sold in 330 mL or 355 mL packages may use different can designs, so volume does not determine end compatibility. Confirm the complete package specification rather than selecting an end based on the beverage fill volume.
Can ends are commonly made from metal sheet, with the material and coating selected as part of the packaging system. The appropriate alloy or grade, temper, thickness and internal or external coating must be confirmed with the supplier and can maker. We do not recommend assuming that two ends are interchangeable simply because both are described as aluminum, coated or 214-size.
| Specification area | What to confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal size | 214 designation and the drawing’s reference dimensions | Establishes the intended end-size family, but not full compatibility. |
| End profile | Curl, countersink, panel and chuck-wall details | These features must match the mating body and seaming setup. |
| Material and coating | Specified metal, thickness, temper and coating requirements | Supports assessment of forming, product contact and process suitability. |
| Quality requirements | Inspection criteria, packaging method and traceability expectations | Clarifies how the order will be assessed and handled. |
Start with the can-body drawing, end drawing and seamer information available to your technical team. Record the existing end code, body dimensions, seam requirements and any approved equipment settings that the can maker permits you to share. If you are replacing an incumbent end, gather its specification and identify which features are mandatory versus preferred. Incomplete reference information makes supplier comparison less reliable.
Ask the prospective supplier to confirm the offered end against your reference drawing, not just against the 214 label. Review the dimensions that define the interface and ask the can maker or seamer specialist to resolve any differences before production. A supplier’s drawing should be current and clearly linked to the quoted product. If drawings are unavailable or do not identify the revision, treat that as an open item rather than assuming equivalence.
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Confirm the material and coating specification required for your product and process. Also agree on how ends are packed, protected and identified during storage and transportation, since packaging details affect handling and receiving procedures. Ask which inspection records or product documents are available for the specific order. Request only the documentation your quality system needs, and confirm availability in writing.
Where practical, arrange sample review and a controlled production evaluation with the relevant can-making and seaming teams. Follow your facility’s approved inspection and seam-evaluation procedures, and do not rely on visual fit alone. Record the end specification, sample identification and evaluation outcome so the purchasing team can connect approval to the correct item. Any production trial should be planned with the equipment owner and supplier, because line conditions vary.
The quoted price for a 214 end may depend on the confirmed specification, order quantity, packaging requirements and delivery terms. Minimum order quantity (MOQ) and lead time are supplier- and order-specific, so buyers should request current figures rather than using a general market estimate. Ask whether the quotation applies to a standard item or a customized specification, and whether tooling, sampling or other setup requirements affect the commercial offer. Confirm the validity period, shipment basis and payment terms in the same inquiry.
For a fair comparison, send the same drawing revision, quantity range and delivery destination to each supplier. Compare the complete offer, including technical support, documentation, packing and any stated conditions—not only unit price. If your project has a launch date, ask the supplier to identify the schedule assumptions and the milestones that depend on buyer approval. This makes sourcing risks easier to discuss before an order is placed.
These questions help distinguish a nominal size match from a documented supply proposal. A supplier should be able to explain what is confirmed, what remains subject to review and what information is needed from the buyer. For project-critical details, keep the agreed specification and revision in the purchase documentation. This reduces the chance of different teams working from different assumptions.
At Wanhua, we support B2B buyers evaluating 214 beer can bottom ends by discussing the target application, required specification and purchasing conditions. To start a technical review, share your end and can-body drawings, expected order quantity, destination and any relevant seamer requirements. We can then clarify the information needed to assess the requested product and provide a quotation based on the confirmed scope. Availability, MOQ, lead time, documents and sample arrangements should be confirmed for each inquiry.
A 214 beer can bottom end refers to a nominal size of 2.875 inches, approximately 73.0 mm, under the common sixteenths-of-an-inch code convention. That measurement is a starting point, not proof of compatibility. To make a sound purchase decision, match the end drawing with the can body and seaming requirements, confirm material and coating details, and agree on order terms with the supplier.
Your next step is to prepare the current technical drawings and commercial requirements, then request a documented compatibility review and quotation. Where necessary, arrange sample evaluation with your production and quality teams before approving a full order. Contact Wanhua with your target specification and sourcing requirements to begin a focused discussion about 214 beer can bottom ends.
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