Sometimes the simplest-sounding clues are the ones that make you pause, especially when units of measurement come into play. The clue “Number of pints in a gallon” has shown up in both UK and US crossword puzzles, and while it’s a fact many might know off the top of their head, it still trips up plenty of solvers. Whether you’re filling in a mini crossword or brushing up on classic trivia, here’s the answer and a bit more context to help it stick.
Possible answer:
Clue and Answer Breakdown
This clue is asking for a straightforward numerical fact how many pints make up a gallon. In the U.S. customary system, which is the one most commonly used in American style crossword puzzles like the NYT mini crossword or USA Today crossword, there are 8 pints in a gallon.
So, the answer to this clue is EIGHT.
It’s a direct question with a single clear answer. These kinds of clues are often used in free crossword puzzles to test general knowledge without requiring complex wordplay or obscure facts.
Why EIGHT is the Right Answer
In the U.S. system of liquid measurement, one gallon equals 8 pints. It’s a standard conversion taught in schools, often used in recipes, and common in daily measurements especially when dealing with milk, juice, or other liquids sold by the gallon or pint. Because of how often this comes up in everyday life, it’s a popular fact to include in crossword clues, especially for puzzles that mix trivia and general knowledge.
Even though it’s factual, many solvers second guess it particularly if they’re more familiar with the British imperial system, where the pint and gallon sizes are different. But in U.S. puzzles, EIGHT is always the expected answer here.
Trivia and Fun Fact
In the U.S., one pint equals 16 fluid ounces, and a gallon equals 128 fluid ounces so dividing 128 by 16 gets you 8. That’s where the answer comes from.
Interestingly, the UK uses a slightly different measurement system: a UK pint is about 20 fluid ounces, which makes a UK gallon slightly larger. Still, for most crossword purposes especially in American grids the number stays the same: EIGHT.
Solving Tip for Clues Like This
When a clue is asking for a specific number related to measurements, try converting it using a basic fact you already know. Questions like “cups in a quart” or “pints in a gallon” don’t require deep vocabulary just a quick recall of common conversions. These clues are often found in mini crossword formats or themed puzzles with general knowledge sections, so it’s worth memorizing a few of these measurements for future solves.
Disclaimer
We are not affiliated with The New York Times, USA Today, or any official crossword publisher. This content is designed to help fans of crossword puzzles solve clues with ease. All references are for educational and entertainment use only.
Explore more clue explanations anytime at Xcluer.com.