Updated 2026-09-12. This page is not legal advice.
What is the net quantity statement?
It is the line that says how much food is in the package. Federal rules call it the net quantity of contents. Most people call it the net weight. It is in 21 CFR 101.105.
What units do I use?
Both US customary and metric. Solid food uses weight: “Net Wt 8 oz (227 g)”. Liquid food uses volume: “12 fl oz (355 mL)”. Round the metric number to the nearest gram or milliliter. If the package is one pound or more, write both forms: “Net Wt 1 lb 4 oz (567 g)”.
Where does it go on the label?
On the front panel, in the bottom 30 percent of that panel, in a line parallel to the base of the package. It stands alone. Do not put other words on the same line.
How do I measure it?
Weigh the empty container. Fill it. Weigh it again. Subtract. Use a scale that reads to the gram. Fill a few packages and use the lowest weight, so every package meets or beats the number on the label. The net weight does not include the container, the lid, or any label.
How big does the type have to be?
The rule sets a minimum type height by the size of the front panel. For a panel of 5 square inches or less, the minimum is 1/16 inch. For 5 to 25 square inches, it is 1/8 inch. Most jar and bag labels fall in one of those two ranges.
Do cottage food labels need a net weight?
Most states require it. California and Florida list it in their label rules. Texas does not list it, but federal rules apply to any packaged food sold, so include it. See your state page for the exact list.