Convert Barrel (US) (bbl (US)) to Minim (UK) (minim (UK)) instantly.
About these units
Barrel (US) (bbl (US))
The US barrel is a unit with multiple definitions depending on the industry, though the most common general-purpose US barrel is 31.5 US gallons, used historically for dry goods, ale, and various agricultural products. In practice, the US barrel arose from traditional cask-making, where wooden barrels of different shapes were used for storage and transport. Because their capacity varied widely, different industries standardized the barrel at different volumes. Over time, manufacturers and commercial sectors adopted specific barrel sizes for consistency. Today, the US barrel appears in brewing, winemaking, certain agricultural commodities, and historical documents describing early American commerce. Its varied legacy makes it a fascinating example of an evolving unit shaped by economic necessity and craftsmanship.
Minim (UK) (minim (UK))
The UK minim is one of the smallest traditional volume units, equal to 1/60 of a dram, or roughly 0.059 milliliters. Introduced in the early 19th century to replace the inconsistent "drop," the minim allowed physicians and pharmacists to dose potent liquid medicines more reliably. Before modern syringes and droppers, apothecaries needed a precise micro-unit that could be measured using graduated glassware. The minim served this purpose exceptionally well and was foundational in early medical standardization. Although no longer used in contemporary medicine, it remains historically important, especially in pharmacology, toxicology, and the study of pre-modern medical practice.