Cylinders can be made of glass or plastic, have generally a large flat base to ensure stability and a lip at the top to allow easy pouring out of liquids. Generally the larger the cylinder, the more likely it being made from plastic.

Cylinders come in a large array of sizes ranging from 10ml to several litres. Graduations are usually in ml or cm³, with both being equal measurements.

The larger cylinders are prone to being broken. The older plastic varieties do not generally have a lot of ?give? to them meaning a small drop may be enough to crack them. Some smaller glass varieties have plastic collars to prevent damage to the lip if accidentally knocked over.