Laboratory flasks are available in a range of capacities ranging from 10mL up to 10L. Depending on the type, they may be supplied with a jointed ground glass top, a glass or plastic stopper, a screw top, or simply left plain.

Laboratory flasks are offered in a choice of styles depending on the intended application:

• Erlenmeyer flasks (also called conical flasks), are popular types used for a wide range of purposes. They are graduated and come in narrow-neck or wide-neck versions.
  
• Büchner flasks are also conical, but have a side-arm which accepts tubing for vacuum applications, and extra thick walls for increased strength for operating under reduced pressures.
  
• Round-bottom flasks (including retort and Kjeldahl flasks) are used in the chemistry laboratory for reactions, digestions or heating and may have up to three necks for connection to inlet/outlet tubing and other fixtures.
  
• Volumetric flasks are used for the preparation of standard solutions. They are supplied with precise, one-mark graduations and a stopper, and are designated as Class A or Class B depending on their accuracy. Standard measuring flasks are also offered for less critical measurements.
  
• Cell culture flasks often have specialised cell-adherent treated surfaces, vented filters and are normally supplied sterile. They may have baffled bases for improved aeration during agitation.