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You probably know this, but given the context (GP was talking about measuring cups) it's important to know that ounces can refer to a unit of volume (1/128th of
by cmsmith 11y ago
You probably know this, but given the context (GP was talking about measuring cups) it's important to know that ounces can refer to a unit of volume (1/128th of a gallon) or a unit of weight (1/16th of a pound). They are equivalent for water, almost equivalent for most liquids, and not equivalent for most solids. It's just like if we had one word that meant both liters and kilograms.
- Havoc 11y ago>ounces can refer to a unit of volume (1/128th of a gallon) or a unit of weight (1/16th of a pound) Unbelievable. Surely at some point someone must have realised thats a terrible idea?
- Frondo 11y agoThat's why you'll hear the phrase "fluid ounces".
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- jimktrains2 11y agoWell, that's a bad way to look at it. A fluid Oz is 1/16 of a pint. An oz of weight is 1/16 of a pound. A pint of water weights 1 pound ("A Pint's a Pound, the World Around"). Aside: I actually like the customary system for fluid measurements; it's based on halves and as such is divisible by eye, not requiring graduations.
- dragonwriter 11y ago> or a unit of weight (1/16th of a pound). Or 1/12 of a pound, though, to be fair, I don't think anyone uses troy ounces in recipes. > They are equivalent for water, almost equivalent for most liquids, and not equivalent for most solids. Even solid foods are often right around the same density of water, so its often quite close for solid foods. (And, usually, if volume is intended rather than weight, listings will specify fluid ounces.)