Ounce facts for kids
The ounce (shortened to oz) is a special way to measure how heavy something is, or how much "stuff" is in it (its mass). It's a unit of measurement used in different systems, especially the Imperial system (used in the UK) and the United States customary system. The exact size of an ounce can be a little different depending on which system you are using.
Contents
What is an Ounce?
An ounce helps us understand the mass or weight of objects. Think of it like a small building block for measuring how heavy things are. For example, a slice of bread or a small handful of berries might weigh about an ounce.
Different Kinds of Ounces
There are a few types of ounces, but the two most common ones you'll hear about are the avoirdupois ounce and the troy ounce. They are used for measuring different things.
The Avoirdupois Ounce
The international avoirdupois ounce is the one most people use every day. It's used for measuring food, packages, and many other common items.
- One avoirdupois ounce is equal to about 28.35 grams.
- There are 16 avoirdupois ounces in one pound (lb).
The Troy Ounce
The international troy ounce is a bit heavier than the avoirdupois ounce. It's mainly used for measuring precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum.
- One troy ounce is equal to about 31.1 grams.
- There are 12 troy ounces in one troy pound. This is different from the regular pound.
Why Do We Use Ounces?
Ounces have been used for a very long time, going back to ancient Roman times. They are part of traditional measurement systems that developed over centuries. Even though many countries now use the metric system (with grams and kilograms), ounces are still very common in the United States and some other places, especially for certain goods.
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Onza (unidad de masa) para niños
