Fluid Ounce (US)

Definition

The fluid ounce (US) is a unit of volume in the United States customary system. It is defined as **29.5735 milliliters ** (mL). It is not an SI unit but is widely used in the U.S. for measuring liquids.

History

The fluid ounce has roots in the English system and was standardized in the 19th century. The U.S. fluid ounce was defined in the 1866 Metric Law, which set the equivalency to metric measurements. Prior to this, the measurement varied regionally.

Uses

Fluid ounces are primarily used in the U.S. for measuring beverages, cooking ingredients, and pharmaceuticals. Common in recipes and nutrition labels, this unit is essential in everyday life, especially in food and drink industries.

Conversions

  • 1 fluid ounce (US) = 29.5735 mL
  • 1 fluid ounce (US) = 2 tablespoons (tbsp)
  • 1 fluid ounce (US) = 1/8 cup

Fun Facts

  • A common misconception is that the fluid ounce is equivalent to the ounce (weight); they measure different properties.
  • The fluid ounce is often confused with the UK fluid ounce, which is 28.4131 mL, highlighting the difference between U.S. and imperial measurements.
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