Fl. Oz. vs. Oz.: Know the Difference

By Hifza Nasir & Shumaila Saeed || Published on March 3, 2024

Fl. oz. measures volume, used for liquids (e.g., water, milk), while oz. measures weight, for solids or overall mass (e.g., cheese, gold).

Fl. Oz. vs. Oz.

Key Differences

Fl. oz., or fluid ounce, is a unit of volume in the imperial and U.S. customary measurement systems, primarily used to measure liquids. For example, a bottle of soda might be labeled as containing 12 fl. oz. of liquid. On the other hand, oz., or ounce, refers to a unit of weight in the same measurement systems, used to measure the mass of solid items or the overall weight of items, regardless of their state. A bar of chocolate, for instance, could weigh 4 oz.

Mar 03, 2024

The distinction between fl. oz. and oz. is crucial in cooking and baking, where precise measurements of ingredients are necessary for the desired outcome. A recipe might require 8 fl. oz. of milk (volume) and 5 oz. of flour (weight), highlighting the importance of using the correct unit for each ingredient.

Mar 03, 2024

In everyday usage, the context often clarifies whether a fluid or regular ounce is meant, but in scientific and technical fields, the specificity is vital. For instance, medical doses are often measured in fl. oz. to ensure accuracy, whereas postal services might charge by the oz. for the weight of a package.

Mar 03, 2024

Both units share the name "ounce," their application significantly differs, reflecting the diverse ways in which we measure and interact with the physical world. This distinction underlines the importance of precision in communication, especially in recipes, scientific measurements, and commercial transactions.

Mar 03, 2024

Conversion between fl. oz. and oz. is not straightforward since it involves changing from volume to weight or vice versa, requiring knowledge of the substance's density. For instance, converting 16 fl. oz. of water to oz. in weight would give approximately 16 oz., thanks to water's unique property where 1 fl. oz. roughly equals 1 oz. in weight.

Mar 03, 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Unit Type

Volume

Weight

Mar 03, 2024

Common Uses

Measuring liquids (e.g., water, milk, oil)

Measuring solid objects’ weight (e.g., meat, gold)

Mar 03, 2024

Measurement System

Imperial and U.S. customary systems

Imperial and U.S. customary systems

Mar 03, 2024

Conversion to Metric

1 fl. oz. = approximately 29.57 milliliters

1 oz. = approximately 28.35 grams

Mar 03, 2024

Example Context

Beverages, cooking liquids, chemical volumes

Postal weights, body weight, solid food ingredients

Mar 03, 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

Fl. Oz. and Oz. Definitions

Fl. Oz.

A unit for measuring volume, especially for liquids.

He poured 16 fl. oz. of oil into the pan.

Feb 26, 2024

Oz.

Integral in mailing and shipping for package weight.

The package weighs 16 oz. and requires extra postage.

Feb 26, 2024

Fl. Oz.

Indicates the capacity of liquid containers.

The water bottle can hold up to 24 fl. oz.

Feb 26, 2024

Oz.

Used in commerce to price items by weight.

Gold is often valued by the oz.

Feb 26, 2024

Fl. Oz.

Applicable in both cooking and scientific measurements.

The experiment required 20 fl. oz. of distilled water.

Feb 26, 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

Oz.

Measured using scales or balances.

She measured 3 oz. of flour for the cake.

Feb 26, 2024

Fl. Oz.

Measured using cups, measuring jugs, or spoons.

She added 2 fl. oz. of vanilla extract to the mix.

Feb 26, 2024

Oz.

A unit for measuring weight, applicable for solid and loose materials.

He bought 5 oz. of almonds for the recipe.

Feb 26, 2024

Fl. Oz.

Used in recipes to specify liquid quantities.

The soup recipe called for 8 fl. oz. of chicken broth.

Feb 26, 2024

Oz.

Common in dietary guidelines to measure food portions.

A serving of meat should be about 4 oz.

Feb 26, 2024

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can fl. oz. and oz. be used interchangeably?

No, they measure different things: fl. oz. measures volume and oz. measures weight.

Mar 03, 2024

What is fl. oz. used for?

Fl. oz. is used for measuring volumes, especially of liquids like water, milk, and cooking oils.

Mar 03, 2024

Why is it important to differentiate between fl. oz. and oz.?

Precision in using the correct unit ensures accurate measurements in recipes, science, and commerce.

Mar 03, 2024

Is fl. oz. used worldwide?

Fl. oz. is used in countries that follow the imperial system or U.S. customary measurements.

Mar 03, 2024

When should I use oz. instead of fl. oz.?

Use oz. when weighing 6 oz. of chicken for a meal.

Mar 03, 2024

What does oz. measure?

Oz. measures weight, useful for solids like fruits, meats, and metals.

Mar 03, 2024

Can I measure dry ingredients in fl. oz.?

It's not standard; dry ingredients are better measured in oz. or grams.

Mar 03, 2024

How do I convert fl. oz. to oz.?

Conversion requires the substance's density; for water, 1 fl. oz. roughly equals 1 oz. in weight.

Mar 03, 2024

Are oz. and fl. oz. the same in terms of quantity?

No, one measures volume (fl. oz.) and the other weight (oz.).

Mar 03, 2024

What is an example of when to use fl. oz.?

Measuring 8 fl. oz. of milk for a recipe is a common use.

Mar 03, 2024

How many fl. oz. are in a cup?

There are 8 fl. oz. in a U.S. cup.

Mar 03, 2024

What is a common mistake when using fl. oz. and oz.?

Confusing volume with weight, such as using fl. oz. for solid ingredients.

Mar 03, 2024

What is the metric equivalent of 1 oz.?

1 oz. is approximately 28.35 grams.

Mar 03, 2024

Why do some products list both fl. oz. and oz.?

Products that contain liquids may list fl. oz. for volume and oz. for the weight of the entire package, including the container.

Mar 03, 2024

Do fl. oz. and oz. have the same conversion factor to metric units?

No, fl. oz. converts to milliliters (volume), and oz. to grams (weight).

Mar 03, 2024

Share this page

Link for your blog / website

HTML

Link to share via messenger

Public Security vs. Private Security

Fl. Oz. vs. Oz.

Hand Cream vs. Lotion

Fl. Oz. vs. Oz.

About Author

Written by

Co-written by

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Trending Comparisons

FPTP vs. PR

February 16, 2024

FPTP (First Past the Post) is a simple plurality voting system where the candidate with most votes wins; PR (Proportional Representation) allocates seats based on the proportion of votes each party receives.

Login vs. Logon

Login vs. Logon

December 25, 2023

"Login" and "Logon" are often used interchangeably to describe the process of gaining access to a computer system, but "login" can also refer to the credentials used for access.

Poem vs. Poetry

Poem vs. Poetry

December 25, 2023

A poem is a piece of writing that expresses ideas and emotions with a distinctive style and rhythm; poetry is the art form of writing such pieces.

Extent vs. Scope

Extent vs. Scope

December 25, 2023

"Extent" refers to the degree or range something covers, while "Scope" relates to the breadth or range of coverage, influence, or effect.

2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors

2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors

December 25, 2023

2 Pole Motors have one pair of magnetic poles and run at higher speeds, while 4 Pole Motors have two pairs of poles and operate at lower speeds, offering higher torque.

Pulley vs. Sheave

Pulley vs. Sheave

April 4, 2024

A pulley is a wheel on an axle designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable, while a sheave is the wheel part of a pulley system that specifically interacts with the cable.

Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes

Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes

December 25, 2023

Japanese Eyes and Chinese Eyes refer to linguistic structures in Japanese and Chinese respectively, each reflecting unique aspects of grammar and syntax.

NM3 vs. M3

April 19, 2024

NM3 measures gas volume under Normal conditions (0°C and 1.01325 bar), while M3 measures volume under the conditions at which it is measured, without standard adjustment.

Catapult vs. Trebuchet

Catapult vs. Trebuchet

January 4, 2024

A catapult is a ballistic device using tension or torsion to launch projectiles, while a trebuchet is a type of catapult using a counterweight for greater force and distance.

Slazenger Logo vs. Puma Logo

February 15, 2024

The Slazenger logo features a panther, symbolizing agility and tradition, while the Puma logo depicts a leaping puma, representing speed and strength.

Physical Weathering vs. Chemical Weathering

Physical Weathering vs. Chemical Weathering

December 25, 2023

Physical Weathering breaks down rocks mechanically without altering their chemical composition, while Chemical Weathering involves chemical changes that decompose or alter rock's mineral composition.

Nuclear Family vs. Joint Family

Nuclear Family vs. Joint Family

January 9, 2024

Nuclear Family is a family unit consisting of parents and their children. Joint Family is a larger family structure comprising parents, children, and other relatives living together.

Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5

Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5

January 1, 2024

Gorilla Glass 3 offers improved scratch resistance and durability compared to its predecessors, while Gorilla Glass 5 focuses on enhanced drop protection and toughness.

Vital Proteins Collagen vs. Organika

Vital Proteins Collagen vs. Organika

February 9, 2024

Vital Proteins Collagen is a brand offering collagen supplements for health and beauty, while Organika is a broader health and wellness brand with diverse products including collagen.

DDR3 vs. DDR3L

January 29, 2024

DDR3 is a type of RAM with standard voltage (1.5V), while DDR3L is a low voltage variant (1.35V) compatible with both 1.5V and 1.35V slots.

Data Roaming vs. Cellular Data

Data Roaming vs. Cellular Data

December 25, 2023

Data Roaming allows usage of mobile network services outside of the home network area, while Cellular Data is using mobile services within the home network.

5'11" vs. 6'0"

5’11” vs. 6’0″

February 4, 2024

The difference between 5'11" and 6'0" is one inch, with 5'11" being 71 inches and 6'0" being 72 inches tall.

Pycharm Community vs. Pycharm Pro

Pycharm Community vs. Pycharm Pro

February 4, 2024

PyCharm Community is a free, open-source IDE for Python development, while PyCharm Pro is a paid version with additional advanced features like web development support and database tools.

4D Battery vs. 8D Battery

4D Battery vs. 8D Battery

February 7, 2024

4D batteries are smaller, heavy-duty batteries used in commercial applications, whereas 8D batteries are larger, providing more power and capacity for large vehicles and machinery.

Verbal Communication vs. Nonverbal Communication

Verbal Communication vs. Nonverbal Communication

December 25, 2023

Verbal communication uses words to convey messages, while nonverbal communication involves gestures, facial expressions, and body language.

Fluid vs. Liquid

Fluid vs. Liquid

February 13, 2024

Fluids encompass all substances that flow (including gases and liquids), while liquids specifically refer to fluids with a definite volume but no fixed shape, adapting to their container.

Seed vs. Grain

January 24, 2024

A seed is a plant's reproductive unit capable of developing into another plant, while a grain is a type of seed harvested from cereal plants, often used for food.

Lubuntu vs. Xubuntu

Lubuntu vs. Xubuntu

December 25, 2023

Lubuntu is a lightweight Ubuntu variant using LXQt, while Xubuntu is a Ubuntu variant using the XFCE desktop, both offering different user experiences and performance.

Traditional Trade vs. Modern Trade

Traditional Trade vs. Modern Trade

December 25, 2023

Traditional trade involves local, small-scale, often personalized commerce; modern trade is characterized by large-scale, technology-driven, and impersonal retail environments.

Featured Comparisons

Helicopter vs. Chopper

Helicopter vs. Chopper

Fate vs. Destiny

Fate vs. Destiny

Coyote vs. Jackal

Coyote vs. Jackal

Cuddle vs. Snuggle

Cuddle vs. Snuggle

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy