Convert grams to ounces
Please provide values below to convert gram [g] to ounce [oz], or vice versa.
Gram
Definition: A gram (symbol: g) is the base unit of mass in the metric system, specifically in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as one one-thousandth of a kilogram, which is the SI base unit of mass.
History/origin: The gram was originally defined as the absolute weight of a volume of pure water equal to the cube of the hundredth part of a meter, at the temperature of melting ice. This definition was established in France during the French Revolution as part of the metric system. The word "gram" comes from the Late Latin "gramma" meaning a small weight via the French "gramme."
Later, the definition of the gram was refined in terms of the kilogram, which was originally defined as the mass of one liter of water at its maximum density, which occurs at about 4°C. The current definition of the kilogram (and by extension, the gram) is based on fixed numerical values of certain physical constants, specifically Planck's constant.
Current use: The gram is used worldwide as part of the metric system for everyday mass measurements. It's commonly used for measuring ingredients in cooking, small items in commerce, and in scientific applications. In countries that have fully adopted the metric system, the gram is used for all small-scale weight measurements, while in countries that use mixed systems (like the United States), it's primarily used in scientific, medical, and some commercial contexts.
Ounce
Definition: An ounce (symbol: oz) is a unit of mass or weight in various systems of measurement, including the imperial and US customary systems. The avoirdupois ounce, which is the most commonly used ounce today, is defined as exactly 28.349523125 grams.
History/origin: The term "ounce" comes from the Latin word "uncia," which was a unit representing one-twelfth of a Roman foot or pound. The ounce has been used throughout history with varying definitions. In medieval England, it was defined as 1/16 of a tower pound. Today's international avoirdupois ounce was standardized in the 1950s to be exactly 28.349523125 grams.
There are several different types of ounces used in different contexts. The troy ounce (about 31.1 grams) is used for precious metals, the fluid ounce is a measure of volume rather than mass, and the avoirdupois ounce is the standard weight measure used in most everyday applications.
Current use: The ounce is still widely used in the United States for measuring packaged food products, postal packages, and body weight. It's also commonly used in the United Kingdom for certain applications despite the official adoption of the metric system. In cooking recipes, especially in the US, ingredients are often measured in ounces, either by weight or by volume (fluid ounces).