16ounce

16ounce is a term commonly used to denote a unit of mass in the avoirdupois system, where 16 ounces make up one pound. An avoirdupois ounce equals 28.349523125 grams, so one pound equals 453.59237 grams. The term is frequently written as 16 oz or 16-ounce in product labeling, especially in the United States.

It is important to distinguish weight ounces from volume (fluid) ounces. A US fluid ounce equals about 29.5735295 milliliters; 16 fluid ounces therefore equal roughly 473.176475 milliliters. Because ounces can refer to either mass or volume, the context must be clear to avoid misinterpretation.

In everyday use, 16-ounce is a common labeling size for packaged foods and beverages, such as cans or bottles. The designation does not prescribe any fixed material or product type; it is simply a packaging or portion size, with variations across countries and product categories.

Historical and etymological notes: The word ounce derives from Latin uncia. The modern avoirdupois ounce is part of the avoirdupois weight system, in which a pound is defined as 16 ounces. This system became standard in England and was later adopted in the United States. It is distinct from the troy ounce, which is used for precious metals and has 12 ounces per troy pound.

See also: Ounce, Pound, Avoirdupois, Fluid ounce.