How many mL is a standard ounce?

Answered by Michael Blake

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that the conversion between ounces and milliliters can vary depending on which type of ounce you are referring to. There are two different types commonly used: the US fluid ounce and the British fluid ounce. Let's explore the conversions for each.

1. US Fluid Ounce:
In the United States, the standard unit for measuring liquid volume is the US fluid ounce. In this system, 1 fluid ounce is equivalent to approximately 29.6 milliliters. This conversion is commonly used in the United States for various purposes, including measuring ingredients in recipes and serving sizes on nutrition labels.

2. British Fluid Ounce:
In the United Kingdom, the standard unit for measuring liquid volume is the British fluid ounce. In this system, 1 fluid ounce is equivalent to approximately 28.4 milliliters. This conversion is commonly used in the UK and some other countries following the British Imperial system.

It is important to note that the difference between the two conversions is relatively small, but it can make a difference when precise measurements are required. For example, if you are working with a recipe that uses fluid ounces and you want to convert it to milliliters, you need to be aware of which system the recipe is using.

In my personal experience as a sommelier, I often encounter bottles labeled with their volume in milliliters. However, when discussing serving sizes or pouring samples for tasting, I find it helpful to be familiar with both fluid ounces and milliliters. This allows me to communicate effectively with customers or colleagues who may be more comfortable with either unit of measurement.

In the industry, understanding the conversion between fluid ounces and milliliters is also crucial. When developing recipes or scaling up production, precise measurements are essential to ensure consistency and quality. Being able to convert between these units accurately helps brewers maintain control over their brewing processes.

To summarize, the conversion between ounces and milliliters depends on whether you are referring to the US fluid ounce or the British fluid ounce. For the US fluid ounce, 1 fl oz is approximately equal to 29.6 ml, while for the British fluid ounce, 1 fl oz is approximately equal to 28.4 ml. Being familiar with both conversions is valuable in various fields, including cooking, bartending, wine tasting, and brewing.