UK Fluid Ounces
Abbreviation/Symbol:
fl oz
Worldwide use:
UK fluid ounces are a unit of volume commonly used in the United Kingdom and some other countries that were once part of the British Empire.
Definition:
The UK fluid ounce is slightly different from the US fluid ounce, with 1 UK fluid ounce being equivalent to approximately 28.41 milliliters. This discrepancy arises from the historical development of the fluid ounce measurement in the UK, which is based on the imperial system of units.
Origin:
The origin of the UK fluid ounce can be traced back to the medieval period when various systems of measurement were in use across Europe. The fluid ounce was initially based on the volume of one ounce of wine, which was a common unit of trade and commerce at the time. Over the centuries, the UK fluid ounce evolved and became standardized as part of the British Imperial system of units.
In 1824, the British Weights and Measures Act established the UK fluid ounce as a unit of volume equal to 1/160 of a gallon. This definition was later adopted by other countries in the British Commonwealth, further solidifying the UK fluid ounce as a widely recognized unit of measurement.
Usage context:
In the United Kingdom, fluid ounces are commonly used as a unit of volume measurement in various contexts, particularly in the culinary and beverage industries. UK fluid ounces are often used to measure liquid ingredients in recipes, such as milk, water, and oil. This unit of measurement provides a convenient way to accurately portion out liquids for cooking and baking purposes.