Ounces and milligrams both measure weight, but they come from different systems. You’ll often need to convert between them in cooking, science, and even manufacturing. So, how many milligrams are in an ounce? This article will break down the conversion, step by step, to help you out.
What are ounces and milligrams?
To understand the relationship between ounces and milligrams, it helps to define each of these terms.
What is an ounce (oz)?
An ounce is a unit of mass in both the imperial and U.S. customary measurement systems. It’s also a unit of weight. There are actually two different kinds of ounces: the standard ounce and the troy ounce, which is typically used for weighing precious metals.
What is a milligram (mg)?
A milligram is a unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). A milligram is 1/1,000 of a gram.
How many milligrams are in an ounce?
One ounce (oz) is equal to 28,349.523125 milligrams (mg). So, to convert ounces to milligrams, you can use this formula:
milligrams = ounces × 28,349.523125
Because this number is a fixed ratio, the conversion is very simple. Just multiply the number of ounces by 28,349.523125, and you’ll have your answer in milligrams.
Ounces to Milligrams: A Worked Example
Let’s say you want to convert 5 ounces into milligrams.
Here’s how you’d do the math: 5 oz × 28,349.523125 = 141,747.615625 mg.
This means that 5 ounces is equal to 141,747.615625 milligrams. Of course, in most practical situations, you’d round that number for simplicity.
Ounce to Milligram Conversion Table
Need a quick conversion? This table contains some common ounce measurements and their milligram equivalents.
| Ounces (oz) | Milligrams (mg) |
|---|---|
| 0.01 oz | 283.495 mg |
| 1 oz | 28,349.523 mg |
| 2 oz | 56,699.046 mg |
| 5 oz | 141,747.616 mg |
| 10 oz | 283,495.231 mg |
To use the table, simply find the ounce measurement you have in the left column and read the corresponding milligram equivalent in the right column.
The Bottom Line
Remember: there are 28,349.5 milligrams in an ounce. This conversion factor is essential for accurate measurements in cooking, medication, and scientific applications. Make sure you get it right!