Twelve ounces (340 grams) is not a unit of measurement that is usually tossed around so easily. So when we look at common things that weigh around 12 ounces we’ll be identifying items that come close to being a pound (16 ounces) as well.
There are so many common items that we use on a regular basis that are anywhere from 10 to 16 ounces (283 to 453 grams). These items go from being playful recreational items, to items we need to survive. Here are 10 items from the largest in weight to the smallest:
Soccer Ball
According to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), a soccer ball must have a specific weight. When played in an official game, the game ball has to weigh between 14 ounces and 16 ounces.
Football
According to the National Football League (NFL), a football must have a specific weight. When played in an official NFL game, the game ball has to weigh between 14 ounces and 15 ounces. Because of NFL regulations, ceremonial considerations, and backup requirements, each NFL Superbowl requires the manufacturer to supply 144 official footballs, exclusively for the event.
A Newborn’s Brain
The human brain is an astonishing organ that holds a great deal of memory, is susceptible to damage and still be adaptable to change. Men tend to have bigger brains than women.
This is due mostly to body size, as its size is based on the size of the body it’s in. It’s interesting that parts of the frontal lobe and limbic cortex, the parts of the brain associated with problem-solving and emotional regulation, tend to be bigger for women than for men.
The size of an adult brain is around 1300 to 1400 grams (3 pounds), but a newborn baby’s brain weighs about 350 to 400 grams (3/4 of a pound).
Can of Coke
A 12 ounce can of coke contains 12-fluid ounces volume of liquid. The weight of the aluminum can plus the weight of the liquid is approximately 13.7 ounces. The weight of the aluminum can is about .5 ounces, so the 12-fluid ounce volume of coke weighs about 13.2 ounces. Either way, this item still weighs in at around 12 ounces.
Campbell’s Tomato Soup
A can of Campbell’s tomato soup weighs exactly 12 ounces. Campbell’s tomato soup, along with their cream of mushroom and chicken noodle soups are three of the most popular soups in America. Americans consume approximately 2.5 billion bowls of these three soups each year.
Loaf of Bread
A standard loaf of bread weighs one pound. For all loaves of bread manufactured, the following weights apply: 3/4 pound (12 ounces), one pound, 1 1/4 pound, 1 1/2 pound, or multiples of one pound.
Sticks of Butter
In the U.S., butter is mainly sold in 1/2 pound or pound packages, which is split into wrapped sticks weighing 1/4 pound (4 ounces) each. Three sticks of butter is equal to 12 ounces.
Human Heart
The human heart is the most important body organ; without it life stops. The average heart beats 100,000 times a day and sends 2,000 gallons of blood through our body.
Without the heart, blood would not be able to flow through the 60,000 miles of blood vessels that feed our organs and tissues. When the heart is damaged, it has to work even harder at pumping to keep up with the body’s demand for blood.
All hearts do not weigh the same. A man’s heart weighs about 10 ounces (283 grams), while a woman’s heart weighs approximately 8 ounces (227 grams), making it no bigger than a fist. The average human heart weighs 11 ounces.
Kidneys
Our kidneys are appropriately named, as they are the shape of a kidney bean, and are correlated to our age and body size (height, weight, body mass index).
This means the larger we are, the larger our kidneys will be. When fully developed, our kidneys are the size of a fist. They are about 10 to 13 cm (4 to 5 inches) long, 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inches) wide and 2 to 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick. A male’s kidney can weigh up to 175 grams, and in women the kidney can weigh up to 190 grams.
The left kidney is slightly larger than the right. Since we are born with two of them, this makes the total weight of our kidneys around 300 to 400 grams.
Spleen
The spleen is located below the rib cage on the left side of our body. It supports the body in many ways. It acts as a filter for blood as part of the immune system.
Old red blood cells are recycled there, and platelets and white blood cells are stored there. The human spleen measures about 7 x 5 x 2 inches, but differs depending on the individual. It’s estimated weight is .44 pounds, or a little less than 300 grams.
Conclusion
This article delves into everyday items we use or need to have in order to live that weigh around 12 ounces. As you’re reading this article, or feeling your heartbeat, remember how important 12 ounces can be.
