16 Common Things That Weigh 1 Ounce

One ounce may seem like a small measurement, so you might think that almost nothing weighs so little. However, there are a surprising number of everyday items that weigh an ounce.

Whether you want a fun fact to tell or you need to compare the weight of an ounce, you should know some common items that weigh that much.

What are some common things that weigh 1 ounce? Many items weigh about an ounce, and a lot of them can be found at home. One-ounce items include a pencil, a slice of whole-grain bread, and a CD. Other small items can be combined to weigh an ounce, which further expands this list.

Next time you need to know what weighs an ounce, consider these things. Some work well as comparison weights, whereas others can be slightly heavier or lighter.

While they aren’t always exactly an ounce, they can all give you an idea of the weight.

1. A Pencil

Most people have pencils on hand for writing down notes or creating a shopping list. Assuming the pencil is new, you can expect it to weigh about an ounce. Of course, as you use a wooden pencil, it will get shorter and therefore, lighter.

However, mechanical pencils don’t get shorter, so they won’t get lighter in the same way. The weight of a mechanical pencil might change slightly as you use up the lead. Replacing lead will then make the pencil marginally heavier.

Even if you prefer to write with a pen, you can easily find a pencil at an office supply store. Kids need them for standardized testing, and sometimes, they can come in handy for other uses. After all, you can’t erase pen markings as easily as pencil marks.

2. 6 Sheets of Paper

Along with your pencil, you probably have some paper to write on. Of course, paper comes in all shapes and sizes from sticky notes to legal paper. That can affect how much the paper weighs as larger sheets will weigh more.

However, six average-sized sheets of paper weigh about an ounce. If you have half-sheets, then you can use 12 sheets to equal that same weight. Whether you need to compare the weight with something else or not, paper is readily available.

Even as more and more people move toward digital files, paper still serves a purpose. You don’t have to charge the paper to be able to use it. Also, you can fold it up if you don’t have much space to store it.

3. 28 Paper Clips

Sticking with office supplies, the next thing that weighs an ounce is a group of 28 paper clips. Now, paper clips may not be as common as pencils or paper. However, they can be a useful tool, and they’re common in many offices and classrooms.

If you need to calibrate a scale, then 28 paper clips will probably be easier than paper or a pencil. You can contain the paper clips on the scale, and it won’t extend over the edges like paper. Unlike a pencil, paper clips won’t roll off.

You can count out the paper clips as you put them on your scale, and you can get an accurate measurement of an ounce. That way, you can ensure your scale is correct when you weigh other items.

4. A Slice of Whole-Grain Bread

Moving into the kitchen, you probably have some bread in your pantry. Bread comes in different types, and a slice of the whole-grain variety weighs about an ounce. Other types of bread will be close, but exact weights can vary based on density and other factors.

If you want to compare the weight of foods, a slice of bread can make for an easy comparison. Odds are you probably have some bread.

You can also experiment with other types of bread to see how they compare to whole-grain. While some will weigh more or less, you might find another type that also tips the scale at one ounce.

5. A CD

While not as common as they once were, many people still have CDs. Even if you listen to digital downloads or streaming services, you probably have an old CD or two. If you ever need to find something that weighs an ounce, find your old music collection.

A single CD weighs an ounce, and it’s easy enough to grab one for a quick comparison. Even if you don’t have any CDs, you can find some at thrift stores and other second-hand shops. You can also ask friends and family if they have any lying around.

Sure, digital music has nearly wiped out the need for CDs. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t still have a use, even if their primary function is as a comparison weight. Plus, if you find a cool CD, you’ll have an excuse to break out a CD player or driver so that you can listen to the music.

6. AA Batteries

Even as the world shifts from CDs to digital music files, almost nothing can wipe out the need for batteries. Sure, many electronics use rechargeable batteries, but AA batteries are still important.

If you have a TV, odds are you use a remote to operate it. Other battery-based items include alarm clocks and some battery-powered fans. Many of these things use AA batteries, so you probably have a stash of them somewhere in your home.

The next time you need to compare the weight of an ounce, grab an AA battery. It’s a common item with a distinct weight that you can use when calibrating a scale or making a simple comparison.

7. 10 Pennies

Perhaps you’re feeling rich and want to use some money to calculate an ounce. In that case, find 10 pennies, and you’ll have the perfect weight. If you’ve been collecting change in a jar, you can probably look there for 10 pennies.

Other places to find extra pennies include your current change pocket, between couch cushions, and in old wallets or purses. If you can’t seem to find enough pennies, you can also head to your local bank branch.

Now, sometimes, the metal can wear off of the pennies, so when possible, find newer ones. They’ll give you a more accurate measurement than older pennies that have some wear and tear. You can always ask your bank for new pennies, and that can be a great way to find what you need.

8. 5 Quarters

Similar to pennies, quarters can be used to measure an ounce. If you don’t have any pennies and can’t make it to the bank for more, search your wallet or coin jar for quarters. This time, you’ll have it easy since you only need five.

Once you find five quarters, you can check to see if they have any dirt stuck to them. That extra dirt can add to the weight of the coin, so it can throw off your measurement. Like with pennies, try to find newer quarters that will still have the metal fully intact.

Finding quarters may be easier than finding pennies, so having both as an option is important. Even in a society that relies on cards and digital payments, coins still have a use. That use may be reserved for weights, but storing coins can also help you save money for a rainy day.

9. A Small Post-it Note Pad

Most people have small pads of post-it notes around the house. They’re great for jotting down reminders and sticking them on the fridge or your computer screen.

A small pad of post-it notes, about 3×3 inches in size, weighs approximately 1 ounce. This is perfect if you need something lightweight to carry around for notes, or if you’re weighing small items and need an easy point of reference.

10. A Compact Disc Case

If you still have compact discs in your home, you might have noticed that a standard CD case weighs close to an ounce.

Even though the digital era has largely phased out the use of CDs, their cases can still be a handy reference for determining the weight of an ounce. If you don’t have any CDs, DVD cases are also around the same weight.

11. Five U.S. One Dollar Bills

If you have a few one-dollar bills in your wallet, gather up five of them. The combined weight of these bills should be roughly an ounce.

This is because paper money, like that used for US dollars, is printed on special blend of cotton and linen that has a specific weight. So, next time you’re curious about what an ounce feels like, just reach for your wallet.

12. A Tube of Lipstick

Most standard tubes of lipstick also weigh approximately 1 ounce, making it another item you may have around that can serve as a weight reference.

Did you know that in the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I made red lipstick popular? She believed it had the power to ward off death.

13. Half a Stick of Butter

If you’re in the kitchen and need a quick reference for an ounce, look no further than your refrigerator. Half a stick of butter weighs around an ounce.

It’s also handy to remember this when you’re baking or cooking and need to measure out an ounce of butter without a scale.

14. A Slice of Deli Meat

When making a sandwich, you might not realize that the average slice of deli meat weighs roughly an ounce.

It varies slightly based on the type of meat and the thickness of the slice, but it’s generally a good estimate. It also makes it easy to calculate your protein intake if you’re keeping track of your diet.

15. A Matchbox Car

If you have kids, or if you’re a collector, you may have a Matchbox car lying around. These small toy vehicles are not only a source of entertainment, but also weigh roughly an ounce.

It’s an excellent way for kids to learn about weight and measurements using something they’re familiar with. Plus, they might find it interesting that their toy car has more than one purpose.

16. A Shot of Liquor

A shot of liquor is another thing that weighs approximately 1 ounce. It’s not something you may think of as a weight comparison, but it’s useful if you’re trying to visualize how much an ounce really is.

However, remember that alcohol content and proof can change the weight slightly, so it’s not a perfectly accurate measurement. Still, it’s close enough to give you a good idea of what an ounce feels like.

Final Thoughts

An ounce can seem like almost nothing, but plenty of things weigh just that. From a pencil to a CD to some coins, you probably have at least one of the items on this list. If you ever need to compare weights with an ounce, you know just what to use.