Ounce to Dram Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert ounces to drams with our free online weight converter.
Ounce to Dram Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Ounce).
- The converted value in Dram will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Weight category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Ounce to Dram
Converting Ounce to Dram involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Ounce = 16 dramsExample Calculation:
Convert 5 ounces: 5 × 16 = 80 drams
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
What is a Ounce and a Dram?
The ounce (oz) is a unit of mass used in the British imperial and United States customary systems of measurement. The most common type today is the international avoirdupois ounce, defined as exactly 1/16 of an avoirdupois pound, or approximately 28.35 grams.
The dram (or drachm) can refer to several units. In the context of common weight conversion (Avoirdupois system), it is a unit of mass equal to 1/16 of an ounce or 1/256 of a pound. This Avoirdupois dram is approximately 1.7718 grams.
Note: The Ounce is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Dram belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Ounce and Dram
The term "ounce" derives from the Roman "uncia", which was one-twelfth of the Roman pound. Its value varied throughout history and regions. The avoirdupois ounce became standardized in the English-speaking world for general trade.
The term originates from the Greek drachma coin. It became a unit in multiple historical weight systems (Avoirdupois, Apothecaries', Troy). The Avoirdupois dram was used for general commodities.
Common Uses for ounces and drams
Explore the typical applications for both Ounce (imperial/US) and Dram (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for ounces
- Cooking & Recipes: Standard unit in the US for measuring food ingredients like flour, sugar, spices, and non-liquid items in recipes.
- Packaged Foods: Used for labeling the net weight of many packaged food products (e.g., cereal boxes, canned goods, snacks).
- Postal Services: Used for determining the weight and cost of letters and small parcels, especially in the US.
- Deli & Groceries: Common unit for measuring small portions of items like cheese, deli meats, and specialty foods.
- Precious Metals: Often used to measure the weight of gold, silver, and other precious metals in jewelry and bullion.
Common Uses for drams
- Historical Measurement: Found in older texts and recipes.
- Ammunition Reloading: Powder charges are sometimes measured in dram equivalents (though grains are more common).
- Note: The fluid dram (fl dr) is a unit of volume in the Apothecaries' system, distinct from the Avoirdupois dram mass unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Ounce (oz)
How many ounces are in a pound?
There are 16 avoirdupois ounces (oz) in 1 pound (lb).
Is an ounce the same as a fluid ounce?
No. The ounce (oz) measures mass/weight, while the fluid ounce (fl oz) measures volume.
Where is the ounce commonly used?
It is primarily used in the United States for everyday measurements, and to some extent in the UK and Canada, though metric units are more prevalent globally.
About Dram (dr)
How many drams are in an ounce (avoirdupois)?
There are 16 drams (dr) in 1 avoirdupois ounce (oz).
How many grams are in a dram (avoirdupois)?
There are approximately 1.771845 grams (g) in 1 avoirdupois dram (dr).
Is a dram a unit of mass or volume?
It can be both, which causes confusion. The Avoirdupois dram (dr) is mass (1/16 oz). The fluid dram (fl dr) is volume (1/8 fl oz).
Conversion Table: Ounce to Dram
| Ounce (oz) | Dram (dr) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 16 |
| 5 | 80 |
| 10 | 160 |
| 25 | 400 |
| 50 | 800 |
| 100 | 1,600 |
| 500 | 8,000 |
| 1,000 | 16,000 |
All Weight Conversions
Other Units from Weight
- Kilogram (kg)
- Gram (g)
- Milligram (mg)
- Pound (lb)
- Stone (st)
- Ton (metric) (t)
- Ton (US) (ton)
- Ton (UK) (long ton)
- Microgram (µg)
- Carat (ct)
- Slug (sl)
- Troy Ounce (oz t)
- Pennyweight (dwt)
- Grain (gr)
- Quintal (q)
- Atomic Mass Unit (u)
- Pavan (India) (pavan)
- Kati (India) (kati)
- Masha (India) (masha)
- Dina (India) (dina)
- Pras (India) (pras)
- Lota (India) (lota)