When it comes to measuring weight, 8 ounces (oz) is a common unit that equals half a pound (0.5 lb or about 227 grams). You might not realize it, but many items around your home weigh right around this amount. Whether you’re trying to estimate weight for shipping, cooking, or just out of curiosity, having a mental picture of what 8 ounces looks and feels like can be helpful.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 everyday household items that weigh about 8 ounces.
10 Household Items That Weigh 8 Ounces
1. A Standard Coffee Mug
Most ceramic coffee mugs weigh close to 8 ounces when empty. While some larger mugs may be heavier, a regular-sized mug gives you a good idea of what half a pound feels like in your hand.
2. A Cup of Sugar
In the kitchen, 1 cup of granulated sugar weighs around 7.9 ounces, which is almost exactly 8 ounces. This is a practical example for home bakers who want to measure without always using a scale.
3. A Can of Soda
A 12-ounce can of soda weighs about 8 ounces when empty, without the liquid. If you’ve ever crushed a soda can, you’ve already handled something close to half a pound.
4. A Medium Apple
Most medium-sized apples weigh between 7 to 8 ounces, making them a perfect natural reference point for this weight.
5. A Pack of Playing Cards
A full deck of standard playing cards with its box weighs right around 8 ounces. It’s compact but surprisingly close to that half-pound benchmark.
6. A Block of Cream Cheese
If you do a lot of cooking or baking, you’ll recognize the familiar 8-ounce block of cream cheese. It’s one of the most common grocery items packaged exactly at this weight.
7. Two Sticks of Butter
Butter is often packaged in sticks, and each stick weighs 4 ounces. That means two sticks of butter together equal 8 ounces—a common measurement in recipes.
8. A Large Smartphone
Today’s smartphones are fairly heavy, and many models (especially with cases) weigh around 7–8 ounces. For example, an iPhone 14 Pro Max is close to this weight.
9. A Standard Candle
Many medium-sized candles in glass jars weigh about 8 ounces. The wax plus container adds up to this common household weight.
10. A Roll of Coins (Quarters)
A roll of 40 U.S. quarters weighs 8 ounces exactly. If you have spare change at home, this is one of the most accurate ways to measure half a pound.
Final Thoughts
From food items like apples and butter to household staples like mugs and candles, 8 ounces is a weight you encounter daily without even realizing it. Remembering these examples can help you visualize what half a pound feels like and make measuring or estimating weights much easier.