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A zip is one ounce of weed: 28.35 grams, usually rounded to 28 grams. The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) lists one ounce as 28.35 grams. In everyday cannabis language, people round this down to 28 grams, so a half zip is 14 grams and a quarter zip is 7 grams. The table shows both values for the common amounts.
| Amount | Ounces | Grams (NIST basis, 1 oz = 28.35 g) | Grams (rounded, 1 oz = 28 g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eighth | 1/8 oz | 3.54 g | 3.5 g |
| Quarter (quarter zip) | 1/4 oz | 7.09 g | 7 g |
| Half zip | 1/2 oz | 14.18 g | 14 g |
| Zip | 1 oz | 28.35 g | 28 g |
| Zip and a half | 1.5 oz | 42.53 g | 42 g |
| QP (quarter pound) | 4 oz | 113.4 g | 112 g |
| Pound | 16 oz | 453.6 g | 448 g |
What is a zip of weed?
"Zip" is slang for one ounce of cannabis flower. The word describes a weight, not a type of product. A zip of one strain weighs the same as a zip of any other strain. Searches such as "zip of za" use the same weight. "Za" is slang that refers to the flower, not to the amount.
The term comes from the imperial system, which measures weight in ounces and pounds. Most countries outside the United States use grams and kilograms. This is why the same amount can appear as "a zip", "an ounce", "1 oz" or "28 grams". All four names mean the same thing. The other common names for amounts, such as a dub, an eighth or a quarter, are explained in our guide to weed measurements.
Is a zip an ounce?
Yes. A zip and an ounce are the same amount. The difference you see online is only about rounding. One ounce is 28.35 grams, according to NIST. Many people use 28 grams because whole numbers are easier to divide.
The gap is small for one ounce, at 0.35 grams. It grows when the amounts get larger. Four ounces are 113.4 grams with the NIST value and 112 grams with the rounded value. For one pound, the difference is more than 5 grams. If you compare weights from different sources, check which value they use.
Half zip and quarter zip in grams
A half zip is half an ounce: 14 grams rounded, or 14.18 grams with the NIST value. A quarter zip is a quarter of an ounce: 7 grams rounded, or 7.09 grams with the NIST value. People also call a quarter zip simply "a quarter".
Do not confuse a quarter with a quarter pound. A quarter is a quarter of an ounce, about 7 grams. A quarter pound, or QP, is four ounces, about 113 grams. The two names sound similar, but a QP is 16 times larger. A "zip and a half" is one and a half ounces, about 42.5 grams. To see how a smaller amount looks next to a zip, read our article on how much 10 grams of weed is.
How many eighths are in a zip?
There are eight eighths in a zip. An eighth is one eighth of an ounce. With the rounded value, an eighth is 3.5 grams, and eight eighths make 28 grams. With the NIST value of 28.35 grams per ounce, an eighth is 3.54 grams. The same logic works for the other fractions, so a zip contains two half zips, four quarters or eight eighths.
How a zip compares to a QP and a pound
Four zips make a QP, and sixteen zips make a pound. A QP, or quarter pound, has four ounces, which is 113.4 grams with the NIST value or 112 grams rounded. A pound has 16 ounces, which is 453.6 grams with the NIST value. NIST lists the pound as 0.45 kilograms. For more details on the larger amount, read our article on how many ounces are in a QP of weed.
Why is it called a zip?
The most common explanation links the name to resealable plastic bags. The Leafly cannabis glossary says that a standard Ziploc bag can hold about one ounce of flower, which led to the name "zip". There is no documented first use of the word. Treat the bag explanation as the most likely origin, not as a proven fact. The word is still common in spoken language, even where people buy cannabis in grams.
What does a zip of weed look like?
A zip always has the same weight, but its size can change a lot. Dense buds take less space. Light, airy buds take more space for the same 28 grams. For this reason, you cannot judge an ounce reliably by eye. A precise scale is the only way to know the weight.
Moisture also changes the weight. Freshly dried flower holds more water than flower that has been stored for a long time, so the same buds can weigh slightly less after some weeks. If you want to see how different flower types look, the product photos in our flowers collection show the variety in bud size and structure.
How to store a zip
Store a zip in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place. Light, heat and air dry out the flower and change its aroma over time. A glass jar keeps out air and does not take on smells the way some plastic containers do.
Keep the humidity stable. Flower that is too dry becomes brittle, and flower that is too moist can develop mould. A small humidity pack in the jar helps to keep the conditions stable. Keep the jar out of reach of children and pets, and label it clearly.
The laws on cannabis differ from country to country. In many places, possession of one ounce is not allowed, or it is above the limit for personal use. Check the rules where you live before you buy or carry any amount.
