The presence of both milliliter (mL) and gram (g) unit settings on a kitchen scale indicates that the scale is designed to measure both volume and weight. While these units are related, they are not interchangeable because they measure different properties of an ingredient or substance.
Milliliters (mL) are a unit of volume, typically used for measuring liquids. This unit is used to determine the amount of space an ingredient occupies. For example, if you're measuring water, 1 milliliter of water weighs approximately 1 gram. However, this conversion does not hold true for all substances.
Grams (g), on the other hand, are a unit of weight. They measure the mass or heaviness of an ingredient or object. When measuring dry ingredients, such as flour or sugar, the weight in grams does not directly correspond to volume in milliliters. Different substances have different densities, so their weight-to-volume ratios vary. For instance, 1 gram of flour will occupy a larger volume (measured in milliliters) compared to 1 gram of sugar.
Having both milliliter and gram settings on a kitchen scale provides flexibility for measuring a wide range of ingredients, both liquid and dry, with accuracy. It allows you to choose the appropriate unit based on the nature of the ingredient you are weighing, ensuring precise measurements for your recipes or cooking needs.