Weight Converter

Convert between different units of mass and weight with precision. Support for metric, imperial, and US customary units.

Popular Conversions

Weight Units

Gram (g)
Base unit of mass in the metric system
Kilogram (kg)
SI base unit of mass, 1000 grams
Pound (lb)
Imperial unit, approximately 0.4536 kg
Ounce (oz)
Imperial unit, 1/16 of a pound
Stone (st)
British unit, 14 pounds, used for body weight
Metric Ton (t)
1000 kilograms, used for large masses

Conversion Tips

  • 1 kilogram = 1000 grams = 2.20462 pounds
  • 1 pound = 16 ounces = 0.453592 kg (exactly)
  • 1 stone = 14 pounds = 6.35029 kg
  • 1 US ton = 2000 pounds = 907.185 kg

Historical Weight Systems

Ancient Weight Systems

The earliest weight measurements were based on agricultural products: grains of wheat or barley. The ancient Egyptians used the deben (about 91 grams) for trading precious metals.

Medieval Trade

The pound originated from the Roman libra, approximately 327 grams. Different regions developed their own pound variations, leading to the complexity of modern weight systems.

The Metric Revolution

In 1795, France introduced the gram as 1/1000th of a cubic centimeter of water. This became the foundation of the modern metric system, adopted worldwide for scientific and international trade.

Modern Standards

The kilogram, the SI base unit of mass, is defined by the Planck constant. One kilogram is exactly 5.01845184190996 × 10²⁵ joule-seconds, ensuring global consistency.

Practical Applications

Cooking & Baking

Recipe conversion: 500g flour = 1.1 pounds

Essential for international recipe adaptation

Fitness & Health

Weight loss goal: 0.5 kg/week = 1.1 pounds/week

Important for tracking progress in fitness programs

Shipping & Logistics

Package weight: 25 kg = 55 pounds

Critical for international shipping calculations

Manufacturing

Material specifications: 1000 kg = 1.102 metric tons

Precise measurements for industrial production

Weight Categories & Standards

Precious Metals
Measured in troy ounces
1 troy oz = 31.1035 grams
Pharmaceuticals
Precise milligram measurements
Critical for dosage accuracy
Jewelry
Carats for gemstones
1 carat = 0.2 grams
Athletics
Bodyweight classes
Precise weight divisions

Fascinating Weight Facts

  • The heaviest human ever recorded weighed 635 kg (1,400 pounds)
  • A single grain of sand weighs about 0.01 grams
  • The Earth weighs approximately 5.972 × 10²⁴ kg
  • The kilogram prototype is kept in a vault in France, protected by three nested bell jars
  • The average human brain weighs about 1.4 kg (3 pounds)