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Mass Calculator
Convert mass between different units including grams, kilograms, pounds, ounces, and more.
Enter a value and select units to see conversion result
Related to Mass Calculator
The Mass Calculator is a versatile tool designed to convert mass measurements between different units commonly used in science, engineering, and everyday life. It uses precise conversion factors to ensure accurate results across a wide range of units, from microscopic measurements in micrograms to large-scale measurements in tons. The calculator handles both metric (SI) units and imperial units, making it useful for international conversions.
Metric Units
The calculator supports the following metric units: kilograms (kg), grams (g), milligrams (mg), and micrograms (μg). These units follow the metric system's base-10 structure, where each unit is 1000 times larger or smaller than the adjacent unit. For example, 1 kilogram equals 1000 grams, and 1 gram equals 1000 milligrams.
Imperial and Other Units
For non-metric measurements, the calculator includes pounds (lb), ounces (oz), stone (st), and US tons. These units are commonly used in different regions and specific applications. The calculator uses standard conversion factors, such as 1 pound equals 16 ounces, and 1 stone equals 14 pounds.
Mass is a fundamental measure of the amount of matter in an object. Understanding mass units and their conversions is crucial in many fields, from laboratory work to industrial applications. The calculator uses a two-step conversion process: first converting the input value to kilograms (the SI base unit for mass), then converting from kilograms to the desired output unit.
Common Conversion Factors
• 1 kilogram (kg) = 1000 grams (g)
• 1 gram (g) = 1000 milligrams (mg)
• 1 pound (lb) = 453.59237 grams
• 1 ounce (oz) = 28.349523125 grams
• 1 stone (st) = 6.35029318 kilograms
• 1 US ton = 907.18474 kilograms
1. What is the difference between mass and weight?
Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of location. Weight, on the other hand, is the force of gravity acting on that mass and can vary depending on location (e.g., on Earth vs. on the Moon). This calculator deals with mass conversions, not weight.
2. Why are there different units for mass measurement?
Different mass units evolved historically in various regions and for different purposes. The metric system (kg, g, etc.) was developed for scientific consistency, while imperial units (lb, oz, etc.) emerged from traditional usage. Today, both systems coexist, making conversion tools necessary.
3. How accurate are the conversions?
The calculator uses precise conversion factors defined by international standards. For example, the kilogram-to-pound conversion uses the exact factor of 2.20462262185 pounds per kilogram. Results are displayed with appropriate precision based on the input value and units involved.
4. Which unit should I use for my calculations?
The choice of unit depends on your application. For scientific work, metric units (especially kg and g) are preferred. For everyday measurements in English-speaking countries, pounds and ounces are common. For very small quantities, mg or μg are appropriate, while tons are used for very large masses.
5. What is the scientific source for this calculator?
This calculator uses conversion factors established by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The kilogram is defined by the Planck constant, and all other mass units are derived from this definition. The conversion factors are based on exact relationships defined in the International System of Units (SI) and legal standards for non-SI units.