Weight Converter
Convert between different units of weight and mass with precision and ease.
Click Here
Enter Value to Convert
Conversion Result
Enter a value and select units to convert
Common Conversions
1 kilogram = 1000 grams
1 kilogram = 2.20462 pounds
1 pound = 16 ounces
1 stone = 14 pounds
1 metric ton = 1000 kilograms
About Weight Units
Weight units are used to measure the mass of objects. Different systems of measurement are used around the world, with the metric system being the most widely adopted international standard.
Metric System
- Metric Ton (t): 1,000 kilograms, used for very heavy objects
- Kilogram (kg): The base unit of mass in the metric system
- Gram (g): 1/1,000 of a kilogram, used for small items
- Milligram (mg): 1/1,000 of a gram, used in medicine and science
- Microgram (μg): 1/1,000,000 of a gram, used in laboratory settings
Imperial/US System
- Imperial Ton (long ton): 2,240 pounds, used in the UK and Commonwealth countries
- US Ton (short ton): 2,000 pounds, commonly used in the United States
- Stone (st): 14 pounds, commonly used in the UK for body weight
- Pound (lb): 16 ounces, the most common unit in the US
- Ounce (oz): 1/16 of a pound, used for smaller weights
Specialized Units
- Carat (ct): 0.2 grams, used for gemstones and precious metals
- Grain: 1/7000 of a pound, used in ammunition and pharmaceuticals
- Troy Ounce: About 31.1 grams, used for precious metals
Tips for Weight Conversion
- For cooking and baking, precise conversions between metric and imperial units are important
- In scientific contexts, always use metric units for consistency
- When measuring body weight, be aware of regional preferences (kg vs. lb vs. stone)
- For shipping and freight, understand the difference between metric tons and US/imperial tons
Frequently Asked Questions
What's 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 is the force exerted on an object due to gravity and can vary depending on location (e.g., on Earth vs. the Moon). In everyday usage, the terms are often used interchangeably, and our converter follows common convention by using "weight" for both concepts.
Why do the US and UK use different tons?
The US ton (short ton) and the Imperial ton (long ton) evolved from different historical measurement systems. The Imperial ton equals 2,240 pounds and was based on the weight that a merchant ship could carry. The US ton equals 2,000 pounds and developed separately in American commerce. The metric ton (1,000 kg or about 2,204.6 pounds) is now the international standard.
How accurate are these weight conversions?
Our weight converter uses standard conversion factors that are accurate to multiple decimal places. For everyday use, these conversions are more than sufficient. For scientific or commercial applications requiring extreme precision, the converter maintains high accuracy, but users should always verify critical measurements with calibrated instruments.
Why is the stone unit used in the UK?
The stone (14 pounds) has been used in Britain since the Middle Ages. It remained popular for measuring human body weight even after the UK officially adopted the metric system. It's a cultural preference that persists today, with many British people expressing their weight in stones and pounds (e.g., "11 stone 4 pounds") rather than just pounds or kilograms.
What weight units should I use for cooking?
For cooking, it's best to use the units specified in your recipe. US recipes typically use pounds and ounces, while recipes from most other countries use grams and kilograms. For precision baking, weight measurements (rather than volume) are preferred regardless of the unit system. Our converter can help you translate between recipe units when needed.
Click Here