Weight Converter
Easily convert weights between common metric and imperial units such as milligrams, grams, kilograms, ounces, pounds, stones, and tonnes.
Understanding Weight Units
Weight and mass are measured using different units depending on region and usage. Understanding these units makes conversions easier and more intuitive.
- Milligram (mg): A very small metric unit commonly used in medicine and chemistry.
- Gram (g): A standard metric unit used for food, science, and everyday measurements.
- Kilogram (kg): The SI base unit of mass, widely used worldwide.
- Ounce (oz): A common imperial unit used in cooking and packaging.
- Pound (lb): A widely used imperial unit for body weight and goods.
- Stone (st): Primarily used in the UK to express body weight.
- Tonne (t): A large metric unit equal to 1000 kilograms, used in industry.
How Weight Conversion Works
Weight conversion is based on fixed mathematical ratios between units. Our converter automatically applies these ratios to deliver fast and accurate results.
1. What is weight and how is it measured?
Weight is the force exerted by gravity on an object. It is proportional to mass and depends on the local gravitational field. Common units include grams (g), kilograms (kg), pounds (lb), and ounces (oz).
2. What is the difference between mass and weight?
Mass measures the amount of matter in an object and is independent of gravity. Weight is the force that gravity exerts on that mass. Formula: Weight (N) = Mass (kg) × Gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s² on Earth).
3. How do I convert kilograms to pounds?
Multiply the mass in kilograms by 2.20462 to get pounds.
Formula: lb = kg × 2.20462
Example: 10 kg → 22.0462 lb
4. How do I convert pounds to kilograms?
Divide the weight in pounds by 2.20462 to get kilograms.
Formula: kg = lb ÷ 2.20462
Example: 22 lb → 9.98 kg
5. How do I convert grams to ounces?
Multiply grams by 0.03527396 to get ounces.
Formula: oz = g × 0.03527396
Example: 500 g → 17.64 oz
6. How do I convert ounces to grams?
Divide ounces by 0.03527396 to get grams.
Formula: g = oz ÷ 0.03527396
Example: 16 oz → 453.59 g
7. How do I convert pounds to ounces?
Multiply pounds by 16.
Formula: oz = lb × 16
Example: 2 lb → 32 oz
8. How do I convert ounces to pounds?
Divide ounces by 16.
Formula: lb = oz ÷ 16
Example: 48 oz → 3 lb
9. What is a milligram and when is it used?
A milligram (mg) is 1/1000 of a gram. It is used in pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and situations requiring precise measurement of very small masses.
Example: 0.25 g → 250 mg
10. What is a tonne and how is it related to kilograms?
A tonne (t) is equal to 1,000 kilograms (kg). It is commonly used in shipping, industry, and large-scale agriculture.
Formula: t = kg ÷ 1000
Example: 5000 kg → 5 t
11. What is the difference between short ton, long ton, and metric ton?
Short ton (US): 2000 lb ≈ 907.185 kg
Long ton (UK): 2240 lb ≈ 1016.05 kg
Metric ton (t): 1000 kg
Used in shipping, industry, and international trade.
12. Which units are commonly used worldwide?
The metric system (mg, g, kg, t) is standard worldwide for science, industry, and daily use. Imperial units (oz, lb, ton) are mainly used in the United States, United Kingdom, and some industries.
13. Why is understanding unit conversion important?
Unit conversion ensures accurate measurements in recipes, industrial processes, shipping, science, and engineering. It helps avoid mistakes caused by mixing metric and imperial units.
14. How precise are these conversions?
Conversions are precise up to five decimal places by default, which is sufficient for most practical and scientific applications.
15. Can I convert very small or very large weights?
Yes. Units from milligrams (mg) to tonnes (t) are supported.
Example: 1 mg → 0.001 g, 2 t → 2000 kg.
16. How do I convert grams to pounds?
Multiply grams by 0.00220462.
Formula: lb = g × 0.00220462
Example: 1000 g → 2.20462 lb
17. How do I convert pounds to grams?
Divide pounds by 0.00220462.
Formula: g = lb ÷ 0.00220462
Example: 5 lb → 2267.96 g
18. What is the best unit to use for daily life vs scientific work?
Daily life: grams, kilograms, pounds, ounces (cooking, groceries, luggage).
Scientific/engineering: kilograms, grams, tonnes (metric system preferred for consistency and calculations).