Dram to Grain Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert drams to grains with our free online weight converter.
Dram to Grain Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Dram).
- The converted value in Grain will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Weight category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Dram to Grain
Converting Dram to Grain involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Dram = 27.3438 grainsExample Calculation:
Convert 5 drams: 5 × 27.3438 = 136.719 grains
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
What is a Dram and a Grain?
The dram (or drachm) can refer to several units. In the context of common weight conversion (Avoirdupois system), it is a unit of mass equal to 1/16 of an ounce or 1/256 of a pound. This Avoirdupois dram is approximately 1.7718 grams.
The grain (gr) is a unit of mass in the traditional English weight systems (Avoirdupois, Troy, and Apothecaries'). It was originally based on the weight of a single grain of barley. It is defined as exactly 64.79891 milligrams (or 1/7000 of an avoirdupois pound).
Note: The Dram is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Grain belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Dram and Grain
The term originates from the Greek drachma coin. It became a unit in multiple historical weight systems (Avoirdupois, Apothecaries', Troy). The Avoirdupois dram was used for general commodities.
The grain is one of the oldest units of mass, dating back to antiquity, using seeds (like barley or wheat) as weight standards. It formed the legal basis for English weight systems and remains defined in terms of metric units today.
Common Uses for drams and grains
Explore the typical applications for both Dram (imperial/US) and Grain (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for drams
- Historical Measurement: Found in older texts and recipes.
- Ammunition Reloading: Powder charges are sometimes measured in dram equivalents (though grains are more common).
- Note: The fluid dram (fl dr) is a unit of volume in the Apothecaries' system, distinct from the Avoirdupois dram mass unit.
Common Uses for grains
- Ammunition: Measuring the mass of bullets and gunpowder charges.
- Archery: Measuring the mass of arrows and arrowheads.
- Medicine & Pharmacy: Historically used in the apothecaries' system; sometimes still used for measuring dosage of certain older medications (e.g., aspirin).
- Jewelry: Used in the troy system (24 grains = 1 pennyweight).
- Reloading: Handloading ammunition requires precise measurement in grains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Dram (dr)
How many drams are in an ounce (avoirdupois)?
There are 16 drams (dr) in 1 avoirdupois ounce (oz).
How many grams are in a dram (avoirdupois)?
There are approximately 1.771845 grams (g) in 1 avoirdupois dram (dr).
Is a dram a unit of mass or volume?
It can be both, which causes confusion. The Avoirdupois dram (dr) is mass (1/16 oz). The fluid dram (fl dr) is volume (1/8 fl oz).
About Grain (gr)
How many grains are in an ounce (avoirdupois)?
There are 437.5 grains (gr) in 1 avoirdupois ounce (oz).
How many grains are in a pound (avoirdupois)?
There are 7,000 grains (gr) in 1 avoirdupois pound (lb).
How many milligrams are in a grain?
There are exactly 64.79891 milligrams (mg) in 1 grain (gr).
Conversion Table: Dram to Grain
| Dram (dr) | Grain (gr) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 27.344 |
| 5 | 136.719 |
| 10 | 273.438 |
| 25 | 683.594 |
| 50 | 1,367.188 |
| 100 | 2,734.375 |
| 500 | 13,671.875 |
| 1,000 | 27,343.75 |
All Weight Conversions
Other Units from Weight
- Kilogram (kg)
- Gram (g)
- Milligram (mg)
- Pound (lb)
- Ounce (oz)
- Stone (st)
- Ton (metric) (t)
- Ton (US) (ton)
- Ton (UK) (long ton)
- Microgram (µg)
- Carat (ct)
- Slug (sl)
- Troy Ounce (oz t)
- Pennyweight (dwt)
- Quintal (q)
- Atomic Mass Unit (u)
- Pavan (India) (pavan)
- Kati (India) (kati)
- Masha (India) (masha)
- Dina (India) (dina)
- Pras (India) (pras)
- Lota (India) (lota)