Dram to Kati (India) Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert drams to kati with our free online weight converter.
Dram to Kati (India) Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Dram).
- The converted value in Kati (India) 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 Kati (India)
Converting Dram to Kati (India) involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Dram = 0.151907 kati
Example Calculation:
Convert 5 drams: 5 × 0.151907 = 0.759535 kati
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 Kati (India)?
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 Kati is a traditional unit of mass primarily used in India, often considered synonymous with or very closely related to the Tola. While historical and regional variations existed, the value commonly associated with the Kati (especially when linked to the Tola standard) is approximately 11.664 grams. It formed part of a system of weights used extensively for trade and commerce before the widespread adoption of the metric system.
Note: The Dram is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Kati (India) belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Dram and Kati (India)
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 Kati, like the Tola and Masha, has roots in ancient Indian systems of measurement, likely derived from the weight of specific seeds (like the Ratti). Its usage was prominent across the Indian subcontinent for centuries, particularly during the Mughal era and the British Raj, serving as a standard weight for precious metals like gold and silver, as well as other valuable commodities. Regional variations in its exact mass sometimes occurred. With the official metrication of India in the mid-20th century, the Kati, along with other traditional units, gradually fell out of common usage in official trade, though its legacy persists.
Common Uses for drams and kati
Explore the typical applications for both Dram (imperial/US) and Kati (India) (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 kati
Historically, the Kati was primarily used for:
- Weighing Precious Metals: It was a standard unit for measuring gold and silver bullion and jewelry.
- Trade: Used in local markets for weighing spices, grains, or other goods, although larger units like the Seer or Maund were more common for bulk items.
- Traditional Medicine: Potentially used for measuring ingredients in Ayurvedic or other traditional formulations, though smaller units like Masha or Ratti were often preferred for precision.
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 Kati (India) (kati)
How many grams are in a Kati?
A Kati, when considered equivalent to the standard Tola, is equal to exactly 11.6638038 grams (based on the Tola being 180 grains). It is often rounded to 11.664 grams for practical purposes. Note that minor historical or regional variations might exist.
Is Kati related to the Chinese Catty?
No, despite the similar name, the Indian Kati (~11.66 grams) is entirely distinct from the Catty (also sometimes spelled Kati) used in East and Southeast Asia. The Chinese Catty is a much larger unit, typically around 600 grams (though its value also varies by region, e.g., ~604.8g in Malaysia/Singapore). They are unrelated units from different traditional systems.
Is Kati commonly used today?
The Kati is not commonly used in everyday trade or official measurements in India today, having been largely replaced by the gram and kilogram. However, the term might still be recognized or occasionally used in very specific traditional contexts, such as by older generations, in rural markets, or within the traditional jewelry trade, often interchangeably with 'Tola'.
Conversion Table: Dram to Kati (India)
Dram (dr) | Kati (India) (kati) |
---|---|
1 | 0.152 |
5 | 0.76 |
10 | 1.519 |
25 | 3.798 |
50 | 7.595 |
100 | 15.191 |
500 | 75.954 |
1,000 | 151.907 |
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)
- Grain (gr)
- Quintal (q)
- Atomic Mass Unit (u)
- Pavan (India) (pavan)
- Masha (India) (masha)
- Dina (India) (dina)
- Pras (India) (pras)
- Lota (India) (lota)