Pavan (India) to Dram Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert pavan to drams with our free online weight converter.
Pavan (India) to Dram Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Pavan (India)).
- The converted value in Dram 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 Pavan (India) to Dram
Converting Pavan (India) to Dram involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Pavan (India) = 4.51507 dramsExample Calculation:
Convert 5 pavan: 5 × 4.51507 = 22.5754 drams
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.
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What is a Pavan (India) and a Dram?
The Pavan (പവൻ), sometimes spelled Pawan or Pavana, is a traditional unit of mass predominantly used in the state of Kerala, South India, almost exclusively for measuring gold. It is defined as being exactly equal to 8 grams. Unlike units like the Tola or Masha which had broader applications, the Pavan's use is tightly linked to the gold trade and jewelry market in this specific region.
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.
Note: The Pavan (India) is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Dram belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Pavan (India) and Dram
The origin of the Pavan as a unit is closely tied to the weight of the British Gold Sovereign coin, which weighs approximately 7.98805 grams (very close to 8 grams). During the British colonial era and afterwards, the Sovereign was a common form of holding gold, and its weight became a de facto standard for gold transactions in certain regions, particularly Kerala. Over time, 'Pavan' became synonymous with this 8-gram standard for gold. Despite the official adoption of the metric system in India, the Pavan remains the primary unit for quoting gold prices and measuring gold weight in jewelry shops throughout Kerala and among the Malayali diaspora.
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.
Common Uses for pavan and drams
Explore the typical applications for both Pavan (India) (imperial/US) and Dram (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for pavan
The Pavan is almost exclusively used for:
- Gold Jewelry: Pricing, buying, and selling gold ornaments (necklaces, bangles, earrings, etc.) in Kerala. Jewelry weight is almost always specified in Pavan.
- Gold Bullion: Measuring and trading small gold bars or coins, especially in local markets.
- Investment Gold: Discussing and quantifying personal gold holdings.
- Cultural Significance: Often used in contexts like dowries or gifts where gold quantity is specified.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Pavan (India) (pavan)
How many grams are in a Pavan?
One Pavan is exactly equal to 8 grams (g). This is the standard definition used throughout Kerala and in the gold trade associated with the region.
Is Pavan used outside of India?
The Pavan is primarily used within India, specifically concentrated in the state of Kerala. It is also commonly used by the Malayali diaspora community worldwide when dealing with gold transactions within the community or purchasing gold from Keralite jewelers abroad. It is not a standard unit in other parts of India or internationally outside these specific contexts.
How does Pavan relate to Tola?
The Pavan and the Tola are distinct traditional Indian units of mass, primarily used for gold, but with different values.
- 1 Pavan = 8 grams
- 1 Tola ≈ 11.664 grams They are not directly related in a simple ratio and represent different weight standards originating from different influences (Pavan linked to the Sovereign coin, Tola having older roots). While both measure gold, they are used in different regions or contexts (Pavan dominant in Kerala, Tola historically more widespread and still used in other parts of India).
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).
Conversion Table: Pavan (India) to Dram
| Pavan (India) (pavan) | Dram (dr) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4.515 |
| 5 | 22.575 |
| 10 | 45.151 |
| 25 | 112.877 |
| 50 | 225.753 |
| 100 | 451.507 |
| 500 | 2,257.534 |
| 1,000 | 4,515.067 |
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)
- Kati (India) (kati)
- Masha (India) (masha)
- Dina (India) (dina)
- Pras (India) (pras)
- Lota (India) (lota)