Slug to Dram Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert slugs to drams with our free online weight converter.
Slug to Dram Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Slug).
- 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 Slug to Dram
Converting Slug to Dram involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Slug = 8236.55 dramsExample Calculation:
Convert 5 slugs: 5 × 8236.55 = 41182.8 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.
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 Slug and a Dram?
The slug is a unit of mass in the Foot-Pound-Second (FPS) system of units, primarily used in Imperial and US customary systems. It is defined as the mass that accelerates by 1 foot per second squared (1 ft/s²) when a force of one pound-force (lbf) is exerted on it. It's approximately 14.5939 kilograms.
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 Slug 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 Slug and Dram
The term "slug" was coined by Arthur Mason Worthington around 1900. It was derived from the concept of inertia (sluggishness) and designed to simplify calculations in Newtonian mechanics (F=ma) when using imperial units of force (lbf) and acceleration (ft/s²).
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 slugs and drams
Explore the typical applications for both Slug (imperial/US) and Dram (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for slugs
- Engineering (primarily aerospace and dynamics): Used in calculations involving force, mass, and acceleration within the Imperial system.
- Physics Education: Sometimes used when teaching mechanics with Imperial units.
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 Slug (sl)
How is the slug defined?
It's defined by Newton's second law (F=ma). 1 slug = 1 lbf / (1 ft/s²).
How many pounds-mass are in a slug?
One slug is approximately equal to 32.174 pounds-mass (lbm). This value corresponds to the standard acceleration due to gravity (g) in ft/s².
Why is the slug unit used?
It simplifies calculations in the F=ma formula when using pounds-force (lbf) and feet/second² (ft/s²) for acceleration, avoiding the need for a gravitational constant (g) in the equation.
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: Slug to Dram
| Slug (sl) | Dram (dr) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8,236.555 |
| 5 | 41,182.774 |
| 10 | 82,365.548 |
| 25 | 205,913.869 |
| 50 | 411,827.739 |
| 100 | 823,655.477 |
| 500 | 4,118,277.386 |
| 1,000 | 8,236,554.773 |
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)
- Troy Ounce (oz t)
- Pennyweight (dwt)
- Grain (gr)
- Quintal (q)
- Atomic Mass Unit (u)
- Pavan (India) (pavan)
- Kati (India) (kati)
- Masha (India) (masha)
- Dina (India) (dina)
- Pras (India) (pras)
- Lota (India) (lota)