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Kilogram (kg) - Unit Information & Conversion

Symbol:kg
Plural:kilograms
Category:Weight

What is a Kilogram?

Definition

The kilogram is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined based on the fixed numerical value of the Planck constant.

History

Originally defined as the mass of one liter of water. Later, it was represented by the International Prototype of the Kilogram (IPK), a platinum-iridium cylinder. In 2019, the definition was changed to be based on fundamental physical constants.

Common Uses

  • Global Standard: The primary unit for mass in science (physics, chemistry), engineering calculations, and international trade (e.g., commodity pricing).
  • Body Weight: Widely used worldwide (outside the US/UK primarily) for measuring human body weight for health and fitness tracking.
  • Food & Groceries: Used for selling and labeling larger quantities of food items like rice, flour, sugar, and some produce in metric countries.
  • Shipping & Logistics: Standard unit for calculating weights of packages and freight internationally.
  • Everyday Objects: Measuring the mass of common items like furniture, electronics, or luggage.

Unit FAQs

What is the base unit of mass in the SI system?

The kilogram (kg) is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI).

Is the kilogram used worldwide?

Yes, it's the global standard for science, engineering, and international trade, and widely used for everyday measurements in most countries.

How was the kilogram originally defined?

It was initially defined as the mass of one liter of water, later represented by a physical artifact (the IPK), and is now based on the Planck constant.

Kilogram Conversion Formulas

To Gram:

1 kg = 1000 g
Example: 5 kilograms = 5000 grams

To Milligram:

1 kg = 1000000 mg
Example: 5 kilograms = 5000000 milligrams

To Pound:

1 kg = 2.204623 lb
Example: 5 kilograms = 11.023113 pounds

To Ounce:

1 kg = 35.273962 oz
Example: 5 kilograms = 176.36981 ounces

To Stone:

1 kg = 0.157473 st
Example: 5 kilograms = 0.787365 stones

To Ton (metric):

1 kg = 0.001 t
Example: 5 kilograms = 0.005 tons

To Ton (US):

1 kg = 0.001102 ton
Example: 5 kilograms = 0.005512 US tons

To Ton (UK):

1 kg = 0.000984 long ton
Example: 5 kilograms = 0.004921 long tons

To Microgram:

1 kg = 1000000000 µg
Example: 5 kilograms = 5000000000 micrograms

To Carat:

1 kg = 5000 ct
Example: 5 kilograms = 25000 carats

To Slug:

1 kg = 0.068522 sl
Example: 5 kilograms = 0.342609 slugs

To Troy Ounce:

1 kg = 32.150747 oz t
Example: 5 kilograms = 160.753733 troy ounces

To Pennyweight:

1 kg = 643.014931 dwt
Example: 5 kilograms = 3215.074657 pennyweights

To Grain:

1 kg = 15432.358353 gr
Example: 5 kilograms = 77161.791765 grains

To Dram:

1 kg = 564.383391 dr
Example: 5 kilograms = 2821.916956 drams

To Quintal:

1 kg = 0.01 q
Example: 5 kilograms = 0.05 quintals

To Atomic Mass Unit:

1 kg = 6.022140762081123e+26 u
Example: 5 kilograms = 3.011070381040561e+27 atomic mass units

To Pavan (India):

1 kg = 125 pavan
Example: 5 kilograms = 625 pavan

To Kati (India):

1 kg = 85.733882 kati
Example: 5 kilograms = 428.66941 kati

To Masha (India):

1 kg = 1097.213079 masha
Example: 5 kilograms = 5486.065394 masha

To Dina (India):

1 kg = 15432358.352941 dina
Example: 5 kilograms = 77161791.764707 dina

To Pras (India):

1 kg = 358397247.509139 pras
Example: 5 kilograms = 1791986237.545696 pras

To Lota (India):

1 kg = 573657641119779.8 lota
Example: 5 kilograms = 2868288205598898.5 lota

Convert Kilogram

Need to convert Kilogram to other weight units? Use our conversion tool.

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Kilogram Quick Info

kg
Symbol:kg
Category:Weight
System:Metric (SI)
Convert Kilogram

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