This web page allows you to convert the different mass units and answers the following questions in particular: What are some historical units of mass? What are some common units of mass used today? What are some record and reference values in different units of mass? How can you convert between different units of mass? What are some interesting facts about units of mass?
History of Different Units of Mass
Throughout time, humans have come up with different measurements to quantify mass. While early civilizations might have used non-standardized measurements of mass, such as pieces of clay, as time went on and urban societies started to form, it became increasingly important to have standardised measurements. This led to the introduction of units such as the shekel, stone and dram. Later, with the introduction of the metric system, SI units of mass, such as the gram, kilogram and tonne, were introduced. The atomic mass unit, or amu, was also developed in the 20th century.
Different Units of Mass
The following is a list of some of the common units of mass used today:
Gram (g): This is the SI unit of mass, equivalent to one thousandth of a kilogram.
Kilogram (kg): This is the SI unit of mass equivalent to 1000g.
Pound (lb): This is an imperial unit equivalent to approximately 0.45kg.
Ounce (oz): This is an imperial unit of mass equivalent to 28.35g.
Slug (slug): This is an imperial unit of mass equivalent to 32.17lb.
Metric ton (t): This is a metric unit of mass equivalent to 1000kg.
Short ton (US) (ton): This is an imperial unit of mass equivalent to 2000lb.
Long ton (UK) (tonne): This is an imperial unit of mass equivalent to 2240lb.
Atomic mass unit (amu): This is a unit of mass defined to be equivalent to one twelfth of the mass of a single atom of C-12.
Carat (ct): This is used primarily to measure the mass of gem stones and is equivalent to 0.2g.
Stone (st): This is an imperial unit equivalent to 14lb.
Dalton (Da): This is an atomic unit of mass defined to be equal to 1/12 of the mass of a single atom of carbon-12.
How to Convert Different Units of Mass
When it comes to converting between different units of mass, the simplest way is to use an online mass converter. These tools are usually free and require the user to enter the unit they would like to convert from, along with the value they are converting, into the converter. The tool will then show the equivalent value in the unit they have selected to convert to. Alternatively, an important principle to remember when converting between different units of mass is that 1 kilogram is equivalent to 1000g, 1 pound is equivalent to 0.45kg and 1 ounce is equivalent to 28.35g.
Interesting Facts about Units of Mass
In Europe and most other nations, the kilogram is the unit of measurement for mass.
A pound is traditionally equivalent to 16 ounces, hence the common phrase ‘a pound of cheese’.
The carat has been used to measure the mass of gemstones for hundreds of years.
The atomic mass unit was first introduced in 1961.
The tonne is larger than the metric ton and is equal to 1.016 times the international ton.
