Weight Converter: Convert Between Kilograms, Pounds, Ounces & More
Our Weight Converter provides accurate conversions between metric and imperial weight units. Whether you're cooking with international recipes, shipping packages, tracking fitness progress, purchasing produce, or working with scientific measurements, this tool delivers precise conversions instantly.
What This Calculator Does
The Weight Converter handles conversions between eight common weight units:
- Kilograms (kg): The metric standard unit, used worldwide for most weight measurements.
- Grams (g): Smaller metric unit, ideal for cooking, jewelry, and small items (1 kg = 1,000 g).
- Pounds (lb): The primary imperial unit in the United States, used for body weight, produce, and general weight (1 lb = 0.45359237 kg).
- Ounces (oz): Smaller imperial unit, commonly used for food portions and small items (1 lb = 16 oz).
- Tons (US): Large imperial unit for heavy weights (1 ton = 2,000 lbs = 907.18474 kg).
- Metric Tons (t): Large metric unit (1 metric ton = 1,000 kg = 2,204.62 lbs).
- Stones (st): UK unit primarily used for body weight (1 stone = 14 lbs = 6.35029 kg).
- Carats (ct): Specialized unit for gemstones and pearls (1 carat = 0.2 g).
Simply enter your weight value, select the source and target units, and get instant, accurate conversions.
How to Use It
- Enter weight: Type the numerical weight value you want to convert.
- Choose source unit: Select the unit your weight is currently in (e.g., kilograms, pounds, ounces).
- Choose target unit: Select the unit you want to convert to (e.g., pounds, grams, tons).
- Click "Calculate" to see the converted value.
The calculator updates results automatically, showing precise conversions with appropriate decimal precision based on the magnitude of the result.
Interpreting Your Results
Results are displayed with precision appropriate to the value's magnitude:
- Small values (< 0.000001): Shown in scientific notation for clarity
- Large values (> 1,000,000): Shown in scientific notation for readability
- Standard values: Displayed with 2-6 decimal places as needed
All conversions use standard conversion factors:
- Metric to Imperial: 1 kg = 2.20462 pounds = 35.274 ounces
- Imperial to Metric: 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg = 453.592 grams
- Specialized units: Stones (14 lbs), carats (0.2 g), tons (2,000 lbs or 1,000 kg)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing US and metric tons: US tons (2,000 lbs) differ significantly from metric tons (1,000 kg = 2,204.62 lbs).
- Mixing avoirdupois and troy ounces: This calculator uses avoirdupois ounces (for general weight); troy ounces are used for precious metals.
- Stone vs. pound confusion: Remember that 1 stone = 14 pounds, not 10 or 16.
- Carat vs. karat confusion: Carats measure weight (gemstones); karats measure gold purity (not a weight unit).
- Precision errors: Very large or small numbers may have limited precision; use scientific notation results when shown.
- Unit system confusion: Ensure you're converting between compatible weight units (don't mix with volume or length units).
Common Conversion Examples
Metric to Imperial:
- 1 kilogram = 2.20462 pounds
- 1 gram = 0.035274 ounces
- 1 metric ton = 2,204.62 pounds = 1.10231 US tons
Imperial to Metric:
- 1 pound = 0.453592 kilograms = 453.592 grams
- 1 ounce = 28.3495 grams
- 1 US ton = 907.185 kilograms = 0.907185 metric tons
Specialized Units:
- 1 stone = 14 pounds = 6.35029 kilograms
- 1 carat = 0.2 grams = 0.007055 ounces
Keep Learning
Explore these guides to master weight conversions:
Sources
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – Weight and mass measurement standards
- International Bureau of Weights and Measures – SI unit system specifications
- US Department of Commerce – Measurement standards and conversion factors
