Kilogram Converter
Convert Kilogram to Centigram and more • 73 conversions
0
Unit Explanations
Kilogramkg
Source UnitThe kilogram, abbreviated as kg, is the SI unit of mass and is defined as being equal to the mass of the International Prototype of the Kilogram, which is a platinum-iridium cylinder kept at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Sèvres, France. This definition was established in 1889 and was the only base unit defined by a physical object. However, in 2019, the definition of the kilogram was redefined in terms of fundamental constants, specifically the Planck constant (h), which is set at exactly 6.62607015 × 10^-34 joule seconds. This redefinition allows for more precise measurements and ensures that the kilogram remains consistent and reproducible over time.
Current Use
Today, the kilogram is widely used across the globe as the standard unit of mass in scientific, commercial, and everyday contexts. It is employed in various industries including manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. For instance, in the food industry, products are often sold by mass, measured in kilograms. In healthcare, medication dosages may also be prescribed based on the patient’s weight in kilograms. While most countries use the kilogram as part of the metric system, some countries, such as the United States, still use imperial units for certain applications, though the metric system is increasingly adopted in scientific and technical fields. The versatility of the kilogram makes it a vital unit in international trade and commerce.
Fun Fact
The kilogram was the first unit of measurement to be defined by a physical artifact.
Centigramcg
Target UnitA centigram (cg) is a metric unit of mass that is equal to one hundredth (1/100) of a gram (g). It is part of the International System of Units (SI) and is used primarily for measuring small quantities of mass. The centigram fits into the metric system, which is based on powers of ten, making it a convenient unit for expressing weights that are lighter than a gram but heavier than a milligram. The centigram is commonly used in fields such as chemistry, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals, where precise measurements are essential.
Current Use
The centigram is widely used in laboratories, particularly in chemistry and biology, for measuring small quantities of substances. It is also used in the food industry for nutritional labeling and portion control, allowing for accurate measurement of ingredients. In pharmaceuticals, centigrams help ensure precise dosages of medications. While not commonly used in everyday life, it serves an important role in scientific research and industrial applications, where accurate weight measurements are crucial.
Fun Fact
The centigram is one of the less commonly used metric units, with grams and milligrams being more prevalent in everyday contexts.
All Weight Conversions
148 convertersPopular Conversions
📐Conversion Formula
= × 1.00000How to Convert
To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.
Quick Examples
💡 Pro Tip: For the reverse conversion ( → ), divide by the conversion factor instead of multiplying.
Kilogram
force • SI Unit
Definition
The kilogram, abbreviated as kg, is the SI unit of mass and is defined as being equal to the mass of the International Prototype of the Kilogram, which is a platinum-iridium cylinder kept at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Sèvres, France. This definition was established in 1889 and was the only base unit defined by a physical object. However, in 2019, the definition of the kilogram was redefined in terms of fundamental constants, specifically the Planck constant (h), which is set at exactly 6.62607015 × 10^-34 joule seconds. This redefinition allows for more precise measurements and ensures that the kilogram remains consistent and reproducible over time.
History & Origin
The kilogram originated in the late 18th century during the period of the French Revolution, as part of the efforts to standardize measurements across France and eventually the world. The need for a uniform measurement system became apparent in the wake of the Revolution, as varying local measures were causing confusion and inefficiency in trade and governance. Thus, the metric system was born, with the kilogram being one of its foundational units. The first kilogram was defined as the mass of one liter of water at its maximum density, which is approximately equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters. This practical approach to defining mass allowed for easier adoption across various sectors.
Etymology: The term 'kilogram' is derived from the Greek word 'kilo', meaning 'a thousand', and the French word 'gramme', which itself comes from the Late Latin 'gramma', meaning 'small weight'.
Current Use
Today, the kilogram is widely used across the globe as the standard unit of mass in scientific, commercial, and everyday contexts. It is employed in various industries including manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. For instance, in the food industry, products are often sold by mass, measured in kilograms. In healthcare, medication dosages may also be prescribed based on the patient’s weight in kilograms. While most countries use the kilogram as part of the metric system, some countries, such as the United States, still use imperial units for certain applications, though the metric system is increasingly adopted in scientific and technical fields. The versatility of the kilogram makes it a vital unit in international trade and commerce.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The kilogram was the first unit of measurement to be defined by a physical artifact.
- •The International Prototype of the Kilogram lost mass over time, leading to the redefinition in 2019.
- •The kilogram is the only SI base unit with a prefix ('kilo') included in its name.
📏 Real-World Examples
🔗 Related Units
Centigram
weight • Non-SI
Definition
A centigram (cg) is a metric unit of mass that is equal to one hundredth (1/100) of a gram (g). It is part of the International System of Units (SI) and is used primarily for measuring small quantities of mass. The centigram fits into the metric system, which is based on powers of ten, making it a convenient unit for expressing weights that are lighter than a gram but heavier than a milligram. The centigram is commonly used in fields such as chemistry, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals, where precise measurements are essential.
History & Origin
The centigram originated from the early metric system established in France in the late 18th century. The metric system was designed to provide a standard, universal system of measurement that would be based on decimal multiples. The prefix 'centi-' comes from the Latin word 'centum,' meaning 'hundred,' reflecting its value as one hundredth of a gram. This system aimed to simplify trade and science by providing a consistent framework for measuring mass, length, and volume across various disciplines.
Etymology: The term 'centigram' is derived from the metric prefix 'centi-', indicating a factor of one hundredth, and 'gram,' the base unit of mass in the metric system. Together, they form a name that clearly communicates its relationship to grams.
Current Use
The centigram is widely used in laboratories, particularly in chemistry and biology, for measuring small quantities of substances. It is also used in the food industry for nutritional labeling and portion control, allowing for accurate measurement of ingredients. In pharmaceuticals, centigrams help ensure precise dosages of medications. While not commonly used in everyday life, it serves an important role in scientific research and industrial applications, where accurate weight measurements are crucial.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The centigram is one of the less commonly used metric units, with grams and milligrams being more prevalent in everyday contexts.
- •Despite its small size, the centigram is important in the precise measurement of micro-nutrients in food and pharmaceuticals.
- •The metric system, including the centigram, was developed during the French Revolution to standardize measurements across the country and eventually the world.
📏 Real-World Examples
🔗 Related Units
Related Weight Conversions
Explore more weight conversions for your calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert to ?▼
To convert to , multiply your value by 1. For example, 10 equals 10 .
What is the formula for to conversion?▼
The formula is: = × 1. This conversion factor is based on international standards.
Is this to converter accurate?▼
Yes! MetricConv uses internationally standardized conversion factors from organizations like NIST and ISO. Our calculations support up to 15 decimal places of precision, making it suitable for scientific, engineering, and everyday calculations.
Can I convert back to ?▼
Absolutely! You can use the swap button (⇄) in the converter above to reverse the conversion direction, or visit our to converter.