Kilogram Converter
Convert Kilogram to Nanogram 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.
Nanogramng
Target UnitThe nanogram (ng) is a metric unit of mass equal to one billionth of a gram (10^-9 g). This unit is part of the International System of Units (SI), where prefixes denote decimal multiples or fractions of units. The nanogram is commonly used in fields that require precise measurement of very small masses, such as in chemistry, biology, and pharmaceuticals. It allows for quantifying substances at the molecular level, where larger units would be impractical due to the minuscule quantities involved.
Current Use
Nanograms are widely used in various fields, particularly in pharmaceuticals for drug dosage calculations, where precise measurements are critical. In environmental science, nanograms can quantify pollutant levels in air or water. Additionally, in biotechnology, measuring substances such as DNA or proteins often occurs in nanograms, highlighting the unit's relevance in research and diagnostics.
Fun Fact
A nanogram is approximately the weight of a single grain of pollen.
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
Nanogram
weight • Non-SI
Definition
The nanogram (ng) is a metric unit of mass equal to one billionth of a gram (10^-9 g). This unit is part of the International System of Units (SI), where prefixes denote decimal multiples or fractions of units. The nanogram is commonly used in fields that require precise measurement of very small masses, such as in chemistry, biology, and pharmaceuticals. It allows for quantifying substances at the molecular level, where larger units would be impractical due to the minuscule quantities involved.
History & Origin
The nanogram was first introduced as a standard unit of measurement in the 20th century, as the metric system gained global acceptance. Its usage became essential with advancements in scientific research requiring the measurement of substances at the molecular and atomic scale. The incremental adoption of smaller units such as the nanogram became necessary for precision in various scientific fields, especially in pharmaceuticals and biochemistry.
Etymology: The term 'nanogram' derives from the prefix 'nano-', which is from the Greek word 'nanos', meaning 'dwarf', and 'gram', from the Greek 'gramma', meaning 'a small weight'.
Current Use
Nanograms are widely used in various fields, particularly in pharmaceuticals for drug dosage calculations, where precise measurements are critical. In environmental science, nanograms can quantify pollutant levels in air or water. Additionally, in biotechnology, measuring substances such as DNA or proteins often occurs in nanograms, highlighting the unit's relevance in research and diagnostics.
💡 Fun Facts
- •A nanogram is approximately the weight of a single grain of pollen.
- •The nanogram is so small that it takes 1,000,000 nanograms to make up just one milligram.
- •In terms of volume, a nanogram of water occupies about 1 microliter at room temperature.
📏 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.