Kilogram Converter
Convert Kilogram to Hundredweight (uk) and more • 73 conversions
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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.
Hundredweight (UK)cwt
Target UnitThe hundredweight (UK), abbreviated as cwt, is a traditional unit of mass used in the United Kingdom and some other countries. It is defined as exactly 112 pounds avoirdupois, which is approximately 50.802 kilograms. The term 'hundredweight' originates from the Old English term 'hundred', indicating a quantity of one hundred, and 'weight', referring to mass. The cwt is primarily used in agriculture and trade, often for measuring bulk products like grain, coal, or livestock. It is important to distinguish the UK hundredweight from the US hundredweight, which is equal to 100 pounds.
Current Use
Today, the hundredweight (UK) is primarily used in agriculture, transportation, and some industrial applications. It is common in the UK to see this unit used for weighing livestock, bulk grains, and other agricultural products. Despite the increasing adoption of the metric system, traditional units like the hundredweight are still prevalent in specific markets, signifying their enduring legacy in British commerce.
Fun Fact
The hundredweight (UK) is often confused with the hundredweight (US), which is only 100 pounds.
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📐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.
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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.
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Hundredweight (UK)
weight • Non-SI
Definition
The hundredweight (UK), abbreviated as cwt, is a traditional unit of mass used in the United Kingdom and some other countries. It is defined as exactly 112 pounds avoirdupois, which is approximately 50.802 kilograms. The term 'hundredweight' originates from the Old English term 'hundred', indicating a quantity of one hundred, and 'weight', referring to mass. The cwt is primarily used in agriculture and trade, often for measuring bulk products like grain, coal, or livestock. It is important to distinguish the UK hundredweight from the US hundredweight, which is equal to 100 pounds.
History & Origin
The concept of the hundredweight dates back to medieval times when weights and measures were standardized for trade. The UK hundredweight evolved from earlier systems of measurement that were used by various cultures, including the Romans and Anglo-Saxons. It became more formally adopted with the establishment of the avoirdupois system in the 14th century, which structured weight measurements based on a pound of 16 ounces, culminating in the cwt we recognize today.
Etymology: The word 'hundredweight' originates from the combination of 'hundred', which signifies the number 100, and 'weight', derived from the Old English 'wiht', meaning mass or weight.
Current Use
Today, the hundredweight (UK) is primarily used in agriculture, transportation, and some industrial applications. It is common in the UK to see this unit used for weighing livestock, bulk grains, and other agricultural products. Despite the increasing adoption of the metric system, traditional units like the hundredweight are still prevalent in specific markets, signifying their enduring legacy in British commerce.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The hundredweight (UK) is often confused with the hundredweight (US), which is only 100 pounds.
- •In ancient times, the weight of a hundredweight was sometimes used as a standard for taxation and trade.
- •The cwt is still used in some traditional British sports, like the Highland Games, where weights are lifted in this unit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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