Our guide on how to understand units of measurement for weighing. This guide will cover traditional measurement units such as grams and kilograms to more complex, technical measurements such as ATRO or Troy Ounces.
Units of Measurement
Unit Name
Symbol
Equivalent in Grams
Description
Grams
g
1
Grams are the traditional unit of measurement used in the majority of weighing tasks. Commonly used in all industries for weighing in small increments. Product example: Compact balances
Kilograms
kg
1kg=1000g
Kilograms are a standard unit of measurement used for weighing large, heavier items where grams cannot be used. Commonly used in all industries for weighing in large increments. Product example: CPWplus Weighing Scales
Milligrams
mg
1mg=0.001g
Milligrams are a standard unit of measurement for weighing in very small increments. A milligram is 1/1000 of a gram. Used as a standard measurement unit in industries requiring precise weighing results such as laboratories, universities and medical institutions. Product Example: Eclipse Precision Balances
Micrograms
μg
1μg=0.000001g
Micrograms are a unit of measurement required by laboratory specialists and other professionals for high precision weighing in exceptionally small increments. A microgram is 1/1000000 (one millionth) of a gram. Used by laboratories, science testing facilities, universities and medical institutions.
Pounds
lbs
1lb=453.59237g
A Pound is a standard unit of measurement used in the Imperial system and is an accepted unit of weight. Pounds can be used in all industries and work as an alternative to the metric system and are commonly used in gyms and health centres for monitoring personal weight. Product example: MUW Health and Fitness Scales.
Ounces
oz
1oz=28.34952g
An Ounce is a unit of measurement used in the Imperial system. Ounces remain popular as a weighing unit in the UK for cooking and in food recipes. Product example: Astro Compact Scale.
Troy Ounces
ozt
1ozt=31.1034768g
A Troy Ounce is a unit of measurement typically used for weighing precious metals such as gold and silver, jewellery and gemstones. This unit of measurement is rarely used outside of jewellery related industries. Product example: PGW Precision Balances.
Carats
ct
1ct=0.2g
Carat is a unit of measurement used when weighing jewellery, precious metals and gemstones including diamonds, gold and silver. Product example: Highland Approved Portable Precision Balances
Pennyweight
dwt
1dwt=0.6430149g
The Pennyweight was the weight of a silver penny in medieval England. Equals to 1/20th of an Ounce Troy.
Newtons
N
1N=0.009807g
Newtons are a unit of measurement used to measure the force of an object. Force Gauges are used to measure force resistance and tension using push and pull testing.
ATRO
-
N/A
ATRO is a specialist unit of weight that refers to a products moisture content compared to dry weight. This unit of measurement is specific to moisture balances/ moisture analysers. Product example: PMB Moisture Analyser.
%M
-
N/A
The %M is a type of moisture test that can be conducted on a moisture balance. %M refers to % moisture and can be worked out by % moisture =100 x ((initial mass - dry mass)/initial mass).
%S
-
N/A
The %S is a type of moisture test that can be conducted on a moisture analyser or balance. %S refers to %solid and can be worked out by % solid =100 x (dry mass/initial mass).
ATRO %M
-
N/A
ATRO %M is a specialist weighing test conducted on a moisture analyser or moisture balance. ATRO %M can be worked out by % moisture vs. dry weight =100 x ((initial mass - dry mass)/dry mass). Also called ATRO Moisture.
ATRO %S
-
N/A
ATRO %S is a specialist weighing test conducted on a moisture analyser or moisture balance. ATRO %S refers to % solid vs. dry weight = 100 x (initial mass/dry mass). Also called ATRO Solid.
Drams
d
1d=0.564383g
An ancient unit of weight. Equal to 1/16th of an ounce.
Grains
GN
1GN=15.43236g
A basic weighing unit in the imperial system. Used to weigh gun powder.
