The gram is a fundamental metric unit of mass equal to one one-thousandth of a kilogram (10⁻³ kg).
Definition & Scientific Metrology
The gram is widely used for non-liquid ingredients in culinary cooking, nutrition facts labels, jewelry, coins, and laboratory scientific chemistry.
0.001 kgOrigins & Historical Evolution
The word "gram" stems from the Late Latin gramma (small weight). It was originally defined as the absolute weight of a volume of pure water equal to the cube of the hundredth part of a meter (1 cm³).
1 Gram in Other Mass Units
Direct standard conversion equivalents for 1 g:
| Target Unit | Equivalent Value | Multiplier Equation |
|---|---|---|
| Kilograms (kg) | 0.001 | 1 g × 0.001 |
| Milligrams (mg) | 1,000 | 1 g × 1000 |
| Micrograms (µg) | 1,000,000 | 1 g × 1000000 |
| Ounces (oz) | 0.035 | 1 g × 0.03527396 |
| Pounds (lbs) | 0.002 | 1 g × 0.00220462 |
Common Real-World Applications
- Nutrition fact tables (proteins, fats, sugars, sodium)
- Baking and culinary kitchen recipes
- Pharmaceutical tablets and dosages
- Precious metals and jewelry
Interesting Metrology Facts
A standard paperclip or standard US dollar bill weighs approximately 1 gram.
A cubic centimeter of water has a mass of 1 gram.
Measurement Standards & Accuracy
Standard MultipliersFactors based on the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement and NIST SP 811.
- BIPM International Metrology Treaty
- NIST Guide for SI Units
- ISO 80000-4 Quantities and Units — Mass
Related Tools & Resources for Gram
Discover calculation widgets, unit comparisons, and printable lookup sheets for g: