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How to Convert Kilogram to Gram

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An Introduction to the Steps to Convert Kg to g

Kilogram and gram are the basic units of mass used in SI and CGS systems respectively. A kilogram is the unit of mass as per the metric system. A gram is the basic mass unit that is used for calculating kilograms or vice versa. The conversion of kg to gram is done following certain steps. Here, we will learn what these mass units are and how they can be inter-converted.


What is kilogram?

As mentioned earlier, the kilogram is the basic mass unit as per the metric system. It is measured using various references in the past. At first, it was measured using the weight of 1000 cc of water. The density of water changes with temperature. Moreover, the impurities and solutes present in water also give imprecise answers to standardize the ideal mass of 1 kg, this reference has been discarded.

To avoid such complications, a solid cylinder made of platinum-iridium alloys is used as the standard to measure 1 kg by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, France. The kilogram table shows the following ways to convert it into other units of mass.

1 mg = 1/1000000 kg

1 g = 1/1000 kg


What is Gram?

According to the reference used to define a mass of 1 kg, a gram is defined as the 1/1000th part of a kilogram. It was previously defined as the mass of 1 cc of water (maximum density: 1g/cc). As per the definition of gram, we can conclude:

1 g = 1/1000th kg

The gram table suggests how to convert other units of mass into grams.

1 kg = 1000 g

1 mg = 1/1000 g

The elaborate table can also give you the best idea of how other units can be converted into grams and vice versa. All you have to do is to remember what to multiply or divide to find the right answer.

If you follow this table then you can easily answer how many grams in a kilo. There are 1000 grams in a kilogram. In fact, we can also find out how to convert kg to gram. Here is the process to follow.


Conversion of Kilogram to Gram

As per the table, if 1 kg is equal to 1000 g then by applying the unitary method. All you have to do is to multiply the numerical before the kg unit with 1000 and place gram after it. Let us see a few examples.

  • 1/2 kg Means How Many Grams

Following the step mentioned above, let us multiply ½ with 1000. Here is the equation to follow.

1/2 kg = (1/2 x 1000) g = 500 g.

  • 5 kg Means How Many Grams

To convert kg to g, we need to follow the same step. Here, we will have to multiply the numerical by 1000 and change kg to g.

5 kg = (5 x 1000) g = 5000 g

To answer swiftly, you can use a kilogram chart where the direct conversion of certain values of kg is done into grams. This chart gives you the idea of how the mass units can be converted by simply multiplying 1000 to the numerical of the kg mass.


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How to Convert g to Kg?

If you follow the grams and kilograms chart, you will find that the exact opposite of the process converting kg to g is followed. It means that you will have to divide the numerical preceding the g unit by 1000 and add the unit of kg after it.

Let us consider a few examples.

  • Convert 2000 g to kg

Let us divide 2000 with 1000 to find the answer.

2000 g = 2000/1000 kg = 2 kg

  • Convert 200 g to kg

Following the same process, let us divide 200 by 1000 and see what the answer is.

200 g = 200/1000 kg = 0.2 kg


Tips to Remember for Kg to Gram Conversion

One of the biggest challenges students face during kg to gram conversion is to remember whether they have to divide it by 1000 or multiply. Let us consider a few tips that will help students to remember what to do during converting kg to g and vice versa.

  • Remember the Table of Units of Mass

The first thing you will have to do is to remember the table of the unit of mass in ascending order. It means the smaller units of mass will come first and the bigger ones will come later.

  • From Bigger Unit to a Smaller Unit

When you are converting a bigger unit of mass to a smaller one, you will have to multiply. Hence, when you are converting kg to g, you will have to multiply the number preceding kg by 1000.

  • From Smaller to Bigger Units

If you follow the examples of kilograms and grams, you will know that you have to divide the number preceding the unit by 1000. This is what you need to follow for the gram unit to kg converter.

So, this was an elaborate description of the process of converting kg to g. The step-by-step explanation of the examples will be ideal for the students to understand how this unit conversion of mass is done.

FAQs on How to Convert Kilogram to Gram

1. What is the difference between gram and kilogram?

Both are units of mass. If you follow the metric system then you will find that kilogram is a bigger unit of mass than a gram. 1 kilogram is 1000 times bigger than 1 gram as per the metric table. This relation between the mass units helps students to convert these units into each other.

2. Why is the iridium-platinum alloy used for the standardization of mass?

Previously, water was used as the standard reference for measuring unit mass in the metric system but it caused problems in maintaining precision. The method has been changed by using a solid cylinder made of iridium-platinum alloy preserved in the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in France. This alloy can resist decaying or reactions due to the atmospheric elements, thereby providing a precise standard measure of mass.