Units of mass
Mass tells us how heavy something is. We measure it in grams (g) and kilograms (kg). Use grams for light things like a feather, and kilograms for heavy things like a bag of rice.
Key idea
1 kg = 1000 g
Changing units
To change kilograms into grams, multiply by 1000. To change grams into kilograms, divide by 1000.
Worked example
How many grams are there in 2 kg?
1 kg = 1000 g, so 2 kg = 2 × 1000 = 2000 g.
Remember
- Half a kilogram = 500 g.
- 1 kg 200 g = 1000 g + 200 g = 1200 g.
- Kilograms are bigger; grams are smaller.