Conversion of units

Legend

Symbol Definition

exactly equal

approximately equal to

digits indicates that digits repeat infinitely (e.g. 8.294369 corresponds to 8.294369369369369)

(H) of chiefly historical interest

Length[edit]

Length

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

ngstrm 11010 m 0.1 nm

149597870700 m Distance from

astronomical unit AU 149597870700 m [3]
Earth to Sun

= 13 in (see note above about

barleycorn (H) 8.46103 m
rounding)

bohr, atomic unit of

a0 = Bohr radius of hydrogen 5.2917721092(17)1011 m[4]
length
cable length (imperial) 608 ft 185.3184 m
cable
110 nmi 185.2 m
length (International)
cable length (US) 720 ft = 219.456 m
chain (Gunter's;
ch 66 ft (US) 4 rods [5] 20.11684 m
Surveyor's)
Distance from fingers to elbow 18
cubit (H) 0.5 m
in
ell (H) ell 45 in [6] (In England usually) = 1.143 m
fathom ftm 6 ft [6]
= 1.8288 m
fermi fm 11015 m[6] 11015 m
finger 78 in = 0.022225 m
finger (cloth) 4 2 in
1
= 0.1143 m
foot (Benot) (H) ft (Ben) 0.304799735 m
Legally defined as 1.033 English feet
foot (Cape) (H) 0.314858 m
in 1859
foot (Clarke's) (H) ft (Cla) 0.3047972654 m
foot (Indian) (H) ft Ind 0.304799514 m
foot, metric mf 110 m 0.31622776602 m
foot, metric (long) lmf 13 m 0.3 m
foot, metric (short) smf 0.30 m 0.30 m
foot (International) ft 0.3048 m 13 yd 12 inches 0.3048 m
foot (Sear's) (H) ft (Sear) 0.30479947 m
foot (US Survey) ft (US) 12003937 m [7] 0.304800610 m
french; charriere F 3 mm
1
= 0.3 103 m
furlong fur 10 chains = 660 ft = 220 yd [6] = 201.168 m
hand 4 in [6] 0.1016 m
inch (International) in 2.54 cm 36 yd 12 ft
1 1
0.0254 m
1 hour walk, Currently defined in
league (land) lea US as 3 Statute miles,[5] but 4828 m
historically varied from 2 to 9 km
light-day 24 light-hours 2.590206837121013 m
light-hour 60 light-minutes 1.07925284881012 m
light-minute 60 light-seconds 1.7987547481010 m
Distance light travels in one second
light-second 299792458 m
in vacuum
Distance light travels in vacuum in
light-year ly = 9.46073047258081015 m
365.25 days [8]
line ln 112 in [9] = 0.002116 m
link (Gunter's;
lnk 1100 ch [6] 0.66 ft (US) 7.92 in 0.2011684 m
Surveyor's)
link (Ramsden's;
lnk 1 ft [6] = 0.3048 m
Engineer's)
 Distance light travels in 1299792458 of a
metre (SI base unit) second in vacuum.[10]
m 1m
(meter) 110000000 of the distance from equator
to pole.
mickey 1200 in = 1.27104 m
micrometre (old:
1106 m
micron)
mil; thou mil 1103 in 2.54105 m
mil (Sweden and
mil 10 km = 10000 m
Norway)
mile
6082 ft = 1853.7936 m
(geographical) (H)
mile (international) mi 80 chains 5280 ft 1760 yd 1609.344 m
mile (tactical or data) 6000 ft 1828.8 m
mile (telegraph) (H) mi 6087 ft = 1855.3176 m
5280 US Survey feet
mile (US Survey) mi 1609.347219 m
(5280 12003937) m
nail (cloth) 2 14 in [6] = 0.05715 m
nanometre nm 1109 m 1109 m
nautical league NL; nl 3 nmi [6] = 5556 m
NM
nautical mile
(Adm); = 6080 ft = 1853.184 m
(Admiralty)
nmi (Adm)
nautical
NM; nmi 1852 m[11] 1852 m
mile (international)
nautical mile (US pre
1853.248 m 1853.248 m
1954)
pace 2.5 ft [6] = 0.762 m
palm 3 in [6] = 0.0762 m
Distant point with a parallax shift of
one arc second from a base of one
parsec pc astronomical unit. 30856775814913700 m[14]
648000/ AU[12][13]
pica 12 points Dependent on point measures.
point (American,
pt 172.272 in 0.000351450 m
English)[15][16]
112 172 of pied du roi; 0.00037597 m;
point (Didot;
pt
European) [16][17] After 1878: After 1878:
5133 cm 0.00037593985 m
point (PostScript) [15] pt 172 in = 0.0003527 m
point (TeX) [15] pt 172.27 in = 0.0003514598 m
quarter 14 yd = 0.2286 m
rod; pole; perch (H) rd 16 2 ft
1
= 5.0292 m
rope (H) rope 20 ft [6] = 6.096 m
shaku (Japan) 10/33 m 0.303 0303 m
Height of Oliver R. Smoot.
smoot 1.7018 m
5 ft 7 in
span (H) 9 in [6] = 0.2286 m
spat [18]
11012 m
stick (H) 2 in = 0.0508 m
picometre (old: bicron,
pm 11012 m
stigma)
twip twp 11440 in = 1.7638105 m
x unit; siegbahn xu 1.00211013 m [6]
yard (International) yd 0.9144 m [7] 3 ft 36 in 0.9144 m
Area[edit]

Area

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

1chain=22yard
acre (international) ac 4046.8564224 m2
1 ch 10 ch = 4840 sq yd

10 sq ch = 4840 sq yd,
acre (US survey) ac 4046.873 m2[19]
also 43560 sq ft

are a 100 m2 = 100 m2

//barn b 1028 m2 = 1028 m2

barony 4000 acre 1.618742107 m2

board bd 1 in 1 ft = 7.74192103 m2
//boiler horsepower equivalent bhp
1 ft2 1 bhp / (240 BTUIT/h) 12.958174 m2
direct radiation EDR

circular inch circ in 4 sq in 5.067075104 m2

circular mil; circular thou circ mil 4 mil2 5.0670751010 m2

cord 192 board = 1.48644864 m2

//cuerda (PR Survey) cda 1 cda x 1 cda = 0.971222 acre 3930.395625 m2

dunam 1000 m2 = 1000 m2

guntha (India) 121 sq yd 101.17 m2

hectare ha 10000 m2 10000 m2

hide 120 acre (variable) 5105 m2

rood ro 14 ac = 1011.7141056 m2

//ping 2011 m 2011 m 3.306 m2

section 1 mi 1 mi = 2.589988110336106 m2

//shed 1052 m2 = 1052 m2

square (roofing) 10 ft 10 ft = 9.290304 m2

square chain (international) sq ch 66 ft 66 ft = 110 ac 404.68564224 m2

square link (Ramsden's) sq lnk 1 lnk 1 lnk 1 ft 1 ft = 0.09290304 m2

stremma 1000 m2 = 1000 m2

township 36 sq mi (US) 9.323994107 m2

yardland 30 acre 1.2105 m2

Volume[edit]

Volume

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

//acre-foot ac ft 1 ac x 1 ft = 43560 cu ft = 1233.48183754752 m3

//acre-inch 1 ac 1 in = 102.79015312896 m3

barrel (imperial) bl (imp) 36 gal (imp) = 0.16365924 m3

//barrel (petroleum); archaic blue-

bl; bbl 42 gal (US) = 0.158987294928 m3
barrel

105 qt (US) = 105/32 bu

//barrel (US dry) bl (US) = 0.115628198985075 m3
(US lvl)

//barrel (US fluid) fl bl (US) 31 12 gal (US) = 0.119240471196 m3

//board-foot fbm 144 cu in 2.359737216103 m3

bucket (imperial) bkt 4 gal (imp) = 0.01818436 m3

bushel (imperial) bu (imp) 8 gal (imp) = 0.03636872 m3

//bushel (US dry heaped) bu (US) 1 14 bu (US lvl) = 0.0440488377086 m3

//bushel (US dry level) bu (US lvl) 2150.42 cu in = 0.03523907016688 m3

butt, pipe 126 gal (wine) = 0.476961884784 m3

coomb 4 bushel (imp) = 0.14547488 m3

cord (firewood) 8 ft 4 ft 4 ft = 3.624556363776 m3

//cord-foot 16 cu ft = 0.453069545472 m3

cup (breakfast) 10 fl oz (imp) = 284.130625106 m3

cup (Canadian) c (CA) 8 fl oz (imp) = 227.3045106 m3

cup (metric) C 250.0106 m3 = 250.0106 m3

cup (US customary) c (US) 8 US fl oz 116 gal (US) = 236.5882365106 m3

cup (US food nutrition labeling) c (US) 240 mL[20] = 2.4104 m3

1384 gill(imp) = 12 pinch

dash (imperial) = 369.961751302083109 m3
(imp)

dash (US) 196 US fl oz = 12 US pinch = 308.057599609375109 m3

dessertspoon (imperial) 112 gi (imp) = 11.8387760416106 m3
drop (imperial) gtt 1288 fl oz (imp) = 98.6564670138109 m3
drop (medical) 112 ml = 83.3109 m3
drop (metric) 120 mL = 50.0109 m3
fifth 15 US gal = 757.0823568106 m3
firkin 9 gal (imp) = 0.04091481 m3
//fluid drachm (imperial) fl dr 18 fl oz (imp) = 3.5516328125106 m3
//fluid dram (US); US fluidram fl dr 18 US fl oz = 3.6966911953125106 m3
//fluid scruple (imperial) fl s 124 fl oz (imp) = 1.18387760416106 m3
gallon (beer) beer gal 282 cu in = 4.621152048103 m3
4.54609 L
gallon (imperial) gal (imp) 4.54609103 m3
=8 pints
gi (imp);
gill (imperial); Noggin 5 fl oz (imp) = 142.0653125106 m3
nog
//gill (US) gi (US) 4 US fl oz = 118.29411825106 m3
2 bl (imp)
hogshead (imperial) hhd (imp) = 0.32731848 m3
Bl=barrel
//hogshead (US) hhd (US) 2 fl bl (US) = 0.238480942392 m3
//jigger (bartending) 1 12 US fl oz 44.36106 m3
kilderkin 18 gal (imp) = 0.08182962 m3
lambda 1 mm3 = 1109 m3
last 80 bu (imp) = 2.9094976 m3
litre L 1 dm3 [21] 0.001 m3
(liter)
load 50 cu ft = 1.4158423296 m3
1480 fl oz (imp) = 1/60 fl dr
minim (imperial) min = 59.1938802083109 m3
(imp)
ounce (fluid imperial) fl oz (imp) 1160 gal (imp) 28.4130625106 m3
ounce (fluid US food nutrition
US fl oz 30 mL[20] 3105 m3
labeling)
peck (imperial) pk 2 gal (imp) = 9.09218103 m3
perch per 16 12 ft 1 12 ft 1 ft = 0.700841953152 m3
1192 gi (imp) = 1/16 tsp
pinch (imperial) = 739.92350260416109 m3
(imp)
18 gal (imp)
pint (imperial) pt (imp) = 568.26125106 m3
=4 gills
pony 34 US fl oz = 22.180147171875106 m3
12 gal (imp) = 80 fl oz
pottle; quartern = 2.273045103 m3
(imp)
14 gal (imp)
quart (imperial) qt (imp) = 1.1365225103 m3
= 2 pints
quarter; pail 8 bu (imp) = 0.29094976 m3
register ton 100 cu ft = 2.8316846592 m3
sack (imperial); bag 3 bu (imp) = 0.10910616 m3
Seam 8 bu (US lvl) = 0.28191256133504 m3
shot (US) usually 1.5 US fl oz[18] 44106 m3
strike (imperial) 2 bu (imp) = 0.07273744 m3
tablespoon (imperial) tbsp 58 fl oz (imp) = 17.7581640625106 m3
tablespoon (metric) 15.0106 m3
tablespoon (US customary) tbsp 12 US fl oz = 14.78676478125106 m3
tablespoon (US food nutrition
tbsp 15 mL[20] = 1.5105 m3
labeling)
teaspoon (imperial) tsp 124 gi (imp) = 5.91938802083106 m3
teaspoon (metric) 5.0106 m3 = 5.0106 m3
teaspoon (US customary) tsp 16 US fl oz = 4.92892159375106 m3
teaspoon (US food nutrition
tsp 5 mL[20] = 5106 m3
labeling)
timber foot 1 cu ft = 0.028316846592 m3
ton (displacement) 35 cu ft = 0.99108963072 m3
ton (freight) 40 cu ft = 1.13267386368 m3
ton (water) 28 bu (imp) = 1.01832416 m3
tun 252 gal (wine) = 0.953923769568 m3
wey (US) 40 bu (US lvl) = 1.4095628066752 m3
Plane angle[edit]

Plane angle

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

angular mil 26400 rad 0.981748103 rad

arcminute; MOA ' 160 0.290888103 rad

arcsecond " 13600 4.848137106 rad

centesimal minute
' 1100 grad 0.157080103 rad
of arc
centesimal second
" 110000 grad 1.570796106 rad
of arc

degree (of arc) 1360 of a revolution 180 rad 17.453293103 rad

grad; gradian; gon grad 1400 of a revolution 200 rad 0.9 15.707963103 rad

octant 45 0.785398 rad

quadrant 90 1.570796 rad

The angle subtended at the center of a circle by an arc

radian (SI unit) rad whose length is equal to the circle's radius. One full = 1 rad
revolution encompasses 2 radians.

sextant 60 1.047198 rad

sign 30 0.523599 rad

Solid angle[edit]

Solid angle

Relation to SI
Name of unit Symbol Definition
units

deg2;
square degree sq.deg.; (180)2 sr 0.30462103 sr
()2

The solid angle subtended at the center of a sphere of radius

steradian (SI
sr r by a portion of the surface of the sphere having an area r2. = 1 sr
unit)
A sphere encompasses 4 sr.[18]

Mass[edit]
Notes:

See Weight for detail of mass/weight distinction and conversion.

Avoirdupois is a system of mass based on a pound of 16 ounces, while Troy weight is the
system of mass where 12 troy ounces equals one troy pound.
In this table, the unit gee is used to denote standard gravity in order to avoid confusion with the
"g" symbol for grams.

Mass

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

atomic mass unit, unified u; AMU 1.660538921(73)1027 kg[22]

atomic unit of
me 9.10938291(40)1031 kg[23]
mass, electron rest mass

bag (coffee) 60 kg = 60 kg

94 lb av
bag (Portland cement) = 42.63768278 kg
Av=avoirdupois

barge 22 12 short ton = 20411.65665 kg

carat Kt 3 16 gr = 205.1965483 mg

carat (metric) Ct 200 mg = 200 mg

clove 8 lb av = 3.62873896 kg

//crith 89.9349 mg

dalton Da 1.660538921(73)1027 kg[22]

//dram (apothecary; troy) dr t 60 gr = 3.8879346 g

dram (avoirdupois) dr av 27 1132 gr = 1.7718451953125 g

electronvolt eV 1 eV (energy unit) / c2 = 1.78266184(45)1036 kg[24]

gamma 1 g = 1 g

grain gr 17000 lb av 64.79891 mg

grave was the original name of the

grave gv. 1 kg
kilogram

hundredweight (long);
long cwt
112 lb av = 50.80234544 kg
or cwt
quintal

hundredweight (short);
sh cwt 100 lb av = 45.359237 kg
cental

kilogram mass of the prototype near Paris

kg 1 kg (SI base unit)[10]
(kilogramme) ( mass of 1 L of water)

kip kip 1000 lb av = 453.59237 kg

mark 8 oz t = 248.8278144 g

//mite 120 gr = 3.2399455 mg

mite (metric) 120 g = 50 mg

//ounce (apothecary; troy) oz t 112 lb t = 31.1034768 g

ounce (avoirdupois) oz av 116 lb = 28.349523125 g

ounce (US food nutrition

oz 28 g[20] = 28 g
labelling)

pennyweight dwt; pwt 120 oz t = 1.55517384 g

point 1100 ct = 2 mg

pound (avoirdupois) lb av 0.45359237 kg = 7000 grains 0.45359237 kg

pound (metric) 500 g = 500 g

quarter (imperial) 14 long cwt = 2 st = 28 lb av = 12.70058636 kg

quarter (informal) 14 short ton = 226.796185 kg

quarter, long (informal) 14 long ton = 254.0117272 kg

quintal (metric) q 100 kg = 100 kg

scruple (apothecary) s ap 20 gr = 1.2959782 g

sheet 1700 lb av = 647.9891 mg

slug; geepound; hyl slug 1 0 1 lb av 1 s2/ft 14.593903 kg

stone st 14 lb av = 6.35029318 kg

//ton, assay (long) AT 1 mg 1 long ton 1 oz t = 32.6 g

//ton, assay (short) AT 1 mg 1 short ton 1 oz t = 29.16 g

long tn
ton, long 2240 lb = 1016.0469088 kg
or ton

ton, short sh tn 2000 lb = 907.18474 kg

tonne (mts unit) t 1000 kg = 1000 kg

= 114.30527724 kg (variants
wey 252 lb = 18 st
exist)

Zentner Ztr. Definitions vary.[18][25]

Density[edit]

Density

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

gram per millilitre g/mL g/mL = 1000 kg/m3

kilogram per cubic metre (SI unit) kg/m3 kg/m3 = 1 kg/m3

kilogram per litre kg/L kg/L = 1000 kg/m3

ounce (avoirdupois) per cubic foot oz/ft3 oz/ft3 1.001153961 kg/m3

ounce (avoirdupois) per cubic inch oz/in3 oz/in3 1.729994044103 kg/m3

ounce (avoirdupois) per gallon (imperial) oz/gal oz/gal 6.236023291 kg/m3

ounce (avoirdupois) per gallon (US fluid) oz/gal oz/gal 7.489151707 kg/m3

pound (avoirdupois) per cubic foot lb/ft3 lb/ft3 16.01846337 kg/m3

pound (avoirdupois) per cubic inch lb/in3 lb/in3 2.767990471104 kg/m3

pound (avoirdupois) per gallon (imperial) lb/gal lb/gal 99.77637266 kg/m3

pound (avoirdupois) per gallon (US fluid) lb/gal lb/gal 119.8264273 kg/m3

slug per cubic foot slug/ft3 slug/ft3 515.3788184 kg/m3

Time[edit]

Time

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

//atomic unit of
au a0/(c) 2.4188842541017 s
time

441 mo (hollow) + 499 mo (full) = 76 a of

//Callippic cycle = 2.396736 Gs or 2.3983776 Gs
365.25 d

century c 100 years (100 a) = 3.1556952 Gs

day d = 24 h = 1440 min = 86.4 ks

Time needed for the Earth to rotate once

around its axis, determined from successive
day (sidereal) d transits of a very distant astronomical object 86.1641 ks
across an observer's meridian (International
Celestial Reference Frame)
decade dec 10 years (10 a) = 315.569520 Ms[note 2][note 3]

fortnight fn 2 wk = 1.2096 Ms[note 3]

helek 11080 h = 3.3 s

//Hipparchic
4 Callippic cycles - 1 d = 9.593424 Gs
cycle

hour h 60 min = 3.6 ks[note 3]

jiffy j 160 s = 16.6 ms

//jiffy
ja 1100 s = 10 ms
(alternative)

ke (quarter of an
14 h = 196 d = 15 min = 900 s
hour)

//ke (traditional) 1100 d = 14.4 min = 864 s

lustre; lustrum 5 a of 365 d = 157.68 Ms

Metonic cycle; 110 mo (hollow) + 125 mo (full) = 6940 d

= 599.616 Ms
enneadecaeteris 19 a

millennium 1000 years (1000 a) = 31.556952 Gs[note 2][note 3]

milliday md 11000 d = 86.4 s

60 s, due to leap seconds sometimes 59 s or

minute min = 60 s[note 3]
61 s,
moment 90 s = 90 s

month (full) mo 30 d[26] = 2.592106 s[note 3]

month (Greg.
mo = 30.436875 d 2.6297 Ms[note 3]
av.)

month (hollow) mo 29 d[26] = 2.5056 Ms[note 3]

Cycle time of moon phases

month (synodic) mo 2.551 Ms
29.530589 d (average)

= 48 mo (full) + 48 mo (hollow) + 3 mo
octaeteris = 252.4608 Ms[note 3]
(full)[27][28] = 8 a of 365.25 d = 2922 d

Planck time (Gc )

5 1
2 1.3512118681043 s

time of 9192631770 periods of the radiation

corresponding to the transition between the
two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the
second s caesium 133 atom at 0 K[10] (but other seconds (SI base unit)
are sometimes used in astronomy). Also that
time it takes for light to travel a distance
of 299792458 metres.

shake 108 s = 10 ns

sigma 106 s = 1 s

Sothic cycle 1461 a of 365 d = 460.74096 Ts

svedberg S 1013 s = 100 fs

week wk 7 d = 168 h = 10080 min = 604.8 ks[note 3]

a,
year (common) 365 d = 31.536 Ms[note 3][note 3][29]
y, or yr

= 365.2425 d average, calculated from

a, common years (365 d) plus leap years (366 d)
year (Gregorian) = 31.556952 Ms[note 3]
y, or yr on most years divisible by 4. See leap yearfor
details.

= 365.25 d average, calculated from common

a,
year (Julian) years (365 d) plus one leap year (366 d) every = 31.5576 Ms
y, or yr
four years

a,
year (leap) 366 d = 31.6224 Ms[note 3][29]
y, or yr

conceptually, the length of time it takes for

the Sun to return to the same position in the
year (mean a,
cycle of seasons, [Converter 31.556925 Ms
tropical) y, or yr 1]
approximately 365.24219 d, each day
being 86400 SI seconds[30]

time taken for Sun to return to the same

a,
year (sidereal) position with respect to the stars of the 31.5581497632 Ms
y, or yr
celestial sphere, approximately 365.256363 d

Frequency

Frequency

Relation to SI
Name of unit Symbol Definition
units

hertz (SI unit) Hz Number of cycles per second = 1 Hz = 1/s

rpm 0.104719755 rad/s

revolutions per One unit rpm equals one rotation completed around a
minute fixed axis in one minute of time.

Speed or velocity[edit]

Speed

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

foot per hour fph 1 ft/h = 8.46105 m/s

foot per minute fpm 1 ft/min = 5.08103 m/s

foot per second fps 1 ft/s = 3.048101 m/s
furlong per fortnight furlong/fortnight 1.663095104 m/s
inch per hour iph 1 in/h = 7.05106 m/s
inch per minute ipm 1 in/min = 4.23104 m/s
inch per second ips 1 in/s = 2.54102 m/s
kilometre per hour km/h 1 km/h = 2.7101 m/s
knot kn 1 nmi/h = 1.852 km/h = 0.514 m/s
knot (Admiralty) kn 1 NM (Adm)/h = 1.853184 km/h [citation needed]
= 0.514773 m/s
Ratio of the speed to the speed of sound[note 1] in the
mach number M 340 to 295 m/s
medium (unitless).
metre per
m/s 1 m/s = 1 m/s
second (SI unit)
mile per hour mph 1 mi/h = 0.44704 m/s
mile per minute mpm 1 mi/min = 26.8224 m/s
mile per second mps 1 mi/s = 1609.344 m/s
speed of light in
c 299792458 m/s = 299792458 m/s
vacuum
1225 to 1062 km/h (761660 mph or 661
speed of sound in air s 340 to 295 m/s
574 kn)[note 1]

A velocity consists of a speed combined with a direction; the speed part of the velocity takes units of
speed.
Flow (volume)[edit]

Flow

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

cubic foot per minute CFM[citation needed] 1 ft3/min = 4.719474432104 m3/s

cubic foot per second ft3/s 1 ft3/s = 0.028316846592 m3/s

cubic inch per minute in3/min 1 in3/min = 2.7311773107 m3/s

cubic inch per second in3/s 1 in3/s = 1.6387064105 m3/s

cubic metre per second (SI unit) m3/s 1 m3/s = 1 m3/s
gallon (US fluid) per day GPD[citation needed] 1 gal/d = 4.381263638108 m3/s
gallon (US fluid) per hour GPH[citation needed] 1 gal/h = 1.051503273106 m3/s
gallon (US fluid) per minute GPM[citation needed] 1 gal/min = 6.30901964105 m3/s
litre per minute LPM[citation needed] 1 L/min = 1.6105 m3/s
Acceleration[edit]

Acceleration

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

foot per hour per second fph/s 1 ft/(hs) = 8.46105 m/s2

foot per minute per second fpm/s 1 ft/(mins) = 5.08103 m/s2

foot per second squared fps2 1 ft/s2 = 3.048101 m/s2
gal; galileo Gal 1 cm/s2 = 102 m/s2
inch per minute per second ipm/s 1 in/(mins) = 4.23104 m/s2
inch per second squared ips2 1 in/s2 = 2.54102 m/s2
knot per second kn/s 1 kn/s 5.14101 m/s2
metre per second squared (SI unit) m/s2 1 m/s2 = 1 m/s2
mile per hour per second mph/s 1 mi/(hs) = 4.4704101 m/s2
mile per minute per second mpm/s 1 mi/(mins) = 26.8224 m/s2
mile per second squared mps2 1 mi/s2 = 1.609344103 m/s2
standard gravity 0 9.80665 m/s2 = 9.80665 m/s2

Force[edit]

Force
 Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

atomic unit of force m c a

e
2 2
0 8.23872206108 N[32]

dyne (cgs unit) dyn gcm/s2 = 105 N

kilogram-force; kgf; kp;

0 1 kg = 9.80665 N
kilopond; grave-force Gf

kip; kipf;
kip; kip-force 0 1000 lb = 4.4482216152605103 N
klbf

milligrave-force,
mGf; gf 0 1 g = 9.80665 mN
gravet-force

tnf[citation
long ton-force needed] 0 1 short ton = 9.96401641818352103 N

A force capable of giving a mass of one

newton (SI unit) N kilogram an acceleration of one metre per = 1 N = 1 kgm/s2
second per second.[33]

ounce-force ozf 0 1 oz = 0.27801385095378125 N

pound-force lbf 0 1 lb = 4.4482216152605 N

poundal pdl 1 lbft/s2 = 0.138254954376 N

tnf[citation
short ton-force needed] 0 1 short ton = 8.896443230521103 N

sthene (mts unit) sn 1 tm/s2 = 103 N

See also: Conversion between weight (force) and mass

Pressure or mechanical stress[edit]

Pressure

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

atmosphere (standard) atm 101325 Pa[34]

atmosphere (technical) at 1 kgf/cm2 = 9.80665104 Pa[34]

bar bar 105 Pa

barye (cgs unit) 1 dyn/cm2 = 0.1 Pa

centimetre of mercury cmHg 13595.1 kg/m3 1 cm 0 1.33322103 Pa[34]

centimetre of water (4 C) cmH2O 999.972 kg/m3 1 cm 0 98.0638 Pa[34]

foot of mercury
ftHg 13595.1 kg/m3 1 ft 0 4.063666104 Pa[34]
(conventional)

foot of water (39.2 F) ftH2O 999.972 kg/m3 1 ft 0 2.98898103 Pa[34]

inch of
inHg 13595.1 kg/m3 1 in 0 3.386389103 Pa[34]
mercury (conventional)

inch of water (39.2 F) inH2O 999.972 kg/m3 1 in 0 249.082 Pa[34]

kilogram-force per square

kgf/mm2 1 kgf/mm2 = 9.80665106 Pa[34]
millimetre

kip per square inch ksi 1 kipf/sq in 6.894757106 Pa[34]

long ton per square foot 1 long ton 0 / 1 sq ft 1.0725178011595105 Pa

micrometre of mercury 13595.1 kg/m3 1 m 0 0.1333224 Pa[34]

mHg 0.001 torr

13595.1 kg/m3 1 mm 0 1
millimetre of mercury mmHg 133.3224 Pa[34]
torr

999.972 kg/m3 1 mm
millimetre of water (3.98 C) mmH2O = 9.80638 Pa
0 = 0.999972 kgf/m2

pascal (SI unit) Pa N/m2 = kg/(ms2) = 1 Pa[35]

pize (mts unit) pz 1000 kg/ms2 = 103 Pa = 1 kPa

pound per square foot psf 1 lbf/ft2 47.88026 Pa[34]

pound per square inch psi 1 lbf/in2 6.894757103 Pa[34]

poundal per square foot pdl/sq ft 1 pdl/sq ft 1.488164 Pa[34]

short ton per square foot 1 short ton 0 / 1 sq ft 9.5760518104 Pa

torr torr 101325760 Pa 133.3224 Pa[34]

Torque or moment of force[edit]

Torque

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

foot-pound force ftlbf 0 1 lb 1 ft = 1.3558179483314004 Nm

foot-poundal ftpdl 1 lbft2/s2 = 4.21401100938048102 Nm

inch-pound force inlbf 0 1 lb 1 in = 0.1129848290276167 Nm

metre kilogram-force mkgf 0 N m = 9.80665 Nm

Newton metre (SI unit) Nm N m = kgm2/s2 = 1 Nm

Energy[edit]

Energy

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

barrel of oil equivalent boe 5.8106 BTU59 F 6.12109 J

British thermal unit (ISO) BTUISO 1.0545103 J = 1.0545103 J

British thermal unit

BTUIT = 1.05505585262103 J
(International Table)

British thermal unit

BTUmean 1.05587103 J
(mean)

British thermal unit

BTUth 1.054350103 J
(thermochemical)

British thermal unit

BTU39 F 1.05967103 J
(39 F)
British thermal unit
BTU59 F 1.054804103 J = 1.054804103 J
(59 F)

British thermal unit

BTU60 F 1.05468103 J
(60 F)

British thermal unit

BTU63 F 1.0546103 J
(63 F)

calorie (International
calIT 4.1868 J = 4.1868 J
Table)

1100 of the energy required to

calorie (mean) calmean warm one gram of air-free water 4.19002 J
from 0 C to 100 C @ 1 atm

calorie (thermochemical) calth 4.184 J = 4.184 J

Calorie (US; FDA) Cal 1 kcal = 1000 cal = 4184 J

calorie (3.98 C) cal3.98 C 4.2045 J

calorie (15 C) cal15 C 4.1855 J = 4.1855 J

calorie (20 C) cal20 C 4.1819 J

Celsius heat unit

CHUIT 1 BTUIT 1 K/R = 1.899100534716103 J
(International Table)

cubic centimetre
cc atm;
of atmosphere; standard 1 atm 1 cm3 = 0.101325 J
scc
cubic centimetre
cubic foot of atmosphere; cu ft atm;
1 atm 1 ft3 = 2.8692044809344103 J
standard cubic foot scf

cubic foot of natural gas 1000 BTUIT = 1.05505585262106 J

cubic yard of atmosphere; cu yd

1 atm 1 yd3 = 77.4685209852288103 J
standard cubic yard atm; scy

electronvolt eV e1V 1.602176565(35)1019 J

erg (cgs unit) erg 1 gcm2/s2 = 107 J

foot-pound force ft lbf 0 1 lb 1 ft = 1.3558179483314004 J

foot-poundal ft pdl 1 lbft2/s2 = 4.21401100938048102 J

gallon-atmosphere imp gal

1 atm 1 gal (imp) = 460.63256925 J
(imperial) atm

US gal
gallon-atmosphere (US) 1 atm 1 gal (US) = 383.5568490138 J
atm

hartree, atomic unit of

Eh me2c2 (= 2 Ry) 4.3597441018 J
energy

horsepower-hour hph 1 hp 1 h = 2.684519537696172792106 J

inch-pound force in lbf 0 1 lb 1 in = 0.1129848290276167 J

The work done when a force of

= 1 J = 1 mN = 1 kgm2/s2 =
joule (SI unit) J one newton moves the point of its
1 CV = 1 Ws
application a distance of one
metre in the direction of the
 force.[33]

kilocalorie; large calorie kcal; Cal 1000 calIT = 4.1868103 J

kilowatt-hour; Board of kWh;

1 kW 1 h = 3.6106 J
Trade Unit B.O.T.U.

litre-atmosphere l atm; sl 1 atm 1 L = 101.325 J

quad 1015 BTUIT = 1.055055852621018 J

rydberg Ry Rc 2.1798721018 J

therm (E.C.) 100000 BTUIT = 105.505585262106 J

therm (US) 100000 BTU59 F = 105.4804106 J

thermie th 1 McalIT = 4.1868106 J

ton of coal equivalent TCE 7 Gcalth = 29.288109 J

tonne of oil equivalent toe 10 GcalIT = 41.868109 J

ton of TNT tTNT 1 Gcalth = 4.184109 J

Power or heat flow rate[edit]

Power

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

atm 1 atm 1 cm3/min = 1.68875103 W

atmosphere-cubic
ccm[citation
 needed]
centimetre per minute

atmosphere-cubic atm ccs[citation

needed] 1 atm 1 cm3/s = 0.101325 W
centimetre per second

atmosphere- atm cfh[citation

needed] 1 atm 1 cu ft/h = 0.79700124704 W
cubic foot per hour

atmosphere-cubic foot per atm cfm[citation 1 atm 1 cu ft/min

needed] = 47.82007468224 W
minute

atmosphere-cubic foot per atm cfs[citation

needed] 1 atm 1 cu ft/s = 2.8692044809344103 W
second

BTU (International Table)

BTUIT/h 1 BTUIT/h 0.293071 W
per hour

BTU (International Table)

BTUIT/min 1 BTUIT/min 17.584264 W
per minute

BTU (International Table)

BTUIT/s 1 BTUIT/s = 1.05505585262103 W
per second

calorie (International
calIT/s 1 calIT/s = 4.1868 W
Table) per second

erg per second erg/s 1 erg/s = 107 W

foot-pound-force per hour ftlbf/h 1 ft lbf/h 3.766161104 W

foot-pound-force per
ftlbf/min 1 ft lbf/min = 2.259696580552334102 W
minute

ftlbf/s 1 ft lbf/s = 1.3558179483314004 W

foot-pound-force per
second

horsepower (boiler) hp 34.5 lb/h 970.3 BTUIT/lb 9809.5 W[36]

horsepower (European
hp 75 kpm/s = 736 W[citation needed]
electrical)

horsepower (electrical) hp 746 W = 746 W[36]

horsepower (mechanical) hp 550 ftlbf/s[36] = 745.69987158227022 W

horsepower (metric) hp or PS 75 mkgf/s = 735.49875 W[36]

litre-atmosphere per
Latm/min 1 atm 1 L/min = 1.68875 W
minute

litre-atmosphere per
Latm/s 1 atm 1 L/s = 101.325 W
second

lusec lusec 1 LmHg/s [18] 1.333104 W

poncelet p 100 mkgf/s = 980.665 W

square foot equivalent

sq ft EDR 240 BTUIT/h 70.337057 W
direct radiation

ton of air conditioning 2000 lb of ice melted / 24 h 3504 W

ton of refrigeration 2240 lb iceIT / 24 h: iceIT =

3.938875103 W
(imperial) 144 F 2326 J/kgF

2000 lb iceIT / 24 h: iceIT =

ton of refrigeration (IT) 3.516853103 W
144 F 2326 J/kgF
 The power which in one second
= 1 W = 1 J/s = 1 Nm/s =
watt (SI unit) W of time gives rise to one joule
1 kgm2/s3
of energy.[33]

Action[edit]

Action

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

atomic unit of action au 2 1.054571681034 Js[37]

Dynamic viscosity[edit]

Dynamic viscosity

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

pascal second (SI unit) Pas Ns/m2, kg/(ms) = 1 Pas

poise (cgs unit) P 1 baryes = 0.1 Pas

pound per foot hour lb/(fth) 1 lb/(fth) 4.133789104 Pas

pound per foot second lb/(fts) 1 lb/(fts) 1.488164 Pas

pound-force second per square foot lbfs/ft2 1 lbfs/ft2 47.88026 Pas

pound-force second per square inch lbfs/in2 1 lbfs/in2 6894.757 Pas

Kinematic viscosity[edit]

Kinematic viscosity
 Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

square foot per second ft2/s 1 ft2/s = 0.09290304 m2/s

square metre per second (SI unit) m2/s 1 m2/s = 1 m2/s

stokes (cgs unit) St 1 cm2/s = 104 m2/s

Electric current[edit]

Electric current

Relation to SI
Name of unit Symbol Definition
units

The constant current needed to produce a force of

ampere (SI base 2 107 newton per metre between two straight parallel
A = 1 A = 1 C/s
unit) conductors of infinite length and negligible circular
cross-section placed one metre apart in a vacuum.[10]
electromagnetic unit;
abamp 10 A = 10 A
abampere (cgs unit)
esu per second;
esu/s 0.1 Am/sc 3.3356411010 A
statampere (cgs unit)
Electric charge[edit]

Electric charge

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

abcoulomb; electromagnetic
abC; emu 10 C = 10 C
unit (cgs unit)

atomic unit of charge au e 1.6021764621019 C

coulomb C The amount of electricity carried in = 1 C = 1 As

one second of time by one ampere of
 current.[33]

faraday F 1 mol NAe 96485.3383 C

milliampere hour mAh 0.001 A 1 h = 3.6 C

statcoulomb; franklin; statC; Fr;

0.1 Amc 3.3356411010 C
electrostatic unit (cgs unit) esu

Electric dipole[edit]

Electric dipole

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

atomic unit of electric dipole moment ea0 8.478352811030 Cm[38]

coulomb meter Cm =1C1m

debye D = 1010 esu = 3.335640951030 Cm[39]

Electromotive force, electric potential difference [edit]

Voltage, electromotive force

Name of
Symbol Definition Relation to SI units
unit

abvolt (cgs
abV 108 V = 108 V
unit)

statvolt (cgs
statV c(1 J/Am) = 299.792458 V
unit)
 The difference in electric potential across two points along a
conducting wire carrying one ampere of constant current = 1 V = 1 W/A = 1
volt (SI unit) V
when the power dissipated between the points equals one kgm2/(As3)
watt.[33]

Electrical resistance[edit]

Electrical resistance

Name of Relation to SI
Symbol Definition
unit units

The resistance between two points in a conductor when one volt

ohm (SI = 1 = 1 V/A = 1
of electric potential difference, applied to these points, produces
unit) kgm2/(A2s3)
one ampere of current in the conductor.[33]

Capacitance[edit]

Capacitor's ability to store charge

Name of
Symbol Definition Relation to SI units
unit

The capacitance between two parallel plates that results in one

farad (SI = 1 F = 1 C/V = 1
F volt of potential difference when charged by one coulomb of
unit) A2s4/(kgm2)
electricity.[33]

Magnetic flux[edit]

magnetic flux

Relation to SI
Name of unit Symbol Definition
units

maxwell (CGS
Mx 108 Wb[36] = 108 Wb
unit)

weber (SI unit) Wb Magnetic flux which, linking a circuit of one turn, would
= 1 Wb = 1 Vs =
produce in it an electromotive force of 1 volt if it were
 reduced to zero at a uniform rate in 1 second.[33] 1 kgm2/(As2)

Magnetic flux density[edit]

What physicists call Magnetic field is called Magnetic flux density by electrical engineers and magnetic
induction by applied mathematicians and electrical engineers.

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

gauss (CGS unit) G Mx/cm2 = 104 T = 104 T [40]

tesla (SI unit) T Wb/m2 = 1 T = 1 Wb/m2 = 1 kg/(As2)

Inductance[edit]

Inductance

Name of Relation to SI
Symbol Definition
unit units

The inductance of a closed circuit that produces one volt of

henry (SI = 1 H = 1 Wb/A =
H electromotive force when the current in the circuit varies at a
unit) 1 kgm2/(As)2
uniform rate of one ampere per second.[33]

Temperature[edit]
For more details on this topic, see Conversion of units of temperature.

Temperature

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

degree Celsius C [C] [K] 273.15 [K] [C] + 273.15

[K] = 373.15 [De]

degree Delisle De
23
 [K] ([F] + 459.67)
degree Fahrenheit F [F] [C] 95 + 32
59

[K] = [N] 10033 +

degree Newton N
273.15

degree Rankine R; [R] [K] 95 [K] [R] 5/9

[K] = [R] 54 +
degree Raumur R
273.15

[K] = ([R] 7.5)

degree Rmer R
4021 + 273.15

[K] [GM] 1259 +

Regulo Gas Mark GM; [F] [GM] 25 + 300
422.038

kelvin (SI base 1273.16 of the thermodynamic temperature of

K 1K
unit) the triple point of water.[10]

Information entropy[edit]

Information entropy

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units Relation to bits

SI unit J/K J/K = 1 J/K

nat; nip; nepit nat kB = 1.3806505(23)1023 J/K

bit; shannon bit; b; Sh ln(2) kB = 9.569940(16)1024 J/K = 1 bit

ban; hartley ban; Hart ln(10) kB = 3.1790653(53)1023 J/K

nibble 4 bits = 3.8279760(64)1023 J/K = 22 bit

byte B 8 bits = 7.655952(13)1023 J/K = 23 bit

kilobyte (decimal) kB 1000 B = 7.655952(13)1020 J/K = 8000 bit

kilobyte (kibibyte) KB; KiB 1024 B = 7.839695(13)1020 J/K = 213 bit = 8192 bit

Often, information entropy is measured in shannons, whereas the (discrete) storage space of digital
devices is measured in bits. Thus, uncompressed redundant data occupy more than one bit of
storage per shannon of information entropy. The multiples of a bit listed above are usually used with
this meaning. Other times the bit is used as a measure of information entropy and is thus a synonym
of shannon.
Luminous intensity[edit]
The candela is the preferred nomenclature for the SI unit.

Luminous intensity

Relation
Name of unit Symbol Definition
to SI units

The luminous intensity, in a given direction, of a source that

candela (SI base emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 5401012 hertz
cd = 1 cd
unit); candle and that has a radiant intensity in that direction of 1/683 watt
per steradian.[10]
cd The use of candlepower as a unit is discouraged due to its
candlepower (new) cp = 1 cd
ambiguity.
candlepower (old, Varies and is poorly reproducible.[41] Approximately
cp 0.981 cd
pre-1948) 0.981 cd.[18]
Luminance[edit]

Luminance

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

candela per square foot cd/ft2 cd/ft2 10.763910417 cd/m2

candela per square inch cd/in2 cd/in2 1550.0031 cd/m2

candela per square metre (SI unit); nit (deprecated[18]) cd/m2 cd/m2 = 1 cd/m2

footlambert fL (1/) cd/ft2 3.4262590996 cd/m2

lambert L (104/) cd/m2 3183.0988618 cd/m2

stilb (CGS unit) sb 104 cd/m2 = 104 cd/m2

Luminous flux[edit]

Luminous flux

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

lumen (SI unit) lm cdsr = 1 lm = 1 cdsr

Illuminance[edit]

Illuminance

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

footcandle; lumen per square foot fc lm/ft2 = 10.763910417 lx

lumen per square inch lm/in2 lm/in2 1550.0031 lx

lux (SI unit) lx lm/m2 = 1 lx = 1 lm/m2

phot (CGS unit) ph lm/cm2 = 104 lx

Radiation source activity[edit]

 Radioactivity

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

becquerel (SI unit) Bq Number of disintegrations per second = 1 Bq = 1/s

curie Ci 3.71010 Bq[42] = 3.71010 Bq

rutherford (H) rd 1 MBq = 106 Bq

Please note that although becquerel (Bq) and hertz (Hz) both ultimately refer to the same SI base
unit (s1), Hz is used only for periodic phenomena, and Bq is only used for stochastic processes
associated with radioactivity.[43]
Radiation exposure[edit]

Radiation - exposure

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

roentgen R 1 R 2.58104 C/kg[36] = 2.58104 C/kg

The roentgen is not an SI unit and the NIST strongly discourages its continued use.[44]
Radiation absorbed dose[edit]

Radiation - absorbed dose

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

gray (SI unit) Gy 1 J/kg = 1 m2/s2 [45] = 1 Gy

rad rad 0.01 Gy[36] = 0.01 Gy

Radiation equivalent dose[edit]

 Radiation - equivalent dose

Name of unit Symbol Definition Relation to SI units

Rntgen equivalent man rem 0.01 Sv = 0.01 Sv

sievert (SI unit) Sv 1 J/kg[43] = 1 Sv

Although the definitions for sievert (Sv) and gray (Gy) would seem to indicate that they measure the
same quantities, this is not the case. The effect of receiving a certain dose of radiation (given as Gy)
is variable and depends on many factors, thus a new unit was needed to denote the biological
effectiveness of that dose on the body; this is known as the equivalent dose and is shown in Sv. The
general relationship between absorbed dose and equivalent dose can be represented as
H=QD
where H is the equivalent dose, D is the absorbed dose, and Q is a dimensionless quality factor.
Thus, for any quantity of D measured in Gy, the numerical value for H measured in Sv may be
different.[46]
Indian units of measurement
Before the introduction of the Metric system, one may divide the history of Indian systems of
measurement into three main periods: the pre-Akbar's period, the period of the Akbar system, and
the British colonial period.
During pre-Akbar period, weights and measure system varied from region to region, commodity to
commodity, and rural to urban areas. The weights were based on the weight of various seeds
(specially the wheat berry and Ratti) and lengths were based on the length of arms and width of
fingers. Akbar realized a need for a uniform system. He elected the barley corn. Unfortunately, this
did not replace the existing system. Instead, it just added another system.
British entered India as traders. They accepted barley corn as a unit 'grain' for weighing gold. They
minted coins using wheat berry as the standard. Eventually, British introduced their own system for
weighing gold (Troy ounce), commodities (Pound/Cwt/Ton). Now, the roads had Furlong and Mile
markers. In 1939, Government of India passed the Standards of Weights Act, that came into effect in
1942. This allowed Tola/Seer/Maund system to coexist with Pound/Cwt/Ton system.
In 1941, the Punjab Weight and Measures act provided a sense of uniformity. In 1956, Government
of India passed a Standards of Weights and Measures system to introduce metric system based on
Punjab Act. The metric would begin in October 1958, making metric weight mandatory by October
1960, and the metric measures mandatory by April 1962.

Current Conversion Standard

In 1956, for metric conversion, the Government of India defined the Standards of Weights and
Measures Act (No. 89 of 1956, amended 1960, 1964) as follows:

Indian System British / troy System Metric System

1 Tol 0.375 t oz 11.66375 g

1 Sr (80 Tol) 2.5 t lb 2.057 lb 2 lb 1 oz 0.93310 kg

1 Maund (40 Sr) 100 troy lb 37.324 kg

The current definitions as per the UN are:

Indian System Metric System

1 Tol 11.664 g

1 Sr (80 Tol) 933.10 g

1 Maund (40 Sr) 37.324 kg

Pre-Akbar System[edit]
These are the weights and measures popular in North India before the adoption of the metric
system. There were different systems in Bengal, the Presidency of Madras, and Bombay. The
following nomenclature was prevalent in North India till the metric system came in:-
4 Chawal (grain of rice) = 1 Dhan (weight of one wheat berry)
4 Dhan = 1 Ratti (Ratti is the seed of the 'Abrus precatorius'. It is a red seed with a black spot at one
end. Abul Fazl refers to it as 'Surkh' in Ain-i-Akbari.).
8 Ratti = 1 Masha
12 Masha (96 Ratti) = 1 bhari
24 Ratti (96 Dhan) = 1 Tak
Conversion
1 Bhari = 11.66375 gram
3.75 Troy ounce = 10 bhari
Weight of 64 Dhan (Wheat berries) = Weight of 45 Jau (Barley corns)
Weight of 1 Barley corn = 64.79891 milligrams

Commodity Weight System

1 bhari = 4 Siki 1 Kancha = 5 Siki 1 Chhatank = 4 Kancha 1 Chattank = 5 bhari 1 Adh-pav = 16
Chhatank = 1 Seer 1 Pav = 2 Adh-pav = Seer (Pav means ) 1 Adher = 2 Pav = Seer
In Hindi Seer = Adha () Seer, or Adher
1 Ser = 2 Adher = 4 Pav = 16 Chattank = 80 Tola = 933.1 grams
1 Savaser = 1 Ser + 1 Pav (1 Seer) 1 Savasher weighed 100 Imperial rupees
In Hindi 1 Seer = Sava (1) Seer, or Savaser
1 Dhaser = 2 Savaser = 2 Seer
In Hindi 2 Seer = Dhai (2) Seer, or Dhaser
1 Paseri = 2 Adisari = 5 Seer
In Hindi 5 Seer = Panch (5) Seer, or Paseri for short
1 Daseri = 2 Pasri = 10 Seer
In Hindi 10 Seer = Das (10) Seer, or Daseri for short
1 Maund = 4 Daseri = 8 Pasri = 40 Seer

Rice and Grains Volume Measures

Grains were not weighed. Special hour-glass shaped measure were used to determine the volume.
Smallest unit = 1 Nilve
2 Nilve = 1 Kolve
2 Kolve = 1 Chipte (about quarter litre)
2 Chipte = 1 Mapte (about half litre)
2 Mapte = 1 Ser (about one litre)

Liquid Volume Measures

These were hour glass shaped measure used for Milk, Ghee, Oils. The bottom was round like an
inverted dome, the top was like flared rim. This shape helped in pouring the liquids.
4 Chhatank = 1 Pav
4 Pav = 1 Seer
40 Seer = 1 Maund

Length Measure
Measure of length is Gaz. To interpret Gaz, depends on what you are measuring and where you are.
Bengal: 36", Bombay: 27", Madras: 33", Government Average: 33". The hand measurements were
used.
Anguli (width of 3 fingers) = 1 Girah
8 Girah = 1 Hath (elbow to the end of the middle finger, approximately 18" )
5 5/6 Hath = One Kathi
20 Kathi = One Pand
20 Pand = One Begah
2 Hath = 1 Gaz
3 Gaz = Two Karam
3 Karams = 1 Kan
3 Square Kans = 1 Marla
20 Marlas = 1 Kanal
8 Kanals = 1 Ghamaon
9 Kanals 12 Marlas = 1 Acre
4 Kanals = 1 Begah

Akbar Weights and Measures[edit]

Akbar standardised weights and measurements using a barley corn (Jau). For weights, he used the
weight of a Jau, while the width of a Jau set the standard for length.
1. Length: Ilahi Gaz (33" to 34"); 1 Gaz = 16 Grehs; 1 Greh = 2 pais
At the time of Shah Jahan there existed three different Gaz:[1]
a) Shahi gaz = 101.6 cm; b) Shahijahani or Lashkari = 95.85 cm; c) Aleppo gaz = 67.73 cm
2. Commodity weight: Ser = 637.74 grams
3. Commodity Spices: The Dam was a copper coin used as a weight as well as currency. 1 Dam =
20 grams
4. Gold and Expensive Spices: Misqal = 6.22 grams

Weights before 1833[edit]

8 ratts = 1 msh (= 0.9071856 gram)
12 mshs = 1 tol (= 10.886227 gram)
80 tolas = 1 ser (= 870.89816 gram)
40 sers = 1 maund (= 34.835926 kilogram)
1 ratt = 1.75 grains (= 0.11339825 gram) (1 grain = 0.064799 gram)
From 1833 the rupee and tol weight was fixed at 180 grains, i.e. 11.66382 grams. Hence the weight
of 1 maund increased to 37.324224 kilogram. .[2] Traditionally one maund represented the weight unit
for goods which could be carried over some distance by porters or pack animals.

British System[edit]
Weight Gold
British used weight of wheat berries as a standard to make currency coins. British chose Barley corn
to weigh gold same as Akbar.
One Troy ounce = 480 Barley corn
1 Troy Ounce = 120 carat
1 Troy pound = 12 Troy ounce
In 1878, the Troy Pound was abolished.
Conversions
Weight of 1 Barley corn = 64.79891 milligram
Weight of 1 Wheat berry = 45.561732 milligram
One Troy Ounce = 31.1034768 gram
64 Wheat berries = 45 Barley corns
3.75 Troy ounce = 10 Tola
Commodity weight
20 CWT = 1 Ton avoirdupois = 40 Bushel = 160 Stones
4 Stones = 1 Bushel = 56 Pound
1 hundredweight (cwt) = 112 Pound = 2 Bushel + 8 Stones
14 Pounds avoirdupois = 1 Stone avoirdupois
16 Ounces avoirdupois = 1 Pound avoirdupois
Conversion
1 Ounce avoirdupois = 28.349523 gram approx.
1 Pound avoirdupois = 453.59237 gram
1 Ton avoirdupois = 2240 pounds avoirdupois
Weight of 1 Barley corn = 64.79891 milligram
One Troy Ounce = 31.1034768 gram
3.75 Troy ounce = 10 Tola
Length
In 1950s, Miles and Furlongs were common markers on the roads in India.
Minimum length = 1 Inch
No-one can say how it evolved. Yinch was the thickness of the thumb, not quite one inch.
12 Inches = 1 Foot
3 Feet = 1 Yard
660 Feet = 1 Furlong
5,280 Feet = 1 Mile
1,760 Yards = 1 Mile
1 Mile = 8 Furlongs
22 Yards = 1 Chain
1 Acre = (1 Chain) (1 Furlong)
1 Canal mile = 5000 imperial feet on canals shown by stone marker each 5000 feet and also on
British maps at 1:63360 scale
and later Pakistan maps at 1:50000 scale. Personally seen on the Punjab but assumed to be used in
the whole of India.
Conversion
1 Inch = Span of 6 Barley corns side by side by thickness, although barleycorns are not a reliable
standard of measurement.
1 Inch = 2.54 centimetres
1 Foot = 30.48 cm
1 Yard = 0.914 metre
1 Mile = 1.61 Kilometre

References[edit]
1 coss= 2000 yards[3][4]