kilogram

Everyday

1. A kilogram is a unit for measuring how heavy something is (its mass). A bag of sugar often weighs one kilogram. tree →
2. A kilogram is 1000 grams. tree →

In the lessons

In maths, a unit of weight (mass); 1 kilogram = 1000 grams; often a price per kilogram (price × kilograms). In science, the kilogram is the basic unit of mass, measured with scales. In everyday life: buying fruit, flour and meat by the kilogram, weighing yourself or a suitcase. Phrases: «a kilogram of», «per kilogram», «kilos» (informal).

Examples

• Apples cost 3 dollars a kilogram. tree →
• The dog weighs 12 kilograms. tree →
• She buys 2 kilograms of rice. tree →
• How many grams are in 4 kilograms? tree →
• A litre of water weighs about one kilogram. tree →
• The baby weighed 3 kilograms when she was born. tree →
• Put the potatoes on the scales: 2.5 kg. tree →
• Which is heavier, a kilogram of feathers or a kilogram of stones? tree →

Note

Plural: kilograms; short form kg (no s, no dot: 5 kg); British spelling also kilogramme; informally «kilos». A unit; «per kilogram» is a rate (price × kilograms). Trap: change grams and kilograms to the same unit before adding. A kilogram of feathers and a kilogram of stones weigh the same.