Convert grams to Chinese tael easily.

Imagine you’re leafing through an old Chinese cookbook, and the recipe calls for "3 taels of rock sugar." Your kitchen scale only measures grams. What now? Don’t panic. Converting grams to Chinese tael is simpler than folding dumplings, and we’re here to walk you through it. Whether you’re cooking, trading precious metals, or studying traditional medicine, understanding this conversion bridges modern precision with centuries-old practices.

Unit definitions

What is a gram (g)?

• Description: The gram is the metric system’s base unit for mass. Think of it as the weight of a paperclip or a dollar bill.
• Symbol: g
• Common uses: Cooking, science, everyday weight measurements.
• Definition: One gram is 1/1000th of a kilogram, defined by the International System of Units (SI).

What is a Chinese tael (tael)?

• Description: A traditional East Asian unit of weight, the tael has been used for centuries in trade and cuisine.
• Symbol: tael
• Common uses: Measuring herbs, precious metals, and ingredients in traditional recipes.
• Definition: 1 Chinese tael equals exactly 50 grams. (Note: Regional variations exist, like the Hong Kong tael at 37.8 grams, but we’re focusing on the standard Chinese tael here.)

Conversion formula

To convert grams to Chinese tael:
Tael = Grams ÷ 50

To convert Chinese tael to grams:
Grams = Tael x 50

Example calculations

1. Converting 200 grams to tael:
   200 g ÷ 50 = 4 tael
   (Perfect for a recipe needing 4 taels of dried mushrooms.)
2. Converting 2.5 tael to grams:
   2.5 tael x 50 = 125 g
   (Useful when buying 2.5 taels of ginseng root.)

Conversion tables

Grams to Chinese tael

Chinese tael to grams

From ancient markets to modern kitchens: The story of the tael

The tael’s history is as rich as a well-brewed pot of oolong tea. Originating in China during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE), it was part of a broader system of weights called "jin" (1 jin = 16 taels). Merchants used taels to measure silver, tea, and spices along the Silk Road. Fun fact: The word "tael" comes from the Malay "tahil," meaning "weight."

In the 20th century, China officially adopted the metric system, but the tael never fully disappeared. Herbalists still use it to portion medicinal ingredients, and gold shops in Beijing display prices per tael. Even today, older generations might refer to taels when sharing family recipes, a nod to culinary traditions that refuse to fade. The metric system’s global spread brought clarity, but the tael remains a cultural touchstone. A benefit of preserving heritage in practical ways.

Interesting facts

1. Gold standard: In China, gold is often sold by the tael, not grams or ounces.
2. Tea time: Loose-leaf tea vendors in Shanghai sometimes use taels for pricing.
3. Medicinal measures: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions may list herbs in taels.
4. Name game: The tael is called "liǎng" (两) in Mandarin.
5. Global cousin: The Thai "tamleung" is equivalent to 60 grams, showing regional adaptations.

FAQ