Convert carats to grams easily.
1 ct x 0.2 = 0.2 g
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If you’ve ever shopped for diamonds or other gemstones, you’ve probably heard the term "carat" thrown around. But what does it really mean? And how does it translate to grams, the unit we use for everyday items? Whether you’re a jeweler, a gem enthusiast, or just curious, understanding this conversion is key to making informed decisions. Let’s demystify carats and grams in a way that’s practical and, dare I say, a bit fun.
Unit definitions
What is a carat (ct)?
- Description: A carat is a unit of mass used primarily for gemstones and pearls.
- Symbol: ct
- Common uses: Measuring diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and other precious stones.
- Definition: 1 carat equals 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. This standardization was adopted globally in 1907.
What is a gram (g)?
- Description: A gram is a metric unit of mass used worldwide for everyday measurements.
- Symbol: g
- Common uses: Cooking, postage, and scientific measurements.
- Definition: 1 gram is 1/1000th of a kilogram, the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI).
Conversion formula
The conversion between carats and grams is straightforward:
- Grams = Carats × 0.2
- Carats = Grams × 5
For instance, to convert 8 carats to grams:
8 ct × 0.2 = 1.6 g
And vice versa: 1.6 g × 5 = 8 ct
Example calculations
- A 5-carat emerald
5 ct × 0.2 = 1 gram
So, that emerald weighs the same as a small paperclip! - A 12-carat sapphire
12 ct × 0.2 = 2.4 grams
In reverse, 2.4 grams ÷ 0.2 = 12 carats. Easy, right?
Conversion tables
Carats to grams
| Carats | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.2 |
| 2 | 0.4 |
| 3 | 0.6 |
| 4 | 0.8 |
| 5 | 1.0 |
| 6 | 1.2 |
| 7 | 1.4 |
| 8 | 1.6 |
| 9 | 1.8 |
| 10 | 2.0 |
Grams to carats
| Grams | Carats |
|---|---|
| 0.2 | 1 |
| 0.4 | 2 |
| 0.6 | 3 |
| 0.8 | 4 |
| 1.0 | 5 |
| 1.2 | 6 |
| 1.4 | 7 |
| 1.6 | 8 |
| 1.8 | 9 |
| 2.0 | 10 |
Historical background
The word "carat" comes from the carob seed, which ancient traders used as counterweights on balance scales. These seeds were surprisingly uniform in weight—about 0.2 grams each. Fast forward to 1907, when the metric carat was officially defined as 200 milligrams. Grams, on the other hand, have their roots in the French Revolution. The original "grave" (an early metric unit) was redefined as the "gramme" in 1795, paving the way for today’s SI units.
Interesting facts?
- The largest diamond ever found, the Cullinan Diamond, weighed 3,106 carats (621.2 grams) before being cut into smaller stones for the British Crown Jewels.
- Carats are divided into 100 "points." A 0.75-carat diamond is called a 75-pointer.
- The term "karat" (with a K) refers to gold purity, not weight. 24K gold is 99.9% pure.
- A single carat of amethyst costs far less than a carat of diamond, showing how value isn’t just about weight.
- The Hope Diamond, famous for its deep blue color, weighs 45.52 carats (9.104 grams) and is said to be cursed.
FAQ
A 1-carat diamond equals 0.2 grams. This standard applies to all gemstones measured in carats.
Carats provide a more precise measurement for small, high-value items like gemstones. 1 carat = 0.2 grams allows for easier comparison in the jewelry industry.
No. Carat (ct) measures weight, while karat (K) indicates gold purity. For example, 24K gold is pure gold.
Multiply the gram value by 5. For example, 1 gram = 5 carats.
The Hope Diamond weighs 45.52 carats, which equals 9.104 grams.