Convert grams to pennyweights in seconds.
1 g x 0.643015 = 0.643015 dwt
Discover other related calculators
Ever held a gold ring and wondered how jewelers determine its value? The secret often lies in pennyweights. A unit as old as medieval markets but still essential today. Whether you’re appraising heirloom jewelry or trading silver bars, converting grams to pennyweights bridges modern metrics with age old weighing traditions.
Unit definitions
What is a gram (g)?
The gram, symbolized by 'g', is the metric system’s workhorse for measuring mass. One gram equals 1/1000th of a kilogram, roughly the weight of a paperclip. You’ll find grams everywhere: food nutrition labels, pharmaceutical doses, and yes, even in weighing small precious items. Its universal adoption makes it the go-to unit for scientific precision.
What is a pennyweight (dwt)?
This medieval survivor, abbreviated 'dwt' (from 'denarius weight'), is the troy system’s answer to measuring precious metals. One pennyweight equals 24 grains or 1/20th of a troy ounce. Picture this: a sterling silver penny from 8th-century England originally defined this weight. Today, your local jeweler still uses dwt when appraising that engagement ring.
Conversion formula
The golden ratio for conversion is: 1 gram = 0.643015 pennyweights
To convert grams to pennyweights:
pennyweights = grams × 0.643015
For pennyweights to grams:
grams = pennyweights ÷ 0.643015
Example calculations
- Your gold nugget weighs 5 grams
5 g × 0.643015 = 3.215 dwt
That’s about the weight of a small gold earring. - A silver bar’s certificate lists 20 dwt
20 dwt ÷ 0.643015 = 31.1035 g
Equivalent to a standard 1-troy-ounce silver bar.
Conversion tables
Grams to pennyweights
| Grams | Pennyweights |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.643 |
| 2 | 1.286 |
| 3 | 1.929 |
| 4 | 2.572 |
| 5 | 3.215 |
| 10 | 6.430 |
| 20 | 12.860 |
| 50 | 32.151 |
| 100 | 64.301 |
Pennyweights to grams
| Pennyweights | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.555 |
| 5 | 7.776 |
| 10 | 15.552 |
| 20 | 31.103 |
| 50 | 77.758 |
| 100 | 155.52 |
Historical background
The pennyweight’s story begins in 8th century England, where 240 silver pennies minted from one troy pound of silver. Each penny weighed exactly 1/240th of a pound, hence 'pennyweight'. The system persisted through the ages because, lets face it, merchants didn’t want to recalculate values every time currency changed.
Grams entered the scene post-french Revolution as part of the metric systems rational approach. While Europe embraced grams, British jewelers clung to pennyweights like a miser to gold. Even today, this duality persists: your lab uses grams, your local pawnshop uses dwt.
Interesting facts
- 24-karat coincidence: There are 24 grains in a pennyweight, mirroring the 24 hours in a day. A nod to ancient Babylonian math.
- Troy vs. avoirdupois: A troy pound (12 ounces) is lighter than a standard pound (16 ounces), making precious metals seem denser.
- Space-age persistence: NASA’s Apollo missions used troy ounces for gold components, proving old measures die hard.
- Global patchwork: While most countries officially use grams, over 75% of gold trades still reference troy weights.
- The 31.1 factor: 1 troy ounce equals 31.1035 grams, a number every bullion dealer knows by heart.
FAQ
This conversion is vital for jewelers and precious metal traders who use pennyweights (dwt) as standard units for measuring gold, silver, and gemstones.
No, pennyweights are part of the troy weight system (1 troy ounce = 20 dwt), while regular ounces are part of the avoirdupois system used for everyday items.
One pennyweight equals 24 grains, an older unit based on barleycorn weight.
While possible, pennyweights are rarely used outside contexts involving precious metals or gemstones.
It provides standardized measurements for high-value materials, ensuring consistency in global trade of precious metals.