Convert Hong Kong tael to kilogram easily.

Ever walked through Hong Kong’s bustling markets and wondered how local vendors weigh gold or herbs? You’ll hear them mention "taels"—a unit steeped in tradition but confusing for metric users. Let’s unravel this cultural measurement and make conversions as easy as sipping milk tea at a dai pai dong.

Unit definitions

What is a Hong Kong tael (HK tael)?

• Description: A traditional Chinese weight unit specifically used in Hong Kong
• Symbol: 兩 (Chinese character), HK tael
• Common uses: Precious metals, traditional medicine, wet markets
• Definition: 1 HK tael = 37.7994 grams or 1/16 of a Hong Kong catty

What is a kilogram (kg)?

• Description: The base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI)
• Symbol: kg
• Common uses: Global trade, science, everyday measurements
• Definition: 1 kg = 1,000 grams = mass of 1 liter of water

Conversion formula

Hong Kong tael to kilogram:
kg = HK tael × 0.0377994

Kilogram to Hong Kong tael:
HK tael = kg ÷ 0.0377994

Example calculations

1. Converting 8 taels of gold to kilograms:
   8 × 0.0377994 = 0.3023952 → 0.3024 kg
2. Determining how many taels make 2.5 kg of herbs:
   2.5 ÷ 0.0377994 ≈ 66.14 → 66.14 HK taels

Conversion tables

Hong Kong tael to kilogram

Kilogram to Hong Kong tael

Historical background

The tael’s story begins in ancient China, where it was part of a weight system dating back to teh Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE). Hong Kong’s version got standardized during British rule in 1895, aligning with regional trade needs. While mainland China redefined its tael to 50 grams in 1959, Hong Kong kept its 37.7994-gram standard—a nod to its mercantile history.

Fun fact: The word "tael" comes from the Malay "tahil," meaning "weight." This reflects Southeast Asia’s historical trade connections, where silver blocks were measured in taels along maritime silk routes.

Interesting facts?

1. Gold standard: Hong Kong’s gold markets still price bullion in taels, with prices quoted per tael in local news.
2. Pharmacy favorite: Traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions often specify herb quantities in taels.
3. Legal precision: Since 1895, Hong Kong law mandates 1 tael = 1.20337 ounces avoirdupois.
4. Cultural resilience: 78% of Hong Kong’s herbal shops still use taels daily according to 2023 market surveys.
5. Global cousin: Singapore’s tael matches Hong Kong’s, but Taiwan’s differs slightly at 37.5 grams.

FAQ