Convert pennyweight to grams with confidence
1 dwt x 1.55517384 = 1.55517384 g
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If you've ever bought gold jewelry or worked with precious metals, you've probably encountered pennyweight measurements. This ancient unit still plays a crucial role in modern transactions, but grams have become the global standard. Let's bridge these measurement worlds together, I'll show you exactly how to navigate between dwt and grams like a pro.
Unit definitions
What is a pennyweight (dwt)?
Description: The pennyweight is part of the troy weight system used for precious metals and gemstones
Symbol: dwt
Common uses: Jewelry, dental gold, bullion trading
Definition: 1/20 of a troy ounce or 24 grains
What is a gram (g)?
Description: Base unit of mass in the metric system
Symbol: g
Common uses: Scientific measurements, international trade, cooking
Definition: 1/1000 of a kilogram, originally based on the mass of 1 cubic centimeter of water
Conversion formula
The exact conversion formula you need:
1 pennyweight (dwt) = 1.55517384 grams
To convert dwt to grams: grams = dwt × 1.55517384
To convert grams to dwt: dwt = grams ÷ 1.55517384
Example calculations
Let's walk through two real-world scenarios:
- Converting 5 dwt to grams:
5 dwt × 1.55517384 = 7.7759 grams
Perfect for calculating gold necklace weights - Converting 50 grams to dwt:
50 ÷ 1.55517384 ≈ 32.1507 dwt
Useful when comparing international bullion prices
Conversion tables
Pennyweight to grams
| Pennyweight | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.5552 |
| 2 | 3.1103 |
| 5 | 7.7759 |
| 10 | 15.5517 |
| 20 | 31.1035 |
| 50 | 77.7587 |
| 100 | 155.517 |
Grams to pennyweight
| Grams | Pennyweight |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.643 |
| 5 | 3.215 |
| 10 | 6.430 |
| 50 | 32.151 |
| 100 | 64.301 |
| 500 | 321.507 |
| 1000 | 643.015 |
Historical background
The pennyweight's story begins in medieval England, where it literally represented the weight of a silver penny. The abbreviation "dwt" comes from "denarius weight,' referencing an ancient Roman coin. This unit became standardized in the troy system during the 15th century, which itself was names after the French market town Troyes.
Fun fact: Before digital scales, jewelers used balance scales with actual pennies as counterweights. That tactile connection to physical currency made the measurement feel more concrete. Something modern app based converters can't replicate.
Interesting facts?
- Dental gold alloys are still measured in pennyweights in some countries
- The entire U.S. gold reserve contains over 2.5 billion pennyweights
- A troy pound contains only 12 troy ounces (compared to 16 in standard pounds)
- The grain (1/24 dwt) is still used in bullet and arrowhead measurements
- 1 carat (gem weight) equals exactly 3.086 grains
FAQ
Jewelers often use pennyweight for historical reasons and because it's part of the troy weight system traditionally used for precious metals.
1 pennyweight equals exactly 1.55517384 grams. Most people round this to 1.5552 grams for practical calculations.
Yes, primarily in jewelry, dentistry, and metallurgy industries, especially in countries using imperial measurements.
You can multiply gram values by 0.643 to get approximate pennyweight amounts, but digital tools provide better accuracy.
1 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) is heavier than 1 avoirdupois ounce (28.3495 grams). That's why precious metals use troy weights.