Learn Volume with Boo
3 Minutes
Units of weight for kids: learn how to measure and convert milligrams, grams, kilograms, and tons. A short maths lesson in English.
- Using milligrams, grams, and kilograms for different weights
- What a ton means and converting tons to kilograms
- Measuring 1.5 kilograms of magic powder to save Rajesh
What this lesson teaches
Units of weight measure how heavy an item is, using standard units such as milligrams, grams, kilograms, and tons depending on the size of the object. Choosing the appropriate unit makes it practical to describe everything from tiny light items to very heavy weights.
Common units of weight
- Milligram is an extremely small unit of weight that is smaller than a gram.
- Gram, abbreviated as g, is used to measure lighter everyday items like almonds and cashews.
- Kilogram, abbreviated as kg, is used to measure heavy things such as sacks of rice and human body weight.
- Ton is a much larger unit used for measuring very heavy weights.
Understanding tons and kilograms
A ton is defined as exactly 1,000 kilograms. When an object is weighed in tons, that number can be changed into kilograms to understand its weight using a more common unit. For example, a weight of 1.5 tons is equal to 1,500 kilograms. This large unit is useful because writing out thousands of kilograms can be simplified by expressing the measurement in tons.
Converting between grams and kilograms
Weight measurements can be converted to make amounts easier to read and measure. A measurement of 1,500 grams is equal to 1.5 kilograms, which is a simpler way to express the same quantity. Using kilograms instead of thousands of grams allows people to measure out larger quantities of materials, such as powders, with standard measuring tools.
Example from the lesson
Rajesh eats purple candy and grows huge in size, so his weight must be checked. His weight is measured at 1.5 tons, which equals 1,500 kilograms. To make a medicine solution that cures him, magic powder must be added to water. The recipe requires the same number of grams of magic powder as Rajesh's weight number, which means 1,500 grams of powder are needed. Saying 1,500 grams in a simpler way gives 1.5 kilograms. The available container has 2 kilograms of magic powder, so the amount is reduced until exactly 1.5 kilograms remains. Once this 1.5 kilograms of powder is mixed thoroughly into the water, the solution is complete, and Rajesh drinks it to return to normal.