Metric Mass (Weight)

Mass: how much matter is in an object.

We measure mass by weighing, but Weight and Mass are not really the same thing.

The most common measurements:

  • Grams
  • Kilograms
  • Tonnes

Grams

Grams are written as g (for short), so

250 g = 250 grams

Example

The weight of 1 small packet of sugar is 500 grams

Kilograms

1 kilogram = 1,000 grams

Kilograms are written as kg (a “k” for “kilo” and a “g” for “gram), so

10 kg = 10 kilograms

Example

She buys 1 kilogram of meat.

Tonne

1 tonne = 1,000 kilograms

Tonnes are written as t (for short), so

5 t = 5 tonnes

Example

This car weighs is 2 tonnes.

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Relative Frequency