A troy ounce is a unit of measurement used for weighing precious metals like gold and silver. One troy ounce equals approximately 31.1 grams. A kilogram is a unit of mass in the metric system that equals 1000 grams. So how do these units relate to each other when measuring precious metals?
Quick Answer
There are 32.15 troy ounces in a kilogram. This means that 1 kilogram is equal to 32.15 troy ounces.
The Troy Ounce
The troy ounce is a unit of measurement originating from the Middle Ages in Europe. It was initially used for weighing precious metals and gemstones. The name “troy” likely comes from the French market town of Troyes, which was an important center of trade and finance in medieval Europe.
A troy ounce is defined as equal to 480 grains. This makes it around 10% heavier than the more widely used avoirdupois ounce, which equals 437.5 grains. Over time, the troy ounce has become the standard unit of measurement for precious metals in the UK, U.S. and across much of the world.
Some key facts about the troy ounce:
- 1 troy ounce = 31.1034768 grams
- 1 troy ounce = 1.09714 avoirdupois ounces
- The “troy” system is commonly used for precious metals, while the “avoirdupois” system is used for everyday goods.
The Kilogram
The kilogram is the base unit of mass in the metric system. It is defined as being equal to the mass of the International Prototype Kilogram, a platinum-iridium cylinder stored in France that serves as the standard for measuring mass.
Here are some key facts about the kilogram:
- 1 kilogram = 1000 grams
- 1 kilogram = 2.20462 pounds
- The kilogram is used for measuring the mass of everyday objects, groceries, fixtures, etc.
- The kilogram is part of the International System of Units (SI), which is the modern form of the metric system.
Comparing Troy Ounces and Kilograms
Now that we’ve defined the troy ounce and the kilogram, how do they relate? Since 1 troy ounce = 31.1034768 grams, and 1 kilogram = 1000 grams, we can calculate:
1 kilogram = 1000 grams
1 troy ounce = 31.1034768 grams
So if we divide 1000 grams by 31.1034768 grams, we get:
1000 g / 31.1034768 g/oz t = 32.15 troy ounces
Therefore, the conversion between kilograms and troy ounces is:
1 kilogram = 32.15 troy ounces
Detailed Conversion Table
Here is a table showing more detailed conversions between kilograms and troy ounces:
Kilograms | Troy Ounces |
---|---|
1 kg | 32.15 oz t |
2 kg | 64.30 oz t |
5 kg | 160.75 oz t |
10 kg | 321.50 oz t |
25 kg | 803.75 oz t |
50 kg | 1607.50 oz t |
This table makes it easy to see the direct conversion between these two units at various quantities.
Converting Troy Ounces to Kilograms
We can also use the conversions above to convert from troy ounces to kilograms:
- 1 troy oz = 31.1034768 g
- 1 kg = 1000 g
So if we divide 1000 grams by 31.1034768 grams per troy ounce, we get:
1000 g / 31.1034768 g/oz t = 32.15 troy oz
Therefore, to convert troy ounces to kilograms, we divide by 32.15:
Troy oz / 32.15 = kg
For example:
160.75 troy oz / 32.15 = 5 kg
Common Conversions
Here are some common conversions between kilograms and troy ounces:
- 10 troy oz = 0.31 kg
- 25 troy oz = 0.78 kg
- 50 troy oz = 1.56 kg
- 100 troy oz = 3.11 kg
- 500 troy oz = 15.57 kg
- 1000 troy oz = 31.15 kg
Being able to quickly convert between troy ounces and kilograms is useful for precious metals investors and jewelers when evaluating quantities. Keeping the conversion rate of 32.15 troy ounces per kilogram in mind makes converting easy.
Why the Troy Ounce Is Used for Precious Metals
The troy system and troy ounces are most commonly used when weighing gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals. But why is that? There are a few key reasons:
- Tradition – The troy system has been used for precious metals for centuries, dating back to medieval Europe. This convention has simply continued over time.
- Precision – With a higher mass than the avoirdupois ounce, the troy ounce allows for more precise measurements of tiny amounts of precious metals.
- Pricing – Precious metal prices are virtually always quoted in troy ounces, so it has become the standard unit.
- Accounting – Troy ounces help simplify accounting and transactions for precious metals companies and traders.
In summary, the rich tradition, need for precision with small masses, widespread use in pricing, and accounting convenience are the main reasons why the troy ounce continues to be the standard for weighing precious metals today.
The Troy Ounce and Other Units
While there are 32.15 troy ounces per kilogram, there are some other units used in measuring precious metals that have also defined conversion rates with the troy ounce:
- Gram – 1 troy ounce = 31.1034768 grams
- Pennyweight – 1 troy ounce = 20 pennyweights
- Grain – 1 troy ounce = 480 grains
So if you know the quantity in one unit, you can easily convert to troy ounces or another unit using these conversion rates.
For example:
16 pennyweight = 0.8 troy oz (since 20 pennyweight = 1 troy oz)
375 grains = 0.78125 troy oz (since 480 grains = 1 troy oz)
Conclusion
In summary, a troy ounce is a unit used to measure the mass of precious metals. A kilogram is a unit used to measure the mass of everyday objects in the metric system. There are 32.15 troy ounces in a kilogram.
The troy system is commonly used for precious metals instead of the avoirdupois system due to tradition, the need for precision at small masses, widespread use in pricing, and accounting convenience.
Knowing the conversions between units like troy ounces, grams, pennyweights and grains allows for easy translation between quantities of precious metals.
So now you know the answer – there are 32.15 troy ounces in a kilogram! This conversion rate is essential knowledge for precious metals investors and jewelers alike.