Weight Converter
Conversion Formula
Grams to Hundredweights Formula
To convert between grams and hundredweights, use these formulas:
Hundredweights to Grams Formula
Enter a value in either field above to see the conversion result in the other field.
Common Conversions
| Grams | Hundredweights |
|---|---|
| 10000 g | 0.0002 cwt |
| 25000 g | 0.0005 cwt |
| 50000 g | 0.0010 cwt |
| 50802 g | 0.0010 cwt |
| 100000 g | 0.0020 cwt |
| 1000000 g | 0.0197 cwt |
About Hundredweights
Typical Use Cases
The hundredweight (cwt) is used in agricultural bulk commodities, coal trading, steel and metal industries, and livestock markets. In the United States, the short hundredweight (100 pounds) is standard, while the UK uses the long hundredweight (112 pounds). Farmers measure grain harvests in hundredweights, steel mills quote prices per cwt, and livestock auctions sell cattle by the hundredweight. This unit remains common in traditional industries despite metrication efforts.
Historical Background
The hundredweight originated in medieval Europe as a convenient unit for bulk trade. The British long cwt (112 lbs = 50.8 kg) derives from the stone (14 lbs × 8 = 112 lbs), while the American short cwt (100 lbs = 45.36 kg) simplified calculations in decimal-based commerce. The abbreviation "cwt" comes from the Latin "centum weight" (hundred weight). Both versions coexist today, causing occasional confusion in international trade that requires careful specification of which hundredweight standard applies.
Conversion Tips
Always clarify whether you're working with long cwt (UK: 50.8kg) or short cwt (US: 45.36kg) before converting. This converter uses the long (imperial) hundredweight. For bulk materials, remember: 1 metric ton ≈ 19.68 long cwt or ≈ 22.05 short cwt. When reading historical agricultural records or commodity contracts, check the document's origin to determine which standard applies. Modern international shipping typically uses metric tons to avoid this ambiguity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams are in a hundredweight?
One long hundredweight (UK) equals 50,802.3 grams (50.8kg), while one short hundredweight (US) equals 45,359.2 grams (45.36kg). This converter uses the long hundredweight.
What's the difference between long and short hundredweights?
The long hundredweight (UK) equals 112 pounds (50.8kg), based on 8 stones. The short hundredweight (US) equals 100 pounds (45.36kg). The difference is about 11%, which matters significantly in commodity trading.
Is the hundredweight still used in agriculture?
Yes, especially in traditional agricultural markets in the US and UK. Livestock, grain, and commodity prices are often quoted per hundredweight. However, many regions are transitioning to metric tons.
Why not just use kilograms?
Historical inertia and established pricing systems keep the hundredweight in use. Industries built around cwt pricing (like livestock auctions) find it costly to retrain and reprogram systems, so the unit persists in traditional sectors.
Is this UK or US hundredweight?
This converter uses the UK (Imperial) hundredweight of 112 pounds (50.8 kg). The US hundredweight is 100 pounds (45.4 kg). If you need US cwt conversions, multiply the result by 0.893. For example, 100,000 grams equals 1.968 UK cwt or 1.764 US cwt. Always verify which standard applies in commodity contracts, as the 12-pound difference can significantly affect bulk pricing in agriculture and freight. International shipping documents should explicitly state which hundredweight is referenced to avoid costly disputes.
About Our Conversion Standards
Our weight conversions are based on the International System of Units (SI) and standards published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). All conversion factors are accurate to at least 6 decimal places, ensuring precision for both everyday and professional use.
Data Sources: NIST Handbook 44, International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), ISO 80000-3:2006
Last Verified: October 2025