1 slug is equal to approximately 14.5939 kilograms.
The slug is a unit of mass used in the imperial system, primarily in the United States, while the kilogram is the standard metric unit of mass. To convert between them, you need to multiply the slug value by its equivalent in kilograms, which is about 14.5939.
Conversion Tool
Result in kg:
Conversion Formula
The conversion formula from slug to kilograms is:
kg = slug × 14.5939
This formula works because 1 slug is defined as the mass that accelerates by 1 ft/s² when acted on by a force of one pound-force. Since the kilogram is the SI unit of mass, converting requires multiplying the slug value by its equivalent in kilograms.
Example calculation converting 2 slugs to kilograms:
- Start with 2 slugs
- Multiply by the conversion factor: 2 × 14.5939
- Result is 29.1878 kilograms
Conversion Example
- 5 slugs to kilograms:
- Multiply 5 by 14.5939
- 5 × 14.5939 = 72.9695 kg
- Therefore, 5 slugs equals 72.9695 kilograms
- 0.75 slugs to kilograms:
- Multiply 0.75 by 14.5939
- 0.75 × 14.5939 = 10.9454 kg
- This means 0.75 slugs is 10.9454 kilograms
- 10 slugs to kilograms:
- Multiply 10 by 14.5939
- 10 × 14.5939 = 145.939 kg
- So, 10 slugs equals 145.939 kilograms
- 3.5 slugs to kilograms:
- Multiply 3.5 by 14.5939
- 3.5 × 14.5939 = 51.0787 kg
- Thus, 3.5 slugs is 51.0787 kilograms
Conversion Chart
Slug | Kilograms (kg) |
---|---|
-24.0 | -350.2536 |
-20.0 | -291.8780 |
-16.0 | -233.5024 |
-12.0 | -175.1268 |
-8.0 | -116.7512 |
-4.0 | -58.3756 |
0.0 | 0.0000 |
4.0 | 58.3756 |
8.0 | 116.7512 |
12.0 | 175.1268 |
16.0 | 233.5024 |
20.0 | 291.8780 |
24.0 | 350.2536 |
26.0 | 379.8414 |
This chart shows values from negative to positive slug amounts and their equivalent in kilograms. You can find the slug value on the left column and read across to find the weight in kilograms on the right. Use it quickly to estimate conversions without calculating manually.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many kilograms equal 1 slug exactly?
- What is the mass of 1 slug in kilograms for physics calculations?
- Can I convert 1 slug to kilograms using a simple formula?
- Why does 1 slug weigh more than 1 kilogram?
- Is 1 slug heavier or lighter than 1 kilogram?
- How do I convert 1 slug to kg in engineering problems?
- What is the practical use of converting 1 slug to kilograms?
Conversion Definitions
Slug: A slug is a unit of mass in the imperial system, defined as the mass that accelerates by 1 foot per second squared when a force of one pound-force is applied. It is mainly used in the United States for engineering and physics calculations involving force and mass.
Kilogram (kg): The kilogram is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). It represents the mass of the International Prototype Kilogram and is widely used globally for scientific, commercial, and everyday measurements.
Conversion FAQs
Why is the slug unit used instead of kilograms in some fields?
The slug unit is preferred in some US-based engineering and physics applications because it aligns directly with the pound-force and foot measurement system. This allows easier calculation of forces and masses without converting between metric units, which might introduce errors or require extra steps.
Can I convert slugs to kilograms without a calculator?
Yes, by memorizing the conversion factor of about 14.5939, you can multiply the slug value manually to get the kilograms. For rough estimates, rounding the factor to 14.6 is sometimes acceptable, but precision requires the full factor.
Does the conversion factor between slugs and kilograms ever change?
The conversion factor is constant because it’s based on fixed physical definitions of units. Unless the definitions of pound-force, foot, or kilogram change, the factor will remain the same. Changes to unit definitions are rare and internationally agreed upon.
Is the slug used outside the United States?
The slug is almost exclusively used in the US, particularly in engineering fields that rely on the imperial system. Most other countries use kilograms and other metric units for mass, making the slug uncommon internationally.
How does converting slugs to kilograms affect scientific calculations?
Using consistent units is crucial in scientific work. Converting slugs to kilograms ensures compatibility with SI-based formulas and measurements. Failure to convert correctly can lead to calculation errors or misunderstanding of results, especially in physics and engineering contexts.