1 kilogram is equal to approximately 0.06852 slugs.
This conversion is based on the relationship between mass units used in the metric system (kilogram) and the imperial system (slug). Since the slug is a unit used mainly in the US customary system for mass, converting 1 kg to slug requires applying the correct conversion factor derived from their definitions related to pounds and the acceleration due to gravity.
Conversion Tool
Result in slug:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert kilograms to slugs is:
slug = kilogram × 0.0685218
This works because 1 slug is defined as the mass that accelerates by 1 ft/s² when a force of 1 pound-force is applied. Since the kilogram is based on the metric system and slug on the imperial, we convert kilograms to pounds first, then adjust for gravity. One kilogram equals approximately 2.20462 pounds, and 1 slug equals 32.174 pounds. Dividing these gives the conversion factor:
- 1 slug = 32.174 lb
- 1 kg = 2.20462 lb
- Therefore, 1 kg = 2.20462 / 32.174 = 0.0685218 slug
So multiplying kilograms by 0.0685218 converts to slugs.
Conversion Example
- Convert 5 kg to slugs:
- Multiply 5 by 0.0685218
- 5 × 0.0685218 = 0.342609 slug
- Result: 5 kg equals approximately 0.3426 slugs
- Convert 12.7 kg to slugs:
- 12.7 × 0.0685218 = 0.870571 slug
- So, 12.7 kg is about 0.8706 slugs
- Convert 0.5 kg to slugs:
- 0.5 × 0.0685218 = 0.034261 slug
- Half a kilogram equals around 0.0343 slugs
- Convert 20 kg to slugs:
- 20 × 0.0685218 = 1.370436 slug
- 20 kg corresponds to roughly 1.3704 slugs
- Convert 7.3 kg to slugs:
- 7.3 × 0.0685218 = 0.500724 slug
- So 7.3 kg is about 0.5007 slugs
Conversion Chart
| Kg | Slug |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -1.6445 |
| -20.0 | -1.3704 |
| -16.0 | -1.0963 |
| -12.0 | -0.8223 |
| -8.0 | -0.5482 |
| -4.0 | -0.2741 |
| 0.0 | 0.0000 |
| 4.0 | 0.2741 |
| 8.0 | 0.5482 |
| 12.0 | 0.8223 |
| 16.0 | 1.0963 |
| 20.0 | 1.3704 |
| 24.0 | 1.6445 |
| 26.0 | 1.7806 |
This chart shows kilograms in the left column with corresponding slugs in the right. To find slug for any kg value near the table, locate the kg and read across. Negative values are included for mass values below zero, useful for physics calculations involving direction or theoretical models.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many slugs equal 1 kilogram exactly?
- What is the mass of 1 kg in slugs for engineering calculations?
- Can I convert 1 kg to slug without using a calculator?
- Is 1 kg heavier or lighter than 1 slug?
- Why does 1 kg equal less than one slug when converted?
- How do I convert 1 kg to slug using a formula?
- What is the difference between slug and kilogram when converting 1 unit?
Conversion Definitions
Kilogram (kg): The kilogram is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI), defined by the fixed numerical value of the Planck constant. It represents the mass of the international prototype kilogram kept in France, and is used worldwide for everyday and scientific mass measurements.
Slug: The slug is a unit of mass used in the imperial system, primarily in the United States. It defines the mass that accelerates at 1 ft/s² when acted upon by a force of one pound-force, linking mass and force under standard gravity for physics calculations.
Conversion FAQs
Why is the slug unit not commonly used outside the US?
The slug is mostly found in the US customary system, unlike kilograms which are part of the global metric system. Because most countries use metric units for scientific and commercial purposes, the slug is rarely seen internationally. Its niche use in engineering fields in the US keeps it relevant there only.
Can negative mass values be converted from kg to slug?
While negative mass isn’t physically meaningful in everyday contexts, negative numbers can represent direction in physics calculations. Mathematically, negative kilograms convert to negative slugs by applying the same factor, preserving sign. This is useful in theoretical or vector-based computations.
How precise is the conversion factor between kg and slug?
The factor of 0.0685218 is based on exact definitions of pound-force and acceleration due to gravity. Minor variations can exist due to local gravity changes or rounding but for most practical purposes, the factor provides accurate mass conversion between kg and slugs.
Is there a quick way to estimate kg to slug without calculator?
A rough estimation is to multiply kilograms by about 0.07 to get slugs, which is close enough for rough work. For higher precision, the exact factor 0.0685218 should be used. This quick method helps in mental math or when tools are unavailable.
Do slugs measure mass or weight?
Slugs measure mass, not weight. Weight is a force dependent on gravity, while mass is intrinsic to an object. The slug is defined so force and acceleration relate simply in the imperial system, but it still represents mass, similar to kilograms in the metric system.