1 slug is equal to approximately 14.5939 kilograms.
The slug is a unit of mass used primarily in the imperial system, and converting it to kilograms involves multiplying by the exact conversion factor. Since 1 slug equals 14.5939 kg, you multiply the slug value by 14.5939 to get the equivalent mass in kilograms.
Conversion Tool
Result in kg:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert slugs to kilograms is:
Mass (kg) = Mass (slug) × 14.5939
This works because one slug is defined as the mass that accelerates by 1 ft/s² when a force of one pound-force (lbf) is applied. To convert to kilograms, the conversion factor accounts for the pound-force to newton relation and feet to meters conversion combined with gravitational constants.
Example calculation for 1 slug:
- Start with 1 slug
- Multiply 1 × 14.5939 = 14.5939 kg
- So, 1 slug equals 14.5939 kilograms.
Conversion Example
- Convert 3 slugs to kg:
- Multiply: 3 × 14.5939 = 43.7817 kg
- Result: 3 slugs equals 43.7817 kg
- Convert 5.5 slugs to kg:
- Multiply: 5.5 × 14.5939 = 80.2665 kg
- Result: 5.5 slugs equals 80.2665 kg
- Convert 0.25 slugs to kg:
- Multiply: 0.25 × 14.5939 = 3.6485 kg
- Result: 0.25 slugs equals 3.6485 kg
- Convert 10 slugs to kg:
- Multiply: 10 × 14.5939 = 145.939 kg
- Result: 10 slugs equals 145.939 kg
Conversion Chart
| Slug | Kilograms (kg) |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -350.2536 |
| -20.0 | -291.8780 |
| -15.0 | -218.9085 |
| -10.0 | -145.9390 |
| -5.0 | -72.9695 |
| 0.0 | 0.0000 |
| 5.0 | 72.9695 |
| 10.0 | 145.9390 |
| 15.0 | 218.9085 |
| 20.0 | 291.8780 |
| 26.0 | 379.8414 |
This chart shows slug values on the left and their kilogram equivalents on the right. To find the kilogram value for any slug, locate the slug in the table then read across to find kilograms. Negative values mean negative mass, which may be used for theoretical or mathematical purposes.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many kilograms are in 1 slug exactly?
- What is the formula for converting 1 slug to kilograms?
- Is 1 slug heavier or lighter than 1 kilogram?
- Can I convert 1 slug directly to kg without a calculator?
- Why does 1 slug equal more than 14 kilograms?
- How do I convert 1 slug to kg in a physics problem?
- What units do I multiply by to get kilograms from 1 slug?
Conversion Definitions
Slug: The slug is a unit of mass used in the imperial system, mostly in the US. It is defined as the mass that accelerates by 1 foot per second squared when subjected to a force of one pound-force. It equals approximately 14.5939 kilograms, bridging imperial force and mass units.
Kilogram (kg): Kilogram is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined by the Planck constant and represents the mass of a specific platinum-iridium alloy cylinder kept in France. One kilogram equals 1000 grams and is widely used worldwide.
Conversion FAQs
Why isn’t the slug commonly used outside the USA?
The slug is part of the imperial system which is primarily used in the United States. Most of the world prefer SI units like kilograms for consistency and international standards. Because of this, slugs are rarely encountered outside US engineering or physics contexts, making it less popular internationally.
Can the slug measure weight instead of mass?
No, the slug measures mass, not weight. Weight is force caused by gravity acting on mass. Since the slug is tied to the imperial force unit pound-force, its definition relates to force and acceleration but remains a mass unit, not weight. Confusing these may cause errors in calculations.
How accurate is the 14.5939 conversion factor?
The factor 14.5939 is precise to four decimal places, sufficient for most engineering and physics calculations. It is derived from exact physical constants and unit definitions. However, for extremely high precision scientific work, more decimal places or direct SI unit measurements might be preferred.
Is it possible to convert negative slug values to kilograms?
Yes, mathematically negative slug values convert to negative kilograms by multiplying by the same conversion factor. Negative mass rarely appears in physical reality but can be used in theoretical or computational models. The conversion process treats negative values the same as positive ones.
What is the practical use of converting slugs to kilograms?
Converting slugs to kilograms helps engineers and scientists work between imperial and SI measurement systems. For example, aerospace or mechanical engineers in the US may need to convert mass values for international collaboration or scientific reporting. It ensures consistency across different unit systems.