Enter the total weight (N) into the Mass From Weight Calculator. The calculator will evaluate and display the Mass. 

Weight to Mass Calculator

Enter any 1 value to calculate the other

Mass From Weight Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Mass From Weight. 

M = W / 9.81
  • Where M is the Mass From Weight (kg)
  • W is the total weight (N) 

To convert weight to mass, simply divide the weight by the acceleration due to gravity (9.81).

Newtons to Kilograms Conversion Table (Earth gravity, g = 9.81 m/s²)
Newtons (N) Kilograms (kg)
10.102
20.204
50.510
101.019
202.039
252.548
505.097
757.645
10010.194
15015.291
20020.387
25025.484
30030.581
40040.775
50050.968
75076.453
1,000101.937
2,000203.874
5,000509.684
10,0001019.368
*Assumes Earth gravity (g = 9.81 m/s²). 1 N ≈ 0.10197 kg.

How to Calculate Mass From Weight?

The following example problems outline how to calculate Mass From Weight.

Example Problem #1:

  1. First, determine the total weight (N).
    • The total weight (N) is given as: 550.
  2. Finally, calculate the Mass From Weight using the equation above: 

M = W / 9.81

The values given above are inserted into the equation below and the solution is calculated:

M = 550 / 9.81 = 56.06 (kg)


FAQ

What is the difference between mass and weight?

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, typically measured in kilograms or grams. Weight, on the other hand, is the force exerted by gravity on an object and is measured in newtons. Mass is a scalar quantity and does not change with location, while weight is a vector quantity and can change depending on the gravitational pull of the planet or celestial body.

Why do we use 9.81 in the Mass From Weight formula?

The number 9.81 represents the standard acceleration due to Earth’s gravity, measured in meters per second squared (m/s²). It is used in the formula to convert weight, which is a force measured in newtons, into mass, measured in kilograms, by compensating for the effect of Earth’s gravity.

Can this formula be used on other planets?

Yes, but the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²) is specific to Earth. To calculate mass from weight on other planets, you would need to use the acceleration due to gravity specific to that planet instead of 9.81. Each planet has a different gravitational pull, affecting the weight of objects differently than on Earth.