The Difference Between Mass and Weight Explained

In everyday language, we often use the words "mass" and "weight" interchangeably. In science, however, they represent two very different concepts. Our Weight Calculator is designed to help you understand this crucial difference and perform accurate calculations based on the laws of physics.

• Mass is the amount of matter in an object. It is an intrinsic property that stays the same no matter where the object is. Your mass is the same on Earth, on the Moon, or in deep space. It's measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb).
• Weight is the force exerted on an object by gravity. Because it's a force, its value depends on the local gravitational field. You weigh less on the Moon than on Earth because the Moon's gravity is weaker. It's measured in Newtons (N).

The Formula for Weight

The relationship between weight, mass, and gravity is defined by Newton's Second Law of Motion:

Weight (W) = Mass (m) × Gravitational Acceleration (g)

This calculator allows you to solve for any of the three variables by providing the other two.

How to Use the Weight Calculator

1. Choose what to calculate: Select whether you want to solve for Weight, Mass, or Gravity.
2. Enter Known Values: Fill in the two fields that you already know. For gravity, you can select a preset from the dropdown (like Earth, Moon, Mars) or enter a custom value in the m/s² field.
3. Calculate: Click the button to see the result. The calculator provides the answer in standard scientific units, along with common conversions.

Related Science & Math Calculators

Understanding weight and mass is fundamental to many other areas of science and engineering. To calculate mass from an object's physical dimensions and material properties, use our Mass Calculator. If you need to find a material's density, our Density Calculator is the perfect tool. For all other common measurement conversions, our Unit Converter offers a comprehensive solution.