Mass is the amount of matter in an object. Matter is what everything around you is made of, including your body, a book, and a drop of water.
How is mass measured?
Scientists commonly measure mass in grams (g) and kilograms (kg). One kilogram is equal to 1,000 grams. A small object, such as a paper clip, might have a mass of a few grams, while a backpack might have a mass of several kilograms.
To measure mass, you can use a balance. Place an object on one side and compare it with known masses, or use a digital balance that displays the result.
Mass and weight are different
- Mass tells you how much matter an object contains.
- Weight is the force of gravity pulling on that object.
Your mass stays nearly the same on Earth and the Moon, but your weight would be less on the Moon because its gravity is weaker.
Remember
Mass is measured in grams or kilograms, and a balance can help you find it. Mass describes the amount of matter; weight describes gravity’s pull.