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Troy Ounce: Definition, History, and Conversion Table

Last updated 03/15/2024 by

SuperMoney Team

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Summary:
A Troy ounce is a unit of measurement used for precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. While it is slightly heavier than a regular (avoirdupois) ounce, the Troy weight system is specifically designed for measuring these metals. The history of the Troy weight system dates back to ancient Greece and has been adopted by the British and the United States. Understanding Troy ounces and how to convert them to other units of weight is essential for those working with precious metals.

What is a troy ounce?

A Troy ounce is a unit of measurement used for precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. It is named after the city of Troyes in France, where a medieval fair was held that was known for its high-quality precious metal trade. A Troy ounce is slightly heavier than a regular (avoirdupois) ounce, weighing 31.1035 grams, whereas a regular ounce weighs 28.3495 grams.
Troy ounces are commonly used in the jewelry-making industry and the investment industry. They are also used for measuring precious metals in scientific research and analysis.
When investing in precious metals, it’s important to do thorough research and understand the associated risks.

Understanding the troy ounce

The Troy weight system dates back to ancient Greece, where it was used for measuring goods in trade. The Troy weight system was adopted by the British in the Middle Ages and later by the United States in the 19th century. The system is based on the Troy pound, which is equivalent to 12 Troy ounces.
A Troy ounce is defined as 480 grains, which is equivalent to 31.1035 grams. Unlike a regular ounce, which is divided into 16 parts, a Troy ounce is divided into 20 parts, called pennyweights. Each pennyweight is further divided into 24 parts, called grains.

History

The history of the Troy weight system dates back to ancient Greece, where it was used for measuring goods in trade. The system was later adopted by the Romans and eventually spread throughout Europe. In the Middle Ages, the Troy weight system was used for measuring precious metals such as gold and silver, which were often used as currency.
The name “Troy” comes from the French town of Troyes, which was an important center of trade during the Middle Ages. The Troy weight system was used extensively in Europe during this time and was eventually adopted by the British. The British standardized the Troy weight system in the 15th century and it became the official system of measurement for precious metals in the United Kingdom.
When the United States was founded, it adopted the British Troy weight system, along with other British measures, such as the inch, foot, and yard. The Troy ounce became the standard unit of measurement for precious metals in the United States and is still used today.
While the Troy weight system is primarily used for measuring precious metals, it has also been used for other purposes throughout history. For example, the Troy pound was used for measuring medicines and the Troy grain was used for measuring gunpowder.
Overall, the Troy weight system has a long and interesting history that dates back to ancient times. Today, it remains an important system of measurement for those working with precious metals.

Troy ounce vs. ounce

While a Troy ounce and a regular (avoirdupois) ounce are both units of weight, they are not interchangeable. A Troy ounce is slightly heavier than a regular ounce, weighing 31.1035 grams compared to 28.3495 grams. The Troy weight system is used specifically for measuring precious metals, whereas the regular weight system is used for most other purposes.

Troy ounce conversion

If you’re working with precious metals, it’s important to know how to convert between Troy ounces and other units of weight. Here’s a handy conversion table:
Troy ouncesGramsKilogramsRegular ounces
131.10350.03110351.09714
262.2070.0622072.19429
5155.51750.15551755.48571
10311.0350.31103510.97143

Investing in precious metals

If you’re interested in investing in precious metals, understanding Troy ounces is crucial. Most precious metal products, such as coins and bars, are measured in Troy ounces. Knowing how to convert between Troy ounces and other units of weight can help you make informed decisions when buying and selling precious metals.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the price of precious metals fluctuates based on a variety of factors, such as supply and demand, economic conditions, and political instability. As with any investment, it’s important to do your research and understand the risks involved before making any decisions.

Troy ounce FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Troy ounces:

What is the difference between a Troy ounce and a regular ounce?

A Troy ounce is slightly heavier than a regular ounce, weighing 31.1035 grams compared to 28.3495 grams. The Troy weight system is used specifically for measuring precious metals, whereas the regular weight system is used for most other purposes.

What is the history of the Troy weight system?

The Troy weight system dates back to ancient Greece, where it was used for measuring goods in trade. The system was adopted by the British in the Middle Ages and later by the United States in the 19th century.

How do I convert between Troy ounces and other units of weight?

Here’s a handy conversion table:
Troy ouncesGramsKilogramsRegular ounces
131.10350.03110351.09714
262.2070.0622072.19429
5155.51750.15551755.48571
10311.0350.31103510.97143

Key takeaways

  • A Troy ounce is a unit of measurement used for precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum.
  • A Troy ounce is slightly heavier than a regular (avoirdupois) ounce, weighing 31.1035 grams compared to 28.3495 grams.
  • The Troy weight system dates back to ancient Greece and was adopted by the British in the Middle Ages and later by the United States in the 19th century.
  • Knowing how to convert between Troy ounces and other units of weight is important for those working with precious metals.
  • When investing in precious metals, it’s important to do your research and understand the risks involved.

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