9 Household Items that Weigh 3 Grams
Although there are numerous tiny objects around us, it’s not easy to find household items that weigh 3 grams precisely. Well, one way to decide whether an object is heavier or lighter than 3 grams is to compare it with other small items in your house.
So what household items that weigh 3 grams in your house? 3 US dollar bills, 3 standard paper clips, 3 birthday candles, 3 ml water, etc., are some 3 gram objects available in regular households. Some other items that weigh approximately 3 grams include one-fourth tablespoon of sugar, and 30 regular matchsticks, etc.
Let’s dive in and find out the common items around you that weigh 3 grams.
Household Items Weighing 3 Grams – Quick Rundown
The following table consists of the most common household items that weigh 3 grams. Have a glance at it!
| Item Name | Weight Range and Details |
|---|---|
| 3 US dollar bills | Each US dollar bill weighs 1 gram, no matter the design or year of issue |
| 3 ml pure water | 1 ml pure water has a density of 1g at standard temperature and pressure |
| 3 standard paper clips | Typical plastic paper clips weigh about 1 gram |
| US penny | Pennies that were minted before 1982 weigh 3.1 gram |
| One-fourth tablespoon of sugar | With a standard measurement tablespoon, one-fourth tablespoon of sugar weighs approximately 3 grams |
| 3 birthday candles | Three regular small-sized paraffin wax candles weigh usually weigh about 3 grams |
| A button | Plastic buttons with a diameter similar to a US penny typically weigh 3 grams |
| 6 micro-SD cards | Each standard plastic micro-SD card weighs 0.5 grams. Standard and mini cards have different weights though |
| 30 matchsticks | One standard matchbox weigh 0.1 gram, giving a total weight of 3 grams for 30 sticks |
9 Household Items That Weigh 3 Grams
The following sections will cover the details about 9 household items that weigh 3 grams.
1. 3 US Dollar Bills
If you’re looking for common items weighing 3 grams precisely, the US dollar bills are the perfect fit. All US dollar bills weigh approximately 1 gram. The weight stays the same for all recent dollar bills, no matter the denomination, year of issue, or design of the bill.
So, you can easily weigh 3 grams with three dollar bills at home. But the weight may vary as wear and moisture often affect the bills. The average life of a US dollar bill in circulation is about 66 years before it’s replaced due to wear.
2. 3 Milliliters of Pure Water
At standard temperature and pressure or STP, the density of water is 1 gram per milliliter (g/mL). So, 3 milliliters of water have a total of 3 grams measurement.
Note that the STP is 20 degrees Celsius and 1 atmosphere of pressure. If the temperature or pressure of the environment changes drastically, the weight of water might be less or more than 3 grams.
3. 3 Standard Paper Clips
Another great example of household items weighing 3 grams is 3 standard paper clips. In general, paper clips that are made of plastic weigh 1 gram each. Therefore, you get a total mass of 3 grams with three of the standard-sized plastic paper clips.
Keep in mind that plastic clips are available in different sizes and are made of various materials. If the clip is large and made of metals like steel, the weight might be more than 3 grams.
4. US Penny
One common 3-gram object is the US penny minted before the year 1982. These pennies were made of nearly pure copper and weighed about 3.1 grams. However, the weight of a penny depends on the year it was minted and the composition of the metal it is made of.
For instance, pennies that were minted after 1983 are made of copper-plated zinc and weigh 2.5 grams. Moreover, the weight can vary slightly due to wear and tear.
5. One-Fourth Tablespoon of Sugar
When you measure 1/4 teaspoon of granulated white sugar with a standard measuring spoon and level it, you can consider it among common 3-gram items.
However, the precise weight can be more or less than 3 grams depending on the type of sugar and the moisture level.
6. 3 Birthday Candles
Although you can buy birthday cakes in many different sizes and materials, the most common small birthday candles can aid you in weighing 3-gram objects. In general, these small wax candles weigh about 1 gram. So, three of them will give you a total of 3 grams of weight.
Yet, to be sure, check out the label on the package as different types of wax have different weights. For instance, candles made of beeswax are typically heavier than paraffin wax candles.
7. A Button
Typical plastic buttons that are about the size of a penny weigh approximately 3 grams each. However, the weight of a button can vary depending on the size, material, and thickness of the button. For example, a small plastic button can weigh only 1 gram, while a large metal button may weigh up to 5 grams.
Buttons that weigh around 3 grams include a small penny-like plastic button, a metal button with a diameter of 1 inch, and a wooden button with a diameter of 0.5 inches.
8. 6 Micro-SD card
SD cards come in different sizes, including standard, micro, and mini-SD cards. Among these, the standard SD card is the largest and heaviest, weighing around 2 grams. While each mini-SD card weighs approximately 0.8 grams, the micro-SD card has a mass of 0.5 grams.
Therefore, if you gather 6 micro-SD cards, you’ll have a total weight of 3 grams.
9. 30 Regular-Sized Matchsticks
The weight of a regular unburnt matchstick is about 0.1 gm. Hence, with 30 such unburnt matchsticks, you get a total mass of 3 grams. Remember that the sticks’ weight is measured without the box.
Also, matchsticks come in different sizes and materials. A mini or travel-size matchbox weighs around 5 to 10 grams, whereas the regular ones are 10 to 15 grams.
Even in the realm of the tiniest weights, there’s a wealth of diversity to explore. Our article on what weighs 3 grams provides insights into these almost weightless objects and their intriguing characteristics. But the exploration of weight doesn’t end here. Transitioning to the other end of the spectrum, we delve into the substantial realm of objects that weigh a considerable 80 pounds. And that’s not all – for a different perspective, discover what weighs 300 pounds, offering a glimpse into a range of heavy items. This comprehensive journey through contrasting weights showcases the incredible variety in mass. For deeper insights, don’t miss our articles on what weighs 80 pounds and what weighs 300 pounds.Final Words
So, there you have the common household items that weigh 3 grams. If you want a precise measurement, you can use three new US dollar bills as each of them weigh precisely 1 gram. 3 ml pure water, an old US penny, and standard plastic paper clips are also great examples of 3-gram items.
Likewise, various other household objects weigh around 3 grams, such as 1/4 tbsp of sugar, one plastic button, 3 birthday candles, 6 micro-SD cards, etc. In any case, check out the item label to be sure whether it weighs 3 grams precisely.
