Your weight changes as you move further or closer to the
Equator on Earth. This is true even if you typically measure your weight
in kilograms.
Your mass is the amount of matter in your
body. This remains constant. However, your weight (the force of gravity acting on your
mass) changes because the Earth's "falling" acceleration due to gravity (g) is not
uniform. This variation is primarily due to two factors:
- The
Earth's Spin (Centrifugal Force): As the Earth rotates, it creates an
outward centrifugal force that partially counteracts gravity. This
force is strongest at the Equator and drops to zero at the Poles, making
you slightly lighter near the Equator.
- The
Earth's Shape (Equatorial Bulge): The Earth is not a perfect sphere. It bulges around the Equator. This means you are physically farther from
the planet's center when standing at 90° latitude than at the Poles. This distance also weakens the gravitational pull.
The combination of these two effects means you will exert
the greatest gravitational force (be the heaviest) at the poles and the least
at the Equator.
You can use Google Maps to find your current latitude and the latitude of your target or destination.
How to Use the Calculator
Use the calculator below to find your true constant mass
and see how your weight (the force) would change if you moved to a new
location:
- Your
Scale Reading: Enter your weight and select your unit (lbs or kg). If you use kg, the tool will automatically
adjust for the standard gravity value that your scale likely uses to calculate your
true mass.
- Current
Latitude: Enter the latitude where you took the measurement.
- Target
Latitude: Enter the latitude of interest (90° for the
Pole or 0° for the Equator).
The tool will then show you your True Constant Mass
(in kg and slugs), your Current Weight (in lbs and Newtons) and your calculated Target Weight at the new
latitude. One additional note is that I previous covered this topic with an Excel spreadsheet tool. This new tool (below) is more accurate than my original spreadsheet because this new tool takes Earth's shape into account.
Weight & Mass Calculator 🌍
Input your weight in either pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg).
Enter your details and click 'Calculate'.
For information on other tools and topics:
Futhorc Runic Bi-Directional Converter: Turn your message in to First Millennium runes and back! [Try out this rune conversion tool on your own messages.]
Earth's Looming Expiration Date: Why Earth faces an early deadline as Sun's energy output increases. [Idea on how to preserve our planet]
Number Rounding Tool: This the rounding tool that you didn't know you need! Multiple methods of rounding are supported. [Type Your Number and Round it up or down!]
