Convert Grain (gr) to Picogram (pg) instantly.
About these units
Grain (gr)
The grain, defined as exactly 64.79891 milligrams, is one of the oldest units of mass still in limited use today. Derived from the weight of average cereal grains such as barley or wheat, it became a universal tiny unit used across Europe for coins, medicine, and gunpowder. The grain persists in firearms and ammunition manufacturing because bullet weights are still listed in grains (e.g., a "150-grain bullet"). Reloaders and ballistic engineers rely on the grain as a fine unit suitable for measuring powder charges and projectile masses. It is also used in traditional gold and silver transactions, linking it to the troy system. The grain's longevity highlights how ancient agrarian measures can remain embedded in modern technological practices.
Picogram (pg)
A picogram, or 10⁻¹² grams, is widely used in molecular biology, biochemistry, and medicine. Hormones, signaling molecules, and certain viruses fall within the picogram mass range. Laboratories often quantify DNA or RNA using picograms, especially in single-cell analysis. Cellular processes frequently involve minuscule quantities of molecules, so picogram measurements allow researchers to study gene expression, protein synthesis, and chemical reactions with extreme accuracy. Diagnostic tests—such as those for biomarkers in blood—often require detection at picogram per milliliter concentrations. The picogram is a crucial bridge between the molecular scale and measurable laboratory practice, enabling breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and biotechnology.