hectogram: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “hectogram” mean?
A metric unit of mass equal to one hundred grams.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A metric unit of mass equal to one hundred grams.
A specific, relatively uncommon measurement used in scientific contexts, cooking (especially in some European countries), and for measuring precious metals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Both regions use metric units for scientific purposes; everyday use is rare in both.
Connotations
Technical, precise.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US. The UK, being more metricated, may encounter it slightly more often in certain packaged foods or educational contexts, but it is still not a common unit.
Grammar
How to Use “hectogram” in a Sentence
[Number] + hectogram(s) + of + [Noun (substance)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in European food markets for pricing produce (e.g., cheese, cured meats) by weight.
Academic
Used in scientific experiments and papers, especially chemistry and physics, when measuring small quantities of materials.
Everyday
Virtually unused in everyday speech in the US and UK. May appear on food packaging in continental Europe.
Technical
Standard unit in the metric system. Used in contexts requiring precision below the kilogram.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hectogram”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hectogram”
- Misspelling as 'hectagram'.
- Confusing it with 'hectare' (a unit of area).
- Pronouncing it as /hek-to-gram/ with a hard 'c'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency unit. The kilogram (1000 grams) and the gram itself are far more common for everyday and most scientific measurements.
The official symbol is 'hg'.
Most likely on price labels in fresh food markets in countries like Italy, France, or Spain, where produce is sometimes priced per 100 grams (per hectogram).
One hectogram (100 grams) is approximately 0.22 pounds (or about 3.5 ounces).
A metric unit of mass equal to one hundred grams.
Hectogram is usually formal, technical in register.
Hectogram: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɛktəʊɡræm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɛktəˌɡræm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HECTic GRAMmar' – Imagine a hectic (busy) classroom where you have to count 100 grammar books, each weighing one gram.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEASUREMENT IS CONTAINMENT (e.g., 'a hectogram of gold' conceptualises the weight as a contained amount).
Practice
Quiz
What is a hectogram?