Tom Scott Reveals That Nobody Is Exactly Sure How Much a Kilogram Weighs Right Now

In an episode of his Things You Might Not Know series, Tom Scott revealed that nobody is exactly sure how much a kilogram weighs right now. That’s because the system used to measure things internationally is based on a physical standard, but as Scott explains, scientists are working towards a better and more absolute solution.

Yes, it’s only micrograms of difference, but it’s still really weird: until 2018, the kilogram is defined as “the weight of this physical object”. So what happens when that object changes?

Glen Tickle
Glen Tickle

Amelia's dad. Steph's husband. Writer, comedian, gentleman. Good at juggling, bad at chess.