Dalton to Gram – How to convert Da to g
The conversion dalton to gram (Da to g) is an essential tool in fields like molecular biology, chemistry, and physics. Whether you're calculating protein weights or estimating the mass of a molecule, this guide will walk you through what a dalton is, how it relates to grams, and how to convert between the two with ease.
Use our precise Conversion Tool to save time and avoid manual errors.
Dalton (Da) and Gram (g) - What do you need?
A dalton (Da)—also called the atomic mass unit (amu)—is a unit of mass used to express atomic and molecular weights.It approximates the mass of one proton or neutron, making it ideal for atomic-scale calculations.
Daltons are commonly used in biochemistry, particularly to express the size of proteins, enzymes, and DNA fragments. For example, a small protein might weigh 25 kilodaltons (kDa), which equals 25,000 Da.
A gram (g) is a standard unit of mass in the metric system, widely used around the world in both scientific and everyday settings.It is the base unit used in weighing food, chemicals, and everyday items.
Looking to explore more weight conversions? Try our Weight Converter for instant results.
How to Convert Dalton to Gram
The scientific formula is based on the known value of 1 Dalton:
1 Da = 1.66053906660 × 10⁻²⁴ g
Example To convert 3.5 × 10⁶ Da to grams:
3.5 × 10⁶ × 1.66053906660 × 10⁻²⁴ = 5.8118867331 × 10⁻¹⁸ grams
This kind of calculation is critical when estimating the mass of DNA, proteins, or other macromolecules in lab experiments.
Want it done instantly? Use our Unit conversion for any Da to g value in seconds.
✅ Bonus: Convert Gram to Dalton
You asked: "How many daltons in a gram?" Here's the reverse:
1 gram = 6.02214076 × 10²³ daltons
This value is based on Avogadro’s number, which tells us how many atomic-scale units fit into one mole (or gram-mass equivalent) of a substance.
Did you know?
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The Human Genome Project revealed that the average human gene codes for a protein weighing about 40,000 daltons.
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In mass spectrometry, scientists routinely measure molecular weights in daltons to identify unknown compounds.
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A single water molecule (H₂O) weighs about 18.015 daltons—a mind-blowing example of how small and precise this unit is.
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Pharmaceutical drugs are often designed at 200–500 Da, allowing them to pass through cell membranes effectively.
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Some viruses, like Adenovirus, have a capsid (outer protein shell) weighing over 150 million daltons!
When Dalton Defined a Discovery: The Case of Insulin
In 1921, Canadian researchers Frederick Banting and Charles Best discovered insulin, a hormone crucial in treating diabetes. But identifying and extracting insulin wasn’t enough—they needed to measure its molecular mass to produce effective doses.
The weight of an insulin molecule? About 5,800 daltons.
This precise measurement made it possible to manufacture consistent, life-saving insulin doses for millions of people. The discovery earned Banting the Nobel Prize and revolutionized endocrinology. Without dalton-level precision, this medical breakthrough would have been impossible.
Conclusion
Converting dalton to gram may deal with the tiniest particles in the universe, but its impact is anything but small. From decoding DNA to formulating medicine, this conversion turns theory into real-world solutions.
With tools like our Conversion Tool, even molecular-level precision becomes effortless.
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