Viss vs. Kilogram: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on November 10, 2023
A viss is a traditional Burmese unit of weight equal to about 1.63 kilograms, while a kilogram is a standard metric unit of mass equal to 1,000 grams.
Key Differences
Viss is a unit of weight used predominantly in Myanmar (Burma), equivalent to approximately 1.63 kilograms or 3.6 pounds. Kilogram, on the other hand, is a unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI), equal to 1,000 grams, and widely used globally.
The viss is deeply rooted in traditional Burmese commerce and daily life, often used for measuring produce and goods in local markets. In contrast, the kilogram is a fundamental unit in international science, trade, and industry, recognized and utilized worldwide.
While the viss reflects regional and cultural measurement practices, its use is limited outside of Myanmar. The kilogram, however, is part of a standardized global measurement system, ensuring consistency and accuracy in mass measurement across different countries and fields.
The value of a viss can vary slightly based on regional or local standards within Myanmar. The kilogram, standardized under the SI system, maintains a fixed value defined by the Planck constant, ensuring uniformity in measurement.
In modern commerce and science, the viss is less commonly used compared to the kilogram, which is integral to international standards in numerous fields including science, engineering, and global trade.
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Comparison Chart
Unit Type
Traditional Burmese weight unit
SI unit of mass
Equivalent Weight
About 1.63 kilograms
1,000 grams
Usage
Predominantly in Myanmar
Globally recognized
Standardization
Regional variations
Fixed value defined by SI
Application
Local commerce and daily life
Science, trade, industry
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Viss and Kilogram Definitions
Viss
Regional Measurement.
The viss is still used in some Burmese shops.
Kilogram
SI Standard.
Scientists measure substances in kilograms.
Viss
Traditional Measure.
In Myanmar markets, prices are often given per viss.
Kilogram
Common Measure.
Groceries are often sold by the kilogram.
Viss
Approximate Kilogram.
One viss is roughly equivalent to 1.63 kilograms.
Kilogram
Global Unit.
Kilograms are used for weight in most countries.
Viss
Burmese Weight Unit.
The rice bag weighs about two viss.
Kilogram
Metric Mass Unit.
This package is exactly one kilogram.
Viss
Local Unit.
Farmers sell their produce in viss.
Kilogram
1,000 Grams.
A liter of water weighs about a kilogram.
Kilogram
Abbr. kg The base unit of mass in the International System, equal to 1,000 grams (2.2046 pounds). See Table at measurement.
Kilogram
Kilogram force.
Kilogram
In the International System of Units, the base unit of mass; conceived of as the mass of one litre of water, but now defined by taking the fixed numerical value of the Planck constant h to be 6.626 070 15 × 10-34 when expressed in units of kg⋅m2⋅s−1. Symbol: kg
Kilogram
(proscribed) The unit of weight such that a one-kilogram mass is also a one-kilogram weight.
Kilogram
A measure of weight, being a thousand grams, equal to 2.2046226 pounds avoirdupois (15,432.34 grains). It is equal to the weight of a cubic decimeter of distilled water at the temperature of maximum density, or 39° Fahrenheit.
Kilogram
One thousand grams; the basic unit of mass adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites;
A kilogram is approximately 2.2 pounds
FAQs
What is a kilogram?
A metric unit of mass, equivalent to 1,000 grams.
Can viss vary regionally?
Slightly, depending on local standards in Myanmar.
Is kilogram used worldwide?
Yes, it’s a globally recognized unit.
Is viss a part of the SI system?
No, it’s not an SI unit.
Why is viss still used?
For traditional and local practices in Myanmar.
How accurate is the viss?
It can be less precise due to regional variations.
What is a viss?
A traditional Burmese unit of weight, around 1.63 kilograms.
Where is viss commonly used?
Predominantly in Myanmar.
Is viss used in international trade?
No, it’s mainly used within Myanmar.
What fields use kilograms?
Science, engineering, commerce, and more.
Do all countries understand kilograms?
Yes, it’s a standard unit in most countries.
How old is the viss system?
It dates back to ancient Burmese systems of measurement.
Are kilograms used in space science?
Yes, for mass measurement in space missions.
How is a kilogram defined?
By the International System of Units, based on the Planck constant.
Has the kilogram’s definition changed?
Yes, it was redefined in 2019 based on fundamental physical constants.
Is viss used in modern Myanmar?
Yes, especially in local markets.
What symbol represents kilograms?
“kg”.
Is kilogram used in daily life?
Yes, for everyday measurements like groceries.
Can viss be converted to kilograms?
Yes, 1 viss is approximately 1.63 kilograms.
What is the significance of the viss in Myanmar?
It’s integral to traditional commerce and cultural practices.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
