Convert Quintal to Kilogram

The term quintal comes from the Latin word "centum", meaning "hundred," and historically referred to a weight of around 100 kilograms. It was used in medieval Europe for measuring bulk commodities like grain, and the weight of the quintal varied by region and commodity. Over time, the quintal became standardized to 100 kilograms in most countries that adopted the metric system in the 19th and 20th centuries. It continues to be used in international trade and agriculture, especially in countries like India, Brazil, and some European countries.

The kilogram originated during the French Revolution in the late 18th century as part of the metric system's development. Initially, it was defined as the mass of one cubic decimeter of pure water at 4°C, chosen for its universal availability and consistency. In 1799, a physical standard called the Kilogram of the Archives, a platinum cylinder, was created to represent the unit. Later, in 1889, the International Prototype of the Kilogram (IPK), a more precise platinum-iridium cylinder, was adopted as the global standard, stored in France with copies distributed worldwide.

Over time, physical changes in the IPK led to inconsistencies, prompting scientists to redefine the kilogram. In 2019, it was redefined based on the Planck constant (h), a fundamental constant of nature, linking the kilogram to unchanging physical properties rather than a physical object. This modern definition ensures long-term precision and stability for the unit of mass.