Avoirdupois vs. Troy — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 20, 2024
Avoirdupois is a weight system used primarily in the U.S. for everyday items, whereas Troy is a weight system mainly used for precious metals like gold and silver.
Difference Between Avoirdupois and Troy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Avoirdupois is a weight system predominantly used in the United States for general merchandise and everyday items. It is based on a pound that contains 16 ounces. Troy, on the other hand, is a weight system specifically used for measuring precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. Unlike the Avoirdupois pound, the Troy pound contains 12 ounces.
In the Avoirdupois system, the pound is equivalent to approximately 453.592 grams. This measurement system is prevalent in retail and grocery settings where items are sold by weight. Contrarily, the Troy pound weighs approximately 373.242 grams. This difference highlights the specialized nature of the Troy system, which is preferred in the trading of precious metals.
The Avoirdupois ounce, used in this system, is approximately 28.35 grams. This makes it larger than the Troy ounce, which is about 31.103 grams. The heavier Troy ounce reflects the higher value and need for precise measurements in precious metal trading.
Avoirdupois and Troy systems serve distinct purposes based on the nature of the items being weighed. Avoirdupois is common for everyday items, providing convenience and consistency in everyday transactions, while the Troy system ensures precision in the measurement of valuable metals.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Everyday items
Precious metals
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Pound Weight (grams)
453.592
373.242
Ounces per Pound
16
12
Ounce Weight (grams)
28.35
31.103
Common Applications
Retail, groceries
Jewelry, bullion
Compare with Definitions
Avoirdupois
Standard weight measurement in the U.S. for non-precious items.
The postal service uses the Avoirdupois system for package weights.
Troy
A pound contains 12 ounces.
A Troy pound is lighter than an Avoirdupois pound because it has 12 ounces.
Avoirdupois
A system of weights used for everyday goods.
The grocery store sells apples by the pound using the Avoirdupois system.
Troy
A weight system for measuring precious metals.
Jewelers often use the Troy system to weigh gold.
Avoirdupois
Includes 16 ounces in one pound.
A pound of butter is 16 ounces in Avoirdupois weight.
Troy
Each ounce weighs approximately 31.103 grams.
One Troy ounce of silver weighs about 31.1 grams.
Avoirdupois
Utilized in most commercial and household measurements.
Bathroom scales typically measure in Avoirdupois pounds.
Troy
Used mainly in the bullion and jewelry industry.
The value of the gold bar is calculated using Troy ounces.
Avoirdupois
Abbr. av. or avdp. Avoirdupois weight.
Troy
The Troy pound equals approximately 373.242 grams.
Investors buy gold by the Troy pound, which is about 373 grams.
Avoirdupois
(Informal) Weight or heaviness, especially of a person.
Troy
Troy or Ilion (Ancient Greek: Τροία, Troía, Ἴλιον, Ī́lion or Ἴλιος, Ī́lios; Latin: Troia, also Īlium; Hittite: ???? Wilusa or ???? Truwisa; Turkish: Truva or Troya), was an ancient city, known as the setting for the Greek myth of the Trojan War. Troy was located in present-day Turkey, at Hisarlik 30 kilometres (19 mi) south-west of Çanakkale.
Avoirdupois
(historical) The official system of weights used in the UK between 1856 and 1963. It had been the customary system in London since 1300.
Troy
Of or expressed in troy weight.
Avoirdupois
(historical) The official system of weights used in the USA between 1866 and 1959.
Troy
Of, or relating to, troy weight.
Avoirdupois
Weight; heaviness.
Troy
Troy weight.
Avoirdupois
(obsolete) merchandise.
Troy
A system of weights used for precious metals and gemstones; based on a 12-ounce pound and an ounce of 480 grains
Avoirdupois
Goods sold by weight.
Troy
An ancient city in Asia Minor that was the site of the Trojan War
Avoirdupois
Avoirdupois weight.
Avoirdupois
Weight; heaviness; as, a woman of much avoirdupois.
Avoirdupois
A system of weights based on the 16-ounce pound (or 7,000 grains)
Avoirdupois
Excess bodily weight;
She found fatness disgusting in herself as well as in others
Avoirdupois
A pound equals approximately 453.592 grams.
The recipe calls for one pound of flour, which is about 453 grams.
Common Curiosities
What is the Avoirdupois system used for?
The Avoirdupois system is used for weighing everyday items such as groceries and household goods.
How many ounces are in an Avoirdupois pound?
There are 16 ounces in an Avoirdupois pound.
How many grams are in a Troy ounce?
A Troy ounce is approximately 31.103 grams.
Which system is more common in everyday use?
The Avoirdupois system is more common in everyday use for items like food and packages.
What is the main difference between Avoirdupois and Troy pounds?
An Avoirdupois pound has 16 ounces and weighs about 453.592 grams, while a Troy pound has 12 ounces and weighs about 373.242 grams.
What industries primarily use the Troy system?
The jewelry and precious metals industries primarily use the Troy system.
Is the Avoirdupois pound heavier than the Troy pound?
Yes, the Avoirdupois pound is heavier than the Troy pound.
Why does the Troy ounce weigh more than the Avoirdupois ounce?
The Troy ounce is designed to provide finer precision for precious metals, hence it weighs more.
Why is the Troy system used for precious metals?
The Troy system provides more precise measurements, essential for valuing precious metals accurately.
How many grams are in an Avoirdupois ounce?
An Avoirdupois ounce is approximately 28.35 grams.
What items are typically weighed using the Troy system?
Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum are weighed using the Troy system.
How many ounces are in a Troy pound?
There are 12 ounces in a Troy pound.
What items are typically weighed using the Avoirdupois system?
Items like groceries, mail packages, and general household goods are weighed using the Avoirdupois system.
Can you convert between Avoirdupois and Troy weights?
Yes, you can convert between the two, but it's essential to use the correct conversion factors due to their different ounce weights.
Where did the Avoirdupois system originate?
The Avoirdupois system originated in France and was later adopted by English-speaking countries for general commerce.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
