Why don't we measure our weight in Newtons?

[Jacinta]

aren't you supposed to measure weight in Newtons? And mass in kilograms/grams?

 

[Charles Link]

In some ways, it is probably more scientific to give the weight (mass) in "grams". When a balance type scale is used for very accurate mass measurements, like in a chemistry lab, the local value of the gravitation $g$, which can differ slightly depending on the geographical location has no effect on the measured result. $\\$ Editing: Meanwhile, a spring balance measures force=pounds. In M.K.S. , a spring balance should read Newtons, but if used as a "weight" scale, it's likely to read kilograms.

 

[I like Serena]

I think it's because we measure our weight, typically with a spring, but we really want to know our mass.
So the weighing equipment has been calibrated locally to show kilograms instead of Newtons.
It could show Newtons as well with a second scale, but generally that is left out. ;)
If we bring the same equipment elsewhere, it will have to be recalibrated.
The equipment that @Charles Link mentions measures indeed mass instead of weight, so it doesn't have to be recalibrated when moving elsewhere.

 

[phinds]

aren't you supposed to measure weight in Newtons? And mass in kilograms/grams?

Next time you are asked, at a doctor's office or elsewhere, for your weight, you should definitely give it in Newtons.

 

[Ibix]

As long as you don't stray far from sea level and don't spend much time in free-fall, you can live with not making a clear distinction between weight and mass. You can treat it as a unit change, really.

Since most people live within a few hundred metres of sea level and spend negligible time in free-fall, it's only physicists (who spend a lot of time imagining out-of-the-ordinary situations) who need to be picky about it.

 

[Dr.D]

aren't you supposed to measure weight in Newtons? And mass in kilograms/grams?

The simple answer is "yes." But when are things ever done as they are supposed to be done?

 

[Jacinta]

Next time you are asked, at a doctor's office or elsewhere, for your weight, you should definitely give it in Newtons.

Maybe I should just give them my mass instead.