Mass and Weight · Unit Converter

Convert Picogram to Centigram

Convert picograms to centigrams instantly. 1 picogram = 1e-10 centigram — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Centigram to Picogram converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Dr. Ashok Kumar K, Ph.D.
Mass and Weight category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

Metric / SI

Picogram

What is a picogram?

A picogram (pg) equals 10^-15 kilogram.

Origin of the picogram

From the SI prefix 'pico-' (from Spanish 'pico', a small quantity).

Where it is used

Single-cell biology and ultratrace chemical analysis.

When and where it was developed

The pico- prefix entered the SI in 1960.

Metric / SI

Centigram

What is a centigram?

A centigram (cg) equals 0.00001 kilogram, or 0.01 gram.

Origin of the centigram

From the SI prefix 'centi-' (from Latin 'centum', hundred).

Where it is used

Used in pharmacology and analytical chemistry.

When and where it was developed

Part of the original metric system of 1795.

Picogram to Centigram conversion formula

The relationship between picograms and centigrams:

1 pg = 1e-10 cg
1 cg = 1e+10 pg

To convert picograms to centigrams, multiply the value in picograms by 1e-10. To reverse, multiply centigrams by 1e+10.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in centigrams updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Centigram to Picogram converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert picograms to centigrams

  1. Write down the value in picograms (pg).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 1e-10.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in centigrams (cg).
  4. To reverse, multiply the centigram value by 1e+10.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 pg to cg:
1 × 1e-10 = 1e-10 cg

Example 2 — Convert 100 pg to cg:
100 × 1e-10 = 1e-8 cg

Real-world example — Spanning sub-micron to micron scale

Crossing from picograms to centigrams is the everyday workflow of microscopy and semiconductor engineering — a measurement of 1000 picograms translates to a much more compact value in centigrams that fits the scale of biological cells and process nodes.

1000 pg × 1e-10 = 1e-7 cg

Real-world example — Sub-visible-light wavelength

500 picograms (the green-yellow visible band) equals 0.5 centigrams — the canonical conversion in optics between wavelength specifications and micron-scale lens-coating thicknesses.

500 pg × 1e-10 = 5e-8 cg

Picogram to Centigram conversion table

Standard reference values for converting picograms to centigrams:

Picogram [pg]Centigram [cg]
0.011e-12
0.11e-11
11e-10
22e-10
33e-10
44e-10
55e-10
101e-9
202e-9
303e-9
404e-9
505e-9
1001e-8
5005e-8
10001e-7

Frequently asked questions

How many centigrams is 1 picogram?
1 picogram equals 1e-10 centigram.
How do I convert picograms to centigrams?
Multiply the value in picograms by 1e-10 to get centigrams.
How do I convert centigrams back to picograms?
Multiply the value in centigrams by 1e+10, or use the Centigram to Picogram converter.
How many centigrams is 100 picograms?
100 picograms equals 1e-8 centigrams, because 100 × 1e-10 = 1e-8.

Convert Picogram to other weight units

Show all Picogram conversions
Metric / SI (17 units)
Avoirdupois (15 units)
Troy & Apothecary (10 units)
Indian / South Asian (6 units)
Scientific / Atomic (9 units)
Astronomical (4 units)
Biblical / Ancient (14 units)
Force / Engineering (5 units)

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 pg = 1e-10 cg) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.