Convert Pennyweights to Apothecary Drams
Convert Pennyweights (dwt) to Apothecary Drams (dr ap) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
dr ap = dwt × 0.4
About Pennyweights
A pennyweight (dwt or pwt) equals 24 grains or 1/20 of a troy ounce - approximately 1.555 grams. Its name derives from the weight of an English silver penny in the medieval period. Pennyweights are the standard unit used by jewellers and goldsmiths in North America for weighing precious metals: gold, silver, and platinum. When a jeweller quotes the gold weight of a ring or chain, they typically use pennyweights. Gold buyers, refiners, and scrap metal dealers quote prices per pennyweight (often abbreviated 'DWT') when appraising jewellery.
About Apothecary Drams
An apothecary dram (dr ap) equals 3 scruples or 60 grains - approximately 3.888 grams. Part of the traditional apothecary system used by physicians and pharmacists from the Middle Ages through the 19th century, it was the standard unit for prescribing and dispensing medicines. Prescriptions written in the apothecary system used special symbols: the dram symbol (℈) and ounce symbol (℥) appear throughout historical medical records and old pharmacy ledgers. The apothecary dram differs from the fluid dram (a volume unit) and from the avoirdupois dram.
Quick Reference Table
| Pennyweights (dwt) | Apothecary Drams (dr ap) |
|---|---|
| 1 dwt | 0.4 dr ap |
| 2 dwt | 0.8 dr ap |
| 5 dwt | 2 dr ap |
| 10 dwt | 4 dr ap |
| 25 dwt | 10 dr ap |
| 50 dwt | 20 dr ap |
| 100 dwt | 40 dr ap |