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Pound Conversion Table
This comprehensive pound conversion table shows how various units relate to pounds, a common unit for mass and weight. Use this reference for quick conversions between pounds and other common mass units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Pounds to kilograms | Kilograms | 0.453592 |
| Pounds to grams | Grams | 453.592 |
| Pounds to milligrams | Milligrams | 453592 |
| Pounds to micrograms | Micrograms | 453592000 |
| Pounds to tonnes | Tonnes | 0.000453592 |
| Pounds to carats | Carats | 2267.96 |
| Pounds to ounces | Ounces | 16 |
| Pounds to stones | Stones | 0.0714286 |
| Pounds to grains | Grains | 7000 |
| Pounds to hundredweight (short) | Hundredweights (short) | 0.01 |
| Pounds to hundredweight (long) | Hundredweights (long) | 0.00892857 |
| Pounds to slugs | Slugs | 0.031081 |
This pound conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for both metric (SI) units and imperial units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision in scientific and engineering applications.
What is a Pound?
The pound (symbol: lb) is a unit of mass used in the imperial and US customary systems of measurement. The international avoirdupois pound, the most commonly used pound today, is defined as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms. This definition was agreed upon by the United States and countries of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1959.
The pound is widely used in the United States for measuring body weight, grocery items, and in many everyday applications. Our pound conversion tool helps you easily convert between pounds and other units. For example, 1 pound equals 16 ounces or approximately 0.45 kilograms.
What is the SI of Pound?
The pound is not an SI unit. The kilogram is the base SI unit for mass. However, the pound is a legally defined unit in the United States and some other countries. The relationship between pounds and SI units for mass conversion is:
- Pound (lb) = 0.45359237 kilograms
- Kilogram (kg) = 2.20462 pounds
- Gram (g) = 0.00220462 pounds
- Milligram (mg) = 0.00000220462 pounds
- Ounce (oz) = 0.0625 pounds
What are Pounds Used For?
Pounds are used in a wide range of applications, particularly in the United States and some other countries that use imperial or US customary units. For mass and weight conversion, pounds serve as a standard unit:
Body Weight Measurement
In the US, body weight is commonly measured in pounds. For example, a person might weigh 150 pounds, which is approximately 68 kilograms.
Grocery Shopping
Many food items in the US are priced and sold by the pound. For example, ground beef might be $4 per pound, which equals approximately $8.80 per kilogram.
Shipping & Logistics
Packages and freight are often weighed in pounds for shipping costs. For example, a 50-pound package weighs approximately 22.7 kilograms.
Industrial Applications
Manufacturing specifications and product weights are often given in pounds, especially in the US. For example, construction materials might be specified in pounds per square foot.
Etymology and History
The word "pound" comes from the Latin "pondo," meaning "by weight." The abbreviation "lb" comes from the Latin "libra," which was a Roman unit of mass similar to a pound. The pound has a long history with many variations, including the Tower pound, the merchant's pound, and the London pound.
The modern pound, known as the avoirdupois pound, was standardized in 1959 when the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa agreed on a common definition of exactly 0.45359237 kilograms. This definition made the pound precisely 7000 grains and 16 ounces, establishing it as a standard for all weight conversions in these countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the pound abbreviated as "lb"?
The abbreviation "lb" for pound comes from the Latin word "libra," which was a Roman unit of mass similar to a pound. This abbreviation has been used for centuries and is now the standard symbol for the pound unit. Despite the different etymology from "pound" (which comes from Latin "pondo"), "lb" remains the official symbol for this unit of weight conversion.
How accurate is the pound definition?
The current definition of the pound is extremely accurate, as it is defined as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms. This definition was internationally agreed upon in 1959, making the pound precisely 7000 grains and 16 ounces. This fixed relationship ensures consistent mass conversions between the imperial and metric systems, which is crucial for international trade and scientific research.
What's the difference between pound and pound-force?
There is a significant difference. The pound (lb) is a unit of mass, while the pound-force (lbf) is a unit of force. The pound-force is defined as the gravitational force exerted on a mass of one pound on the surface of Earth. For precise physics calculations involving weight conversions, it's important to distinguish between these two different units.
How do I convert pounds to other units?
Use our pound conversion calculators above, or multiply by the appropriate conversion factor. For example, to convert pounds to kilograms, multiply by 0.45359237; to convert pounds to ounces, multiply by 16. For detailed instructions on converting pounds to kilograms, visit our lb to kg converter. Our tool also handles metric to imperial conversions like pounds to grams with high precision.
What are common uses for pound conversion?
Pound conversion is essential in everyday life in the US, including measuring body weight, grocery shopping, cooking recipes, and shipping packages. It's also important in industries like manufacturing and logistics where weights are specified in pounds. Whether calculating nutritional information or converting shipping weights, our pound converter tool simplifies these common tasks.
How does pound conversion differ from other mass units?
The pound is part of the imperial and US customary systems, while kilograms are the SI base unit for mass in the metric system. This difference means that pound conversion often involves converting between two distinct measurement systems, unlike metric conversions which use decimal relationships. Our tool handles both imperial and metric mass conversions accurately.
Can I convert very small or very large measurements in pounds?
Yes, our pound converter handles both extremely small and large measurements with precision. For very small weights, convert pounds to grains (1 lb = 7000 grains) or micrograms (1 lb = 453,592,000 µg). For large weights, convert pounds to tons (1 short ton = 2000 lb). Our smart rounding feature ensures readable results for all scales.
Is your pound conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our pound conversion calculator is completely free with no registration required. Simply enter your value, select your target unit, and get instant, accurate results. We believe precise measurement conversion should be accessible to everyone, from students learning measurement units to professionals working on complex projects.