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Kilogram
Definition: A kilogram (symbol: kg) is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). It is currently defined based on the fixed numerical value of the Planck constant, h, which is equal to 6.62607015 × 10-34 in the units of J·s, or kg·m2·s-1. The meter and the second are defined in terms of c, the speed of light, and cesium frequency, ΔνCs. Even though the definition of the kilogram was changed in 2019, the actual size of the unit remained the same. The changes were intended to improve the definitions of SI base units, not to actually change how the units are used throughout the world.
History/origin: The name kilogram was derived from the French “kilogramme,” which in turn came from adding Greek terminology meaning “a thousand,” before the Late Latin term “gramma” meaning “a small weight.”
Unlike the other SI base units, the kilogram is the only SI base unit with an SI prefix. SI is a system based on the meter-kilogram-second system of units rather than a centimeter-gram-second system. This is at least in part due to the inconsistencies and lack of coherence that can arise through use of centimeter-gram-second systems, such as those between the systems of electrostatic and electromagnetic units.
The kilogram was originally defined as the mass of one liter of water at its freezing point in 1794, but was eventually re-defined, since measuring the mass of a volume of water was imprecise and cumbersome.
A new definition of the kilogram was introduced in 2019 based on Planck’s constant and changes to the definition of the second. Prior to the current definition, the kilogram was defined as being equal to the mass of a physical prototype, a cylinder made of a platinum-iridium alloy, which was an imperfect measure. This is evidenced by the fact that the mass of the original prototype for the kilogram now weighs 50 micrograms less than other copies of the standard kilogram.
Current use: As a base unit of SI, the kilogram is used globally in nearly all fields and applications, with the exception of countries like the United States, where the kilogram is used in many areas, at least to some extent (such as science, industry, government, and the military) but typically not in everyday applications.
Pound
Definition: A pound (symbol: lb) is a unit of mass used in the imperial and US customary systems of measurement. The international avoirdupois pound (the common pound used today) is defined as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms. The avoirdupois pound is equivalent to 16 avoirdupois ounces.
History/origin: The pound descended from the Roman libra, and numerous different definitions of the pound were used throughout history prior to the international avoirdupois pound that is widely used today. The avoirdupois system is a system that was commonly used in the 13th century. It was updated to its current form in 1959. It is a system that was based on a physical standardized pound that used a prototype weight. This prototype weight could be divided into 16 ounces, a number that had three even divisors (8, 4, 2). This convenience could be the reason that the system was more popular than other systems of the time that used 10, 12, or 15 subdivisions.
Current use: The pound as a unit of weight is widely used in the United States, often for measuring body weight. Many versions of the pound existed in the past in the United Kingdom (UK), and although the UK largely uses the International System of Units, pounds are still used within certain contexts, such as labelling of packaged foods (by law the metric values must also be displayed). The UK also often uses both pounds and stones when describing body weight, where a stone is comprised of 14 pounds.
Kilogram to Pound Conversion Table
| Kilogram [kg] | Pound [lbs] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 kg | 0.0220462262 lbs |
| 0.1 kg | 0.2204622622 lbs |
| 1 kg | 2.2046226218 lbs |
| 2 kg | 4.4092452437 lbs |
| 3 kg | 6.6138678655 lbs |
| 5 kg | 11.0231131092 lbs |
| 10 kg | 22.0462262185 lbs |
| 20 kg | 44.092452437 lbs |
| 50 kg | 110.2311310924 lbs |
| 100 kg | 220.4622621849 lbs |
| 1000 kg | 2204.6226218488 lbs |
How to Convert Kilogram to Pound
1 kg = 2.2046226218 lbs
1 lbs = 0.45359237 kg
Example: convert 15 kg to lbs:
15 kg = 15 × 2.2046226218 lbs = 33.0693393277 lbs
Popular Weight And Mass Unit Conversions
Weight Converter
Enter a value in any field to convert. Kilograms are shown with 3 decimal places. Ounces are shown with 1 decimal place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert kilograms (kg) to pounds & ounces (lbs oz)?
To convert kilograms to pounds and ounces:
- Multiply the number of kilograms by 2.20462262 to get the total pounds.
- The whole number part of this result is the pounds (lbs).
- Multiply the decimal part of the total pounds by 16 to get the ounces (oz). Round as needed.
Example Formula Steps:
- Total Pounds = kg × 2.20462262
- Lbs = Integer part of Total Pounds
- Oz = (Fractional part of Total Pounds) × 16
Our converter tool above does this automatically for you!
How do I convert pounds & ounces (lbs oz) to kilograms (kg)?
To convert pounds and ounces to kilograms:
- Convert the ounces to pounds by dividing the ounces by 16.
- Add this to the whole pounds to get the total pounds in decimal form.
- Multiply the total pounds by 0.45359237 to get kilograms.
Example Formula Steps:
- Total Pounds = lbs + (oz / 16)
- Kilograms (kg) = Total Pounds × 0.45359237
Our converter tool above handles this calculation.
What are the exact conversion factors?
The key conversion factors are:
- 1 pound (lb) = 0.45359237 kilograms (kg) (This is an exact definition by international agreement)
- 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2046226218487758 pounds (lbs) (Derived from the above)
- 1 pound (lb) = 16 ounces (oz)
How many pounds (lbs) in 1 kilogram (kg)?
There are approximately 2.20462 pounds in 1 kilogram.
More precisely: 1 kg is equivalent to 2 pounds and about 3.27 ounces (2 lbs 3.27 oz).
How many kilograms (kg) in 1 pound (lb)?
There are approximately 0.45359 kilograms in 1 pound.
How can I convert weights without a calculator (approximate)?
For quick, rough estimates:
- Kilograms to Pounds (kg to lbs): Double the kilogram value, then add 10% of that doubled value.
Example: For 10 kg → Double it (20) → Add 10% of 20 (which is 2) → Roughly 22 lbs. (Actual: 22.046 lbs) - Pounds to Kilograms (lbs to kg): Halve the pound value, then subtract 10% of that halved value.
Example: For 50 lbs → Halve it (25) → Subtract 10% of 25 (which is 2.5) → Roughly 22.5 kg. (Actual: 22.68 kg)
These are approximations. For accuracy, use the precise formulas or the converter tool.
What do "lbs" and "kg" stand for?
lbs: This is the abbreviation for pounds (a unit of weight/mass). It originates from the Roman unit of mass "libra pondo," which translates to "a pound by weight." The "libra" part is why "lb" (singular) or "lbs" (plural) is used.
kg: This is the abbreviation for kilogram. The kilogram is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI) and is used worldwide.
How do I change my weighing scale's units (kg/lbs)?
Most digital weighing scales have a button to switch between measurement units (like kilograms, pounds, and sometimes stones).
- Look for a button often labeled "UNIT", "MODE", or symbols like "kg/lb".
- This button is usually located on the front panel, side, back, or underneath the scale.
- Pressing this button typically cycles through the available units.
- If you cannot find this button or are unsure, it's best to consult your scale's user manual, as the exact method can vary by brand and model (e.g., Etekcity, Renpho, Taylor, Health o meter, Seca, Withings, etc.).
Other Common Weight & Mass Conversions
Stone (st):
- 1 stone = 14 pounds (lbs)
Ton/Tonne:
- 1 short ton (common in the US) = 2,000 lbs
- 1 long ton (traditional UK) = 2,240 lbs
- 1 metric tonne (t) = 1,000 kg (which is approximately 2,204.62 lbs)
Grams (g) & Milligrams (mg):
- 1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams (g)
- 1 pound (lb) ≈ 453.59 grams (g)
- 1 gram (g) = 1,000 milligrams (mg)
- 1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000,000 milligrams (mg)
Ounces (oz) & Kilograms (kg):
- 1 kilogram (kg) ≈ 35.274 ounces (oz)
Volume-to-Weight Conversions (e.g., gallons to lbs, cups to lbs)
Converting units of volume (like gallons, liters, or cups) to units of weight (like pounds or kilograms) depends entirely on the density of the substance. There's no universal conversion factor.
Examples:
- Water: 1 US gallon of water weighs approximately 8.34 pounds (or about 3.785 kg per US gallon).
- Flour (all-purpose): Approximately 3.5 to 4 cups per pound (this can vary based on how the flour is packed or sifted).
- Sugar (granulated): Approximately 2 cups per pound.
For cooking and baking, it's often more accurate to use recipes that specify ingredients by weight (grams or ounces) or to use reliable conversion charts specific to each ingredient.
Health & Diet Related Questions (General Information)
Losing Weight (e.g., "how to lose 10 lbs"):
- Healthy and sustainable weight loss is typically around 1-2 pounds per week for most adults. This is generally achieved by creating a consistent calorie deficit (consuming fewer calories than your body burns) through a combination of a balanced, nutritious diet and regular physical activity.
- Claims of very rapid weight loss can be misleading, often unhealthy, and the results may not be sustainable.
- Important: Always consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or starting a new weight loss program. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health status and needs.
Calories and Pounds of Fat:
- It is generally estimated that you need to create a calorie deficit of approximately 3,500 calories to lose about 1 pound of body fat. This deficit can be achieved over several days or a week.
Food Portions (e.g., "lbs of turkey per person"):
- Turkey (bone-in, whole, for an event like Thanksgiving): A common guideline is to plan for about 1 to 1.5 pounds of uncooked turkey per person. This accounts for bone weight and usually allows for some leftovers.
- Boneless meat (as a main course portion): Roughly 1/3 to 1/2 pound (about 5-8 ounces) per adult is often suggested, but this can vary widely based on appetite, the specific cut of meat, and what other dishes are being served.
The information provided here is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical or dietary advice.