Disclaimer: We've spent hundreds of hours building and testing our calculators and conversion tools. However, we cannot be held liable for any damages or losses (monetary or otherwise) arising out of or in connection with their use. Full disclaimer.
How to convert pounds to kilograms (lb to kg)
The formula for converting pounds to kilograms is: kg = lb × 0.45359237. To calculate the pound value in kilograms first substitute the pound value into the preceding formula, and then perform the calculation. If we wanted to calculate 1 pound in kilograms we follow these steps:
kg = lb × 0.45359237
kg = 1 × 0.45359237
kg = 0.45359237
In other words, 1 pound is equal to 0.45359237 kilograms.
Example Conversion
Let's take a look at an example. The step-by-step process to convert 5 pounds to kilograms is:
- Understand the conversion formula: kg = lb × 0.45359237
- Substitute the required value. In this case we substitute 5 for lb so the formula becomes: kg = 5 × 0.45359237
- Calculate the result using the provided values. In our example the result is: 5 × 0.45359237 = 2.26796185 kg
In summary, 5 pounds is equal to 2.26796185 kilograms.
Converting kilograms to pounds
In order to convert the other way around i.e. kilograms to pounds, you would use the following formula: lb = kg × 2.20462. To convert kilograms to pounds first substitute the kilogram value into the above formula, and then execute the calculation. If we wanted to calculate 1 kilogram in pounds we follow these steps:
lb = kg × 2.20462
lb = 1 × 2.20462
lb = 2.20462
Or in other words, 1 kilogram is equal to 2.20462 pounds.
Conversion Unit Definitions
What is a Pound?
Weight Measurement: The pound is primarily used to measure weight or mass. It is equal to 16 ounces or approximately 0.4536 kilograms. In other words, one pound is approximately 0.45 kilograms.
Origins: The pound has a historical background and has been used as a unit of measurement for centuries. Its origin can be traced back to ancient Roman measurements. Over time, the pound has undergone standardization and refinement in various countries.
Avoirdupois System: The pound is part of the avoirdupois system, which is commonly used for everyday weight measurements in countries like the United States. In this system, the pound is the primary unit, and it is divided into ounces and further subdivided into smaller units like grains.
Common Uses: The pound is widely used in everyday contexts, such as in the measurement of body weight, food portions, and commercial products. It is commonly used in retail, shipping, agriculture, and various industries in countries that have not fully transitioned to the metric system.
Symbol: The symbol for pound is "lb." The abbreviation "lb" originates from the Latin word "libra," which means "balance" or "scales." It represents the weight unit and is often written after the numerical value, such as "5 lb" to denote 5 pounds.
International Usage: While the pound is primarily used in the United States and a few other countries, it is not as widely adopted internationally. Most countries have transitioned to the metric system, where the kilogram is the standard unit of measurement for mass.
Conversion: The pound can be converted to other units of weight or mass. For example, one pound is equal to 16 ounces or approximately 0.45 kilograms. Conversely, one kilogram is approximately 2.2046 pounds.
What is a Kilogram?
Mass Measurement: The kilogram is used to measure mass, which is the amount of matter in an object. It is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI) and is considered one of the seven fundamental SI units.
International System of Units (SI): The kilogram is part of the metric system and is used globally as a standard unit of mass measurement. The metric system provides a decimal-based system of measurement, facilitating easy conversion between different metric units.
Definition: Until recently, the kilogram was defined by a physical artifact known as the International Prototype of the Kilogram (IPK), a platinum-iridium cylinder kept in France. However, in 2019, the kilogram was redefined based on a fundamental constant of nature known as the Planck constant. This new definition ensures the stability and reproducibility of the kilogram.
Conversion: The kilogram can be easily converted to other metric units. For example, one kilogram is equal to 1,000 grams or 1,000,000 milligrams. Conversely, one gram is equal to 0.001 kilograms, and one milligram is equal to 0.001 grams or 0.000001 kilograms.
Symbol: The symbol for kilogram is "kg." For example, a mass measurement of 2.5 kilograms would be written as 2.5 kg.
Common Uses: The kilogram is widely used in scientific research, engineering, industry, commerce, and everyday life for measuring mass. It is used in fields such as physics, chemistry, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, among others.
International Usage: The kilogram is the standard unit of mass measurement in most countries globally, as it is part of the International System of Units (SI). Its usage promotes consistency, compatibility, and ease of communication across different regions and scientific disciplines.
Pounds To Kilograms Conversion Table
Below is a lookup table showing common pounds to kilograms conversion values.
Pound (lb) | Kilogram (kg) |
---|---|
1 lb | 0.45359237 kg |
2 lb | 0.90718474 kg |
3 lb | 1.36077711 kg |
4 lb | 1.81436948 kg |
5 lb | 2.26796185 kg |
6 lb | 2.72155422 kg |
7 lb | 3.17514659 kg |
8 lb | 3.62873896 kg |
9 lb | 4.08233133 kg |
10 lb | 4.5359237 kg |
11 lb | 4.98951607 kg |
12 lb | 5.44310844 kg |
13 lb | 5.89670081 kg |
Other Common Pound Conversions
Below is a table of common conversions from pounds to other weight units.
Conversion | Result |
---|---|
1 pound in stone | 0.0714285714285714285714285714286 st |
1 pound in grams | 453.592 g |