This conversion factor makes calculations simple and is fine for some applications, especially body mass of adults where daily fluctuations are likely to exceed any errors in calculations. Simplified conversion tables may cite a conversion factor or 2.2 pounds to a kilogram. Lastly, it is important to note that this conversion employes a large number of significant figures (decimal places). Troy pounds are often identified by the symbol lb t. This is by far the most common pound in use, however it is worth noting some precious metals may be weighed in pounds from the troy system. This conversion only applies to pounds originating from the avoirdupois system. The abbreviation lbm or lb m may be used the m indicated this is a mass. Using the term pounds-mass helps avoid confusion. It is important to recognize that this particular conversion is only applicable to mass, or when speaking of pounds the term weight may be used.

In common speech pounds may refer to a mass or a force. Therefore, an ounce is 0.45359237/ 16 a kilogram. All other weights in the avoirdupois system can be expressed in a ratio to the pound and therefore in a ratio to the kilogram.įor instance there are 16 ounces in a pound or put another way an ounce is 1/ 16 a pound. The agreement between these six nations established not only a link between the pound and the kilogram but a link between the metric system and all mass in the avoirdupois system. Most commonwealth nations having already agreed to the conversion in 1951. Other countries that signed the agreement passed laws at various times to make the precise conversion legal. International PoundĪdoption of the international conversion became effective in the United States on July 1, 1959.

It can also be referred to as the international pound. This agreement established the common pound from the avoirdupois system as exactly 0.453 592 37 kilograms. The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa signed an international yard and pound agreement on July 1, 1959. Recognizing this fact, six nations convened in 1959 to agree upon an exact conversion between the pound and the kilogram. An accurate conversion between the two is therefore important for accurate trade, engineering, and science. Pounds (lb) and kilograms (kg) are perhaps the most common units of mass measure in their respective systems of measure.

Weight converter lbs to kg