Convert Mass from Kilogram to Pound (kg to lb)

Kilogram to Pound Conversion Formula

To convert from Kilogram (kg) to Pound (lb), use the following formula:

With $\frac{1}{453.59237}$ is the ratio between the base units Pound (lb) and Gram (g).

Example

Let's convert 5 Kilogram (kg) to Pound (lb).

Using the formula:

Therefore, 5 Kilogram (kg) is equal to $11.023113109243879036$ Pound (lb).

What is a Kilogram (kg)?

A kilogram (kg) is the base unit of mass in the metric system, used worldwide to measure everything from your body weight to the groceries you buy.

It's equal to 1,000 grams (g).

For a simple real-world comparison, the mass of a one-liter bottle of water is almost exactly one kilogram.

Key Takeaways

• A kilogram is 1,000 grams.
• The kilogram is now defined by the Planck constant, a fundamental constant of nature.
• Previously, it was defined by a physical metal cylinder in France named "Le Grand K."
• It is the only SI base unit that has a prefix ("kilo") in its name.

How Is the Kilogram Defined Today? From an Object to a Constant

For more than 130 years, the kilogram was a physical object: a platinum-iridium cylinder called the International Prototype Kilogram (IPK), also known as "Le Grand K," which was kept under tight security near Paris.

Scientists eventually found the problem — the artifact was losing an imperceptible amount of mass over time — so it couldn't guarantee the long-term accuracy required by science and industry.

On May 20, 2019, the kilogram was redefined.

It's no longer tied to a single object but to a fundamental constant of nature: the Planck constant (h). That change makes the kilogram stable and reproducible with precision anywhere in the universe.

What Was the Original Definition of the Kilogram?

The kilogram's story begins during the French Revolution with the creation of the metric system. The original definition, established in 1795, was beautifully simple and practical.

The gram was first defined as the mass of one cubic centimeter of water at 4 °C (39.2 °F), the temperature at which it is most dense.

From there, the kilogram was defined as the mass of one liter (one cubic decimeter) of water under the same conditions. This practical, water-based definition was a revolutionary step toward a global standard of measurement.

Why Is the Kilogram a Unique SI Base Unit?

The International System of Units (SI) is built on seven base units that serve as the foundation for all measurements. These include the meter for length, the second for time, and the ampere for electric current.

The kilogram is a historical oddity, as it's the only SI base unit with a prefix ("kilo").

Due to its origins, the kilogram, rather than the gram, became the fundamental unit of mass, making it a curious exception in the measurement system.

What is a Pound (lb)?

The pound (lb) is a basic unit of mass and weight in the imperial system. It's widely used in the United States and elsewhere to measure things like groceries, body weight, and shipping.

Why is a Pound Abbreviated as "lb"?

Have you ever wondered why we write "lb" for pound? The abbreviation has ancient Roman roots.

It originates from the Roman unit of mass, the libra, which is Latin for "scales" or "balance."

The whole Roman phrase was libra pondo, meaning "a pound by weight." While English speakers adopted the pondo part, which became the word "pound," the abbreviation "lb" was retained from the phrase "libra."

How Many Ounces in a Pound? Avoirdupois vs. Troy

Not all pounds are created equal. The two most common types are the avoirdupois pound and the troy pound.

• Avoirdupois Pound: This is the standard, everyday pound used for general purposes. It is equal to 16 ounces. When you weigh yourself or buy produce, you are using the avoirdupois pound.
• Troy Pound: This unit is used exclusively for weighing precious metals, such as gold and silver. A troy pound is lighter, containing only 12 troy ounces.

The Official Definition: Pound to Kilogram (kg) Conversion

To ensure global consistency, the pound is officially defined in relation to the kilogram (kg), the base unit of mass in the metric system.

Since 1959, one pound has been internationally defined as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms.

This agreement ensures that a pound in the US is the same as a pound in the UK. For everyday calculations, you can remember that 1 pound is about 0.45 kg.

What is the metric system?

What is the imperial system?

Kilogram to Pound Conversion Table

Here are some quick reference conversions from Kilogram (kg) to Pound (lb):