Lbs vs. Pounds: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 25, 2024
Lbs is the abbreviation for pounds, a unit of weight in the imperial system; both represent the same measurement and have no difference in value.
Key Differences
Lbs is the commonly used abbreviation for pounds, a unit of weight measurement in the imperial system. While "lbs" is a shorthand representation, "pounds" is the full term, both referring to the same unit of mass.
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Feb 25, 2024
In written contexts, "lbs" is often used for conciseness, especially in technical and scientific documentation. "Pounds," however, is the term used in everyday language and is more commonly spoken.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
The abbreviation "lbs" originates from the Latin word "libra," which was historically a unit of mass. "Pounds," derived from the Latin "pondus," meaning weight, has evolved into the standard term in English.
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Feb 25, 2024
In digital communication, especially where space is limited, "lbs" is preferred. In contrast, "pounds" is often used in formal writing and when clarity is crucial.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
The usage of "lbs" versus "pounds" depends largely on the context, with "lbs" being more technical and "pounds" more conversational. Despite this distinction in usage, they refer to the exact same unit of measurement.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Spoken or Written Preference
Less common in speech, more in writing
Commonly used in speech
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Feb 25, 2024
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Lbs and Pounds Definitions
Lbs
Lbs is the abbreviation for pounds, a unit of weight.
The package weighed 10 lbs.
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Jan 24, 2024
Pounds
Pounds is a unit of weight in the imperial system.
She lost 15 pounds on her diet.
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Jan 24, 2024
Lbs
Lbs is used for indicating weight in written form.
The recipe required 2 lbs of flour.
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Jan 24, 2024
Pounds
Pounds is often used in spoken language to describe weight.
He can bench press 200 pounds.
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Jan 24, 2024
Lbs
Lbs represents the weight measurement in the imperial system.
He lifted a 20 lbs dumbbell.
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Jan 24, 2024
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Lbs
Lbs is derived from the Latin word "libra."
The newborn baby weighed 6 lbs.
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Jan 24, 2024
Pounds
A unit of apothecary weight equal to 12 ounces (373.242 grams). See Table at measurement.
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Jan 22, 2024
Lbs
Lbs is a shorthand form for pounds, often used in technical contexts.
The aircraft's maximum takeoff weight is 15,000 lbs.
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Jan 24, 2024
Pounds
The primary unit of currency in the United Kingdom, worth 20 shillings or 240 old pence before the decimalization of 1971. Also called pound sterling.
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Jan 22, 2024
Pounds
The primary unit of currency in Ireland and Cyprus before the adoption of the euro.
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Jan 22, 2024
Pounds
A primary unit of currency in Scotland before the Act of Union (1707). Also called pound scots.
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Jan 22, 2024
Pounds
An animal shelter, especially one operated by a public agency to house stray or confiscated animals.
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Jan 22, 2024
Pounds
A tank or submerged cage, as on a boat, in which live fish or shellfish are kept.
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Jan 22, 2024
Pounds
New England An establishment at which live lobsters are kept and sold, often also offering no-frills restaurant service.
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Jan 22, 2024
Pounds
A place in which vehicles impounded by the authorities are held until redeemed by their owners.
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Jan 22, 2024
Pounds
To strike repeatedly and forcefully, especially with the hand or a tool
Pounded the nail with a hammer.
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Jan 22, 2024
Pounds
To beat to a powder or pulp; pulverize or crush
Pound corn into meal.
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Jan 22, 2024
Pounds
To instill by persistent, emphatic repetition
Pounded knowledge into the students' heads.
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Jan 22, 2024
Pounds
To produce energetically, as from forceful use of the hands. Often used with out
"a tinny piano pounding out Happy Birthday down the block" (Laura Kascischke).
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Jan 22, 2024
Pounds
To cause harm or loss to; affect adversely
Stocks that were pounded when energy prices rose.
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Jan 22, 2024
Pounds
(Slang) To drink quickly (a beverage, especially an alcoholic one). Often used with back or down
Pounded back a few beers after work.
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Jan 22, 2024
Pounds
To move along heavily and noisily
The children pounded up the stairs.
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Jan 22, 2024
Pounds
Pounds refer to the measurement of mass in everyday language.
The dog weighs 40 pounds.
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Jan 24, 2024
Pounds
Pounds is the full term used in formal and conversational contexts.
The recipe called for three pounds of potatoes.
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Jan 24, 2024
Pounds
Pounds is a measurement unit derived from the Latin "pondus."
The suitcase weighs exactly 50 pounds.
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Jan 24, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Why is "lbs" used instead of "pounds" in some contexts?
"Lbs" is used for conciseness, especially in technical writing and where space is limited.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Is there a value difference between lbs and pounds?
No, there is no value difference; lbs and pounds represent the same measurement.
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Feb 25, 2024
Can "pounds" and "lbs" be used interchangeably?
Yes, "pounds" and "lbs" can be used interchangeably as they refer to the same unit.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
What is the origin of the abbreviation "lbs"?
The abbreviation "lbs" originates from the Latin word "libra."
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
What does "lbs" stand for?
"Lbs" stands for pounds, a unit of weight measurement.
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Feb 25, 2024
Is "pounds" more formal than "lbs"?
Yes, "pounds" is generally more formal and conversational than "lbs."
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
What system of measurement does pounds belong to?
Pounds belong to the imperial system of measurement.
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Feb 25, 2024
Can "lbs" be used in legal documents?
Yes, "lbs" can be used in legal documents, but "pounds" is often clearer.
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Feb 25, 2024
Is "lbs" a modern abbreviation?
Yes, "lbs" is a modern abbreviation, adapted from its Latin origin.
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Feb 25, 2024
Is "lbs" common in spoken language?
"Lbs" is less common in spoken language and more common in written form.
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Feb 25, 2024
Are "lbs" and "pounds" used in the metric system?
No, "lbs" and "pounds" are not used in the metric system, which uses kilograms.
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Feb 25, 2024
How is "lbs" used in scientific contexts?
In scientific contexts, "lbs" is used for brevity and in technical specifications.
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Feb 25, 2024
Are there any other abbreviations for pounds besides "lbs"?
No, "lbs" is the standard abbreviation for pounds.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
Is "lbs" used internationally?
"Lbs" is used in countries that follow the imperial system; elsewhere, the metric system is more common.
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Feb 25, 2024
Is the plural form of pound "pounds" or "lbs"?
The plural form of pound is "pounds," while "lbs" is used for both singular and plural.
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Feb 25, 2024
What is the history behind the word "pounds"?
"Pounds" comes from the Latin "pondus," meaning weight, and has a long history in English.
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Feb 25, 2024
How is "pounds" used in everyday conversation?
"Pounds" is commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to weight.
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Feb 25, 2024
Can "pounds" refer to currency as well as weight?
Yes, "pounds" can also refer to British currency, but the context usually makes the meaning clear.
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Feb 25, 2024
Why is "pounds" preferred in formal writing?
"Pounds" is preferred in formal writing for clarity and convention.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 25, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.