Pound vs. Kg: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 21, 2024
A pound (lb) is a unit of weight in the imperial system, equal to 0.453592 kg, while a kilogram (kg) is the base unit of mass in the metric system.
Key Differences
The pound, used in the imperial system, is a unit of weight and is lighter than a kilogram. A kilogram, part of the metric system, is a base unit of mass and equals about 2.20462 pounds.
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Feb 21, 2024
In terms of daily use, pounds are commonly used in the United States for body weight and groceries. Kilograms are used globally, especially in scientific and medical fields, due to their standardization.
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Feb 21, 2024
A pound is divided into 16 ounces, a feature of the imperial system. In contrast, the metric system uses kilograms, which are divided into 1000 grams for smaller measurements.
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Feb 21, 2024
The abbreviation for pound is "lb," derived from the Latin word "libra." Kilogram's abbreviation is "kg," symbolizing its universal metric system presence.
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Feb 21, 2024
Pounds are often used in recipes and bodyweight measurements in the U.S. Kilograms are preferred internationally, including in sports like weightlifting and product packaging.
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Feb 21, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Global Usage
Predominantly used in the United States
Used worldwide, especially in science
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Feb 21, 2024
Common Applications
Body weight, cooking in the U.S.
Science, medicine, global applications
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Feb 21, 2024
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Pound and Kg Definitions
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Pound
A unit of apothecary weight equal to 12 ounces (373.242 grams). See Table at measurement.
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Jan 17, 2024
Kg
One thousand grams; the basic unit of mass adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites;
A kilogram is approximately 2.2 pounds
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
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 17, 2024
Pound
The primary unit of currency in Ireland and Cyprus before the adoption of the euro.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
A primary unit of currency in Scotland before the Act of Union (1707). Also called pound scots.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
An animal shelter, especially one operated by a public agency to house stray or confiscated animals.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
A tank or submerged cage, as on a boat, in which live fish or shellfish are kept.
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Pound
New England An establishment at which live lobsters are kept and sold, often also offering no-frills restaurant service.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
A place in which vehicles impounded by the authorities are held until redeemed by their owners.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
To strike repeatedly and forcefully, especially with the hand or a tool
Pounded the nail with a hammer.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
To instill by persistent, emphatic repetition
Pounded knowledge into the students' heads.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
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 17, 2024
Pound
To cause harm or loss to; affect adversely
Stocks that were pounded when energy prices rose.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
(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 17, 2024
Pound
A unit of mass equal to 16 avoirdupois ounces (= 453.592 g). Today this value is the most common meaning of "pound" as a unit of weight.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
A unit of mass equal to 12 troy ounces (≈ 373.242 g). Today, this is a common unit of mass when measuring precious metals, and is little used elsewhere.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
The unit of currency used in the United Kingdom and its dependencies. It is divided into 100 pence. Symbol £.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
Any of various units of currency used in Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan and Syria, and formerly in the Republic of Ireland, Cyprus and Israel.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
Any of various units of currency formerly used in the United States.
The Rhode Island pound; the New Hampshire pound
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
(UK) A place for the detention of automobiles that have been illegally parked, abandoned, etc.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
A kind of fishing net, having a large enclosure with a narrow entrance into which fish are directed by wings spreading outward.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
(Newfoundland) a division inside a fishing stage where cod is cured in salt brine
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Pound
To pitch consistently to a certain location.
The pitcher has been pounding the outside corner all night.
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Pound
To beat strongly or throb.
As I tiptoed past the sleeping dog, my heart was pounding but I remained silent.
My head was pounding.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
(engineering) To make a jarring noise, as when running.
The engine pounds.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
To strike repeatedly with some heavy instrument; to beat.
With cruel blows she pounds her blubbered cheeks.
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Pound
To comminute and pulverize by beating; to bruise or break into fine particles with a pestle or other heavy instrument; as, to pound spice or salt.
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Pound
An inclosure, maintained by public authority, in which cattle or other animals are confined when taken in trespassing, or when going at large in violation of law; a pinfold.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
A kind of net, having a large inclosure with a narrow entrance into which fish are directed by wings spreading outward.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
A certain specified weight; especially, a legal standard consisting of an established number of ounces.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
A British denomination of money of account, equivalent to twenty shillings sterling, and equal in value to about $4.86. There is no coin known by this name, but the gold sovereign is of the same value.
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
A nontechnical unit of force equal to the mass of 1 pound with an acceleration of free fall equal to 32 feet/sec/sec
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
United States writer who lived in Europe; strongly influenced the development of modern literature (1885-1972)
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Pound
A public enclosure for stray or unlicensed dogs;
Unlicensed dogs will be taken to the pound
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
The act of pounding (delivering repeated heavy blows);
The sudden hammer of fists caught him off guard
The pounding of feet on the hallway
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Pound
Hit hard with the hand, fist, or some heavy instrument;
The salesman pounded the door knocker
A bible-thumping Southern Baptist
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Pound
Strike or drive against with a heavy impact;
Ram the gate with a sledgehammer
Pound on the door
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Pound
Partition off into compartments;
The locks pound the water of the canal
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Pound
Shut up or confine in any enclosure or within any bounds or limits;
The prisoners are safely pounded
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Jan 17, 2024
Pound
Break down and crush by beating, as with a pestle;
Pound the roots with a heavy flat stone
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Jan 17, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Why does the U.S. use pounds?
The U.S. uses the imperial system, which includes pounds.
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Feb 21, 2024
Is a kilogram bigger than a pound?
Yes, a kilogram is heavier than a pound.
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Feb 21, 2024
Are kg and lb interchangeable?
No, they belong to different measurement systems.
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Feb 21, 2024
Can I convert kg to pounds easily?
Yes, multiply kg by 2.20462 to get pounds.
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Feb 21, 2024
Do pounds or kilograms have higher precision?
Kilograms allow for more precise measurements.
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Feb 21, 2024
What areas use kg most?
Most of the world uses kg, especially in science and medicine.
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Feb 21, 2024
Can I find scales that measure in both?
Yes, many scales offer both lb and kg.
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Feb 21, 2024
Is it easy to visualize a kilogram?
Yes, it's roughly equivalent to a liter of water.
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Feb 21, 2024
Is lb used outside the U.S.?
It's also used in some other countries, but less commonly.
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Feb 21, 2024
Is kg a standard in sports?
Yes, in international sports, kg is the standard.
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Feb 21, 2024
Are all scientific measurements in kg?
Most scientific measurements use the metric system.
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Feb 21, 2024
Are postal items measured in lb or kg?
In the U.S., lb; internationally, kg.
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Feb 21, 2024
Is lb or kg better for cooking?
It depends on the country and the recipe's origin.
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Feb 21, 2024
Are food packages labeled in pounds or kg?
In the U.S., pounds; elsewhere, kg.
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Feb 21, 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.
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
