Kilogram to Pound Converter (kg to lbs)
Instantly convert between kilograms and pounds using this precise tool. Essential for fitness, nutrition, and shipping applications. 100% free with no registration required.
Conversion Formula
1 kilogram (kg) = 2.20462 pounds (lbs)
To convert kilograms to pounds:
pounds = kilograms × 2.20462
Example: 5 kg × 2.20462 = 11.0231 lbs
Kilogram to Pound Conversion Table
| Kilograms (kg) | Pounds (lbs) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 kg | 0.220462 lbs |
| 0.5 kg | 1.10231 lbs |
| 1 kg | 2.20462 lbs |
| 2 kg | 4.40924 lbs |
| 5 kg | 11.0231 lbs |
| 10 kg | 22.0462 lbs |
| 20 kg | 44.0924 lbs |
| 50 kg | 110.231 lbs |
| 100 kg | 220.462 lbs |
| 200 kg | 440.924 lbs |
| 500 kg | 1102.31 lbs |
Practical Examples
- Body weight: 70 kg = 154.324 lbs (average adult weight)
- Luggage: 23 kg = 50.7063 lbs (typical airline luggage limit)
- Food package: 5 kg = 11.0231 lbs (large bag of rice)
Professional Applications
- Fitness: Weight training and body mass calculations
- Nutrition: Dietary planning and food portion measurements
- Shipping: Package and cargo weight calculations
- Healthcare: Patient weight monitoring and medication dosing
Definition and Background
What is a Kilogram?
A kilogram (kg) is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as:
- Equal to the mass of the International Prototype Kilogram (IPK) until 2019
- Now defined by the Planck constant (6.62607015 × 10⁻³⁴ kg·m²·s⁻¹)
What is a Pound?
The pound (lbs) is a unit of weight in the imperial system, commonly used in the US. It is defined as:
- Exactly 0.45359237 kilograms
- Historically based on the weight of a grain of barley
Metric and Imperial Weight Hierarchy
| Unit | Symbol | Kilograms |
|---|---|---|
| Gram | g | 0.001 kg |
| Kilogram | kg | 1 kg |
| Metric Ton | t | 1,000 kg |
| Ounce | oz | 0.0283495 kg |
| Pound | lbs | 0.453592 kg |
| Stone | st | 6.35029 kg |
| Short Ton | ton (US) | 907.185 kg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I use kilograms instead of pounds?
Kilograms are the standard unit in the metric system, used globally in science, medicine, and most countries, while pounds are common in the US for everyday use.
How precise is kilogram to pound conversion?
The conversion factor (1 kg = 2.20462 lbs) is precise, but rounding to fewer decimal places (e.g., 2.2) is common for practical use.
What’s the history of the kilogram?
Introduced in 1795 during the French Revolution as part of the metric system, redefined in 2019 using the Planck constant for greater precision.
Are pounds used worldwide?
Pounds are primarily used in the US and a few other countries, while kilograms are standard in most of the world under the metric system.