Kilograms to Pounds Conversion Calculator
Symbol: kg
What it is:
A kilogram (kg) is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined using the fixed numerical value of the Planck constant (6.62607015 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s), ensuring consistency and precision in measurements.
Scientific Basis:
The modern definition relies on fundamental constants rather than a physical artifact. This redefinition aligns with changes in the definitions of the meter and the second, ensuring long-term stability and accuracy in the SI system.
Conversion Result
Use the converter above to calculate different values and units
What is Weight Measurement?
Weight measurement quantifies the force exerted on an object by gravity, essential in commerce, health, science, and everyday activities. While mass (measured in kilograms) is constant regardless of location, weight varies depending on gravitational force.
Kilograms (kg) are the standard unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). Pounds (lb) are the imperial and US customary unit of weight, with 1 kilogram equaling exactly 2.20462 pounds since the international yard and pound agreement of 1959.
Learn more on Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) or NIST.
Common Conversions
| kg | pounds |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2.2046 |
| 5 | 11.0231 |
| 10 | 22.0462 |
| 20 | 44.0924 |
| 50 | 110.2310 |
| 100 | 220.4620 |
Practical Use Cases
- Fitness and Health: Tracking body weight (pounds in US, kilograms internationally) and calculating appropriate exercise loads
- Cooking and Baking: Converting recipe ingredients between measurement systems (especially international recipes)
- Shipping and Logistics: Calculating freight costs and conforming to weight limits for international shipments
- Travel: Converting luggage weight for airline restrictions (pounds in US, kilograms in most other countries)
- Medicine: Converting body weight for proper medication dosing (often requires kg for calculations)
Educational Resource
This educational video explains the relationship between kilograms and pounds and demonstrates how to convert between these units of measurement.
Conversion Tools
Download Conversion Chart (PDF)Get our comprehensive kg to pounds conversion chart for quick reference when you're offline.
Kilograms to Pounds Conversion FAQs
Find answers to common questions about converting between kilograms and pounds.