One kilogram is 2.2046 pounds. NIST lists the avoirdupois pound as 0.4535924 kg (defined as exactly 0.45359237 kg), so pounds = kilograms ÷ 0.45359237, or kilograms × 2.20462. For example, 5 kg is 11.02 lb and 70 kg is 154.32 lb. One kilogram also equals 35.274 ounces.
How many pounds are in a kilogram?
The kilogram is the SI base unit of mass; the pound is a US customary unit of 16 avoirdupois ounces. Using NIST's factor, 1 ÷ 0.45359237 = 2.204623 pounds per kilogram. Multiplying by 16 gives 35.274 ounces per kilogram.
Formulas
pounds = kilograms × 2.20462
kilograms = pounds × 0.45359237 (or pounds ÷ 2.20462)
ounces = kilograms × 35.274
grams = pounds × 453.59237
Converters: kg to lbs, kg to oz, pounds to grams and kg to stone.
Kilograms to pounds chart
| Kilograms | Pounds |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2.20 |
| 2 | 4.41 |
| 5 | 11.02 |
| 10 | 22.05 |
| 25 | 55.12 |
| 50 | 110.23 |
| 70 | 154.32 |
| 100 | 220.46 |
Pounds to kilograms chart
| Pounds | Kilograms |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.454 |
| 2 | 0.907 |
| 5 | 2.268 |
| 10 | 4.536 |
| 20 | 9.072 |
| 50 | 22.680 |
| 100 | 45.359 |
| 150 | 68.039 |
| 200 | 90.718 |
Worked examples
Example 1: body weight
A person weighing 154 lb has a mass of 154 × 0.45359237 = 69.85 kg, and 180 lb is 81.65 kg. Weight-based formulas such as the BMR calculator work in kilograms, so pounds must be converted first.
Example 2: luggage
An airline limit of 23 kg is 23 × 2.20462 = 50.7 lb. A bag that weighs 50 lb is 22.68 kg, so it fits under the limit by 0.32 kg.
Example 3: a recipe
A recipe calling for 1.5 kg of potatoes needs 1.5 × 2.20462 = 3.31 lb, or 52.9 oz. The reverse for small amounts is in how many grams in a pound.
Example 4: a baby's weight
A newborn weighing 7 lb 8 oz is 7.5 lb, which is 7.5 × 0.45359237 = 3.40 kg.
Example 5: the stone
A stone is 14 pounds (6.35 kg). A weight of 70 kg is 154.32 lb, which is 11 stone and 0.32 lb.
Quick ways to estimate
- Kilograms to pounds: double it, then add 10% (70 kg: 140 + 14 = 154 lb, against the exact 154.32).
- Pounds to kilograms: halve it, then subtract 10% (150 lb: 75 - 7.5 = 67.5 kg, against 68.04).
- Check: a kilogram is always a little more than 2 pounds (2.2).
A kilogram and a pound measure mass, but scales and food labels often show only one of them; see the metric vs imperial guide and how many ounces in a pound for related conversions.