How to convert kilograms to pounds
Divide the number of kilograms by 0.45359237, or multiply by 2.20462262. The pound is defined as exactly 0.45359237 kg, so dividing by it is the exact conversion, and multiplying by the rounded 2.2046 comes within 0.002 percent.
Worked example: a person weighs 75 kg. 75 ÷ 0.45359237 = 165.3467 lb, which rounds to 165.3 lb. In stone and pounds that is 11 st 11.3 lb.
Do not use 2.2 if the answer matters. It is 0.2 percent too low, so 100 kg comes out at 220 lb instead of 220.46 lb. That is fine for a rough idea and not fine for a shipping label.
Luggage, the gym and the kitchen
- Checked baggage: many airlines allow 23 kg, which is 50.71 lb. Heavier bags, up to 32 kg, are 70.55 lb. Limits differ by airline and ticket, so check yours.
- Barbells and plates: a men's Olympic bar is 20 kg, 44.09 lb, and a women's is 15 kg, 33.07 lb. Plates of 25, 20, 15, 10 and 5 kg weigh 55.12 lb, 44.09 lb, 33.07 lb, 22.05 lb, 11.02 lb.
- Cooking: a 2.5 kg chicken is 5.51 lb, and a 1 kg bag of flour is 2.2 lb or 35.3 oz.
- Parcels: carriers quote weight limits in pounds in the US and in kilograms in most other places. A 10 kg parcel is 22.05 lb.
Body weight in kilograms, pounds and stone
Body weight is written in different units in different places: kilograms in most of the world, pounds in the US, and stone and pounds in the UK and Ireland. One stone is 14 pounds, 6.35 kg.
- 50 kg is 110.2 lb, or 7 st 12.2 lb.
- 60 kg is 132.3 lb, or 9 st 6.3 lb.
- 70 kg is 154.3 lb, or 11 st 0.3 lb.
- 80 kg is 176.4 lb, or 12 st 8.4 lb.
- 90 kg is 198.4 lb, or 14 st 2.4 lb.
- 100 kg is 220.5 lb, or 15 st 10.5 lb.
To get stone and pounds by hand: divide the pounds by 14. The whole number is the stone and the remainder is the pounds. For the reverse, see pounds to kilograms.
A mental shortcut that is off by about 0.2 percent
Double the kilograms, then add 10 percent of that. For 80 kg: 160 + 16 = 176 lb, against the exact 176.37 lb. It works because 2.2 is twice 1.1 and the real ratio is 2.2046. You can do it in two steps without a calculator.