Pound (mass)

Pound (mass)

The pound (symbol: lb) is a unit of mass used in the imperial and United States customary systems of measurement. The international avoirdupois pound, which is the most commonly used pound today, is defined as exactly 0.45359237 kilogram.

History

The word "pound" comes from the Latin word pendere, meaning "to weigh". The unit was historically used in many different systems, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Greek systems of measurement.

Avoirdupois pound

The avoirdupois pound is the most commonly used pound today. It is used in the United States and countries that do not use the metric system. The avoirdupois pound is defined as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms.

Troy pound

The troy pound was used in the troy weight system, which was used for precious metals like gold and silver. The troy pound is no longer in general use, but the troy ounce is still used for precious metals.

Conversion

One pound is equivalent to:

• 0.45359237 kilograms
• 16 ounces (avoirdupois)
• 12 ounces (troy)

See also

• Kilogram
• Ounce
• Troy weight
• Imperial system
• United States customary units