Kilograms to pounds (kg to lb)

The formula

lb = kg × 2.204622622

Where the factor comes from — each unit by its definition, then its size in SI:

• 1 kg is the SI unit of mass.
• 1 lb = 0.45359237 × kg = 0.45359237 kg

Dividing the two SI sizes gives the factor: 2.20462262185 (rounded for display; the underlying ratio is fixed by the definitions). The reverse factor is 0.45359237.

Physics formulas take mass in kilograms. Pounds (lb) are a unit of mass; pound-force (lbf) is the weight of a pound — a different quantity, on the force page.

Worked examples

• A family car: 1,500 kg = 3,306.93 lb — 1,500 × 2.204622622 = 3,306.93
• An adult: 75 kg = 165.347 lb — 75 × 2.204622622 = 165.347
• A bag of flour: 0.453592 kg = 1 lb — 0.453592 × 2.204622622 = 1
• A block of butter (250 g): 0.25 kg = 0.551156 lb — 0.25 × 2.204622622 = 0.551156

Frequently asked questions