The factor
A pound is defined as exactly 0.45359237 kg, so pounds = kg ÷ 0.45359237, or kg × 2.20462262185. Multiplying by 2.2 is a handy estimate that comes out about 0.46 lb short for every 100 kg.
Worked examples
Rounded to two decimal places:
| Kilograms | Pounds |
|---|---|
| 1 kg | 2.2 lb |
| 5 kg | 11.02 lb |
| 10 kg | 22.05 lb |
| 23 kg | 50.71 lb |
| 50 kg | 110.23 lb |
| 70 kg | 154.32 lb |
| 80 kg | 176.37 lb |
| 100 kg | 220.46 lb |
23 kg is a common checked-bag limit, 50.71 lb, where airlines that weigh in pounds use 50 lb.
Pounds and ounces
The part after the point is a fraction of a pound, not ounces. Multiply it by 16 for ounces: 3.5 kg is 7.72 lb, which is 7 lb 11.5 oz.
Questions
How many pounds is 70 kg?
154.32 lb, which is 11 stone 0.32 lb.
Is lbs the same as lb?
Yes. Both are short for pound, from the Latin libra. lb is the standard symbol and lbs a common plural.