Pound (mass)

A pound (usually abbreviated as lb, plural lbs) is a unit used to measure the mass of something. It is used in the imperial system and the United States customary system. It is related to the Pound (force). There are a number of different definitions. The most commonly used definition today is the international avoirdupois pound. This is equal to 0.45359237 kilograms, and is divided into 16 avoirdupois ounces.[1]

The abbreviation lb is for the Latin word libra, meaning weight.

Avoirdupois pound

The avoirdupois pound (abbreviation lb., plural lbs.) is the most common unit. This type is used for all purposes except the uses of the troy pound. Most people from the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Liberia and Burma use this as their standard measure of their personal mass.

UnitsGrainsDrachmsOuncesPoundsStonesQuartersShort Hundredweights (Centals)Long HundredweightsShort TonsLong TonsMetric Value
Avoirdupois pound7,000256161​1⁄14​1⁄28​1⁄100​1⁄112​1⁄2,000​1⁄2,240453.59237 Grammes

Troy pound

The troy pound (abbreviation t lb., plural t lbs.) is generally not used anymore. It was used in England by apothecaries and jewellers. A troy pound contains 12 troy ounces. The troy ounce is still used to measure the mass of precious metals and gems.

UnitsGrainsPennyweightsOuncesPoundsMetric Values
Troy Pound5,760240121373.2417216 Grammes

Metric pound

In some European countries, a metric pound is an informal term for half a kilogram (500 grams). In the Netherlands, however, the metric pound (Dutch: pond) is equal to 480 grams. A Dutch 'ons' is equal to 100 grams, and it is often said that 5 ons is 1 pond.

Comparison
UnitsAvoirdupois poundsTroy poundsMetric value
Avoirdupois pound11​155⁄875453.59237 Grammes
Troy pound​720⁄8751373.2417216 Grammes

References
  1. United States National Bureau of Standards (1959-06-25). "Notices "Refinement of values for the yard and the pound"" (PDF). Retrieved 2006-08-12.
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