How to Convert Kilograms to Pounds and Stones
Luggage limits, recipes and body weight are often shown in kilograms in one place and pounds in another. One factor handles all of it.
Kilograms to pounds
Pounds = Kilograms × 2.20462
70 kg × 2.20462 = 154.32 lb.
Pounds to kilograms
Divide by 2.20462, or multiply by 0.4536. For 150 lb: 150 × 0.4536 = 68.04 kg.
Pounds to stones
One stone is 14 pounds. Divide the pounds by 14: 154.32 ÷ 14 = 11.02, so about 11 stone and 0.3 lb.
Mental shortcut
Double the kilograms and add 10% of the result. For 70 kg: 140 + 14 = 154 lb, almost exact.
Airline example
A 23 kg suitcase limit is 50.7 lb, so a bag that reads 50 lb is just under.
Tip
Keep the full factor for cooking or medicine, and use the shortcut only for estimates.
Practical examples
A recipe asking for 2 lb of flour needs about 907 g. A parcel of 5 kg weighs 11.02 lb. A gym bar of 20 kg is 44.09 lb. For health records, always keep the original unit alongside the converted value so you can compare later readings without rounding errors building up.
Grams matter too. One kilogram is 1000 grams and one pound is 453.59 grams, so small amounts convert easily: 250 g is 0.55 lb, or about 8.8 ounces. Sixteen ounces make a pound. If you cook from American recipes, remember that cups measure volume, not weight, so use a scale and the pound or gram figures whenever the recipe gives them.
Try it yourself
Use our free unit converter to check your numbers instantly.