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The metric system is the most common measurement system in the world, but it is not the only one. Several nations, most notably the United States, are still using pounds to measure weight instead of grams. However, since the metric system is so easy to comprehend, this makes conversions from metric weight to pounds simple and easy.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Converting Kilograms to Pounds

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  1. 2 pounds. A kilogram is a unit of weight equal to 2.2 pounds: 1kg = 2.2 lbs.[1] This means that 2 kg = 4.4 lbs, 3 kg = 6.6 lbs, and so on.
    • Kilograms are abbreviated kg and pounds are abbreviated lbs.
  2. [2] Since each kilogram is 2.2 pounds, all you have to do is multiply the number of kilograms by this number to get your weight in pounds:
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  3. One kilogram is actually slightly heavier than 2.2 pound. This difference is so small that it doesn't matter in everyday life. If precision is very important, such as in a chemical reaction, use a more precise conversion:
    • [3]
  4. Quickly, without a calculator — what is 78.4 kilograms converted into pounds? The following estimation methods will help you get a close answer if you just need to approximate something, though you should remember they aren't always accurate:[4]
    • Rounding up and down: Round to the closest number you can easily multiply for a rough estimate. In this example, round 78.4 kg to 80 kg, and 2.2 lb/kg to 2 lb/kg:
      • Estimated Answer: 80 kg * 2 lb/kg = 160 lbs.
    • Double Decimals: Remember that This is still pretty difficult, so round 78.4 to the nearest whole number to get (78 * 2) + (78 * 0.2). Multiply 78 by 2 to get 156. For the second part, you can use the same result (156), then just slide the decimal one place to the left: 156 becomes 15.6. Add the two results together and voila!
      • Estimated Answer: (78 * 2) + (78 * 0.2) = 156 + (156 * 0.1) = 156 + 15.6 = 171.6 lb
    • Actual Answer (for comparison): 78.4 kg * 2.2 lb/kg = 172.48 lbs.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Converting Other Metric Weights into Pounds (grams, milligrams, etc.)

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  1. The basic metric unit of weight is the gram. All other metric units of weight are equal to the gram multiplied by a power of ten, as described by the prefix. For example, "kilo-" means 1000, and a kilogram weighs exactly 1000 grams. "Milli" means "1/1000," so each milligram is one one-thousandth the weight of a gram (thus, 1000 milligrams = 1 gram).[5]
    • = 0.001 grams
    • This article uses American notation, writing decimal marks with a period (.).
  2. Converting between metric units doesn't even require arithmetic. Instead, move the decimal point one place to the left to divide by 10, or one space to the right to multiply by 10.[6] Here's an example:
    • To convert 450 grams into kilograms, first work out the conversion for a single gram: 1000 grams = 1 kg, so therefore 1 gram = kg → 1 gram = 0.001 kg.
    • The conversion from 1 gram to 0.001 kg involves moving the decimal place to the left three times (1 → 0.1 → 0.01 → 0.001).
    • Do the same to convert your measurement from grams to kilograms. Start with 450 grams, move the decimal to the left three times, and you get 0.45. Therefore 450 grams = 0.45 kg.
  3. Once you've got your measurement in kilograms, the process is the same as described in the section above. Simply multiply the kilograms by 2.2 to convert them into pounds. In the last example above, multiply 0.45 kg * 2.2 lb/kg = 0.99 lb. Here's another example to show you the whole process from start to finish:
    • Convert 3045 grams into pounds.
    • First, convert grams into kilograms:
      1 gram = 0.001 kg
      3045 g = 3.045 kg
    • Next, convert kilograms to pounds:
      1 kg = 2.2 lb
      3.045 kg * 2.2 lb/kg = 6.699 lb
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What is 83.9 kg. in pounds?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    1 kg = 2.2 approximately, but the real number is 2.20462. So if you want to convert 83.9 kg to pounds, multiply 83.9 kg by 2.2 (or 2.20462) and you've got your answer.
  • Question
    How do I change pounds to kilograms?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Multiply the number of pounds by 0.4536.
  • Question
    How do you convert weight in pounds to metric equivalent?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    One pound is the equivalent of 0.45359 kilogram.
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About This Article

Joseph Meyer
Reviewed by:
Math Teacher
This article was reviewed by Joseph Meyer. Joseph Meyer is a High School Math Teacher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is an educator at City Charter High School, where he has been teaching for over 7 years. Joseph is also the founder of Sandbox Math, an online learning community dedicated to helping students succeed in Algebra. His site is set apart by its focus on fostering genuine comprehension through step-by-step understanding (instead of just getting the correct final answer), enabling learners to identify and overcome misunderstandings and confidently take on any test they face. He received his MA in Physics from Case Western Reserve University and his BA in Physics from Baldwin Wallace University. This article has been viewed 169,286 times.
57 votes - 40%
Co-authors: 27
Updated: July 14, 2024
Views: 169,286
Categories: Conversion Aids
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 169,286 times.

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