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# Pound (mass)

A pound (usually abbreviated as lb, plural lbs) is a unit used to measure the mass (that is, the weight) of something. It is used in the imperial system and the United States customary system. There are a number of different definitions. The most commonly used definition today is the international avoirdupois pound. This is equal to 0.4535923kilograms, and is divided into 16 avoirdupois ounces.[1]

## 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.

Units Grains Drachms Ounces Pounds Stones Quarters Short Hundredweights (Centals) Long Hundredweights Short Tons Long Tons Metric Value
Avoirdupois pound 7,000 256 16 1 114 128 1100 1120 12,000 12,400 453.59237 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.

Units Grains Pennyweights Ounces Pounds Metric Values
Troy Pound 5,760 240 12 1 373.2417216 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 one kilogram.

## Comparison

Units Avoirdupois pounds Troy pounds Metric value
Avoirdupois pound 1 1155875 453.59237 Grammes
Troy pound 720875 1 373.2417216 Grammes

## References

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