Your all-in-one online converter with real life examples

Weight Converter

About the Weight Converter

Weight (technically mass) is fundamental to cooking, health monitoring, shipping, fitness, and countless daily activities. Our weight converter provides accurate conversions between metric and imperial systems, helping you navigate between kilograms, pounds, grams, ounces, stones, and tons.

Whether you're following a recipe from another country, tracking your fitness goals, shipping packages internationally, or working on engineering projects, understanding weight conversions is essential. Get precise results with real-world context to better understand the measurements.

  • 1 kilogram = 2.20462 pounds (international avoirdupois pound)
  • 1 pound = 16 ounces = 453.592 grams
  • 1 stone = 14 pounds = 6.35029 kilograms
  • 1 tonne = 1,000 kilograms = 2,204.62 pounds
  • 1 gram = 0.035274 ounces

Real-World Examples: A 5 kg dumbbell weighs about 11 pounds. A 300-gram steak is roughly 10.5 ounces. A 23 kg suitcase weighs about 50 pounds. A small car typically weighs around 1.2 tonnes (2,600 pounds). A paperclip weighs approximately 1 gram.

Fun Facts About Weight Measurements

  • The abbreviation "lb" for pound comes from the Latin "libra," meaning scales or balance
  • The metric system was introduced during the French Revolution as part of decimalization efforts
  • The UK uniquely uses stones (14 pounds) for measuring human body weight
  • A US ton (2,000 lbs) differs from a metric tonne (2,204.62 lbs)
  • The kilogram is the only SI base unit still defined by a physical artifact (until 2019)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a kilogram heavier than a pound?

Yes, 1 kilogram equals approximately 2.2 pounds. So a kilogram is more than twice as heavy as a pound, making it useful for measuring larger quantities.

Why are there 16 ounces in a pound?

This comes from historical English measurement standards based on multiples of 2, 4, 8, and 16. The system predates decimal systems and was practical for halving quantities repeatedly.

How do stones compare to kilograms?

One stone equals 6.35029 kilograms or exactly 14 pounds. Stones are commonly used in the UK and Ireland for measuring human body weight, making weights like "10 stone" (140 lbs) easier to say.

What's the difference between a ton and a tonne?

A US "short ton" equals 2,000 pounds, while a metric "tonne" equals 1,000 kilograms (2,204.62 pounds). There's also a "long ton" (2,240 lbs) used in some contexts.

Which weight system does science use?

Science universally uses the metric system (SI units): grams, kilograms, and tonnes. This ensures consistency in research, medicine, and international collaboration.