Converting Pounds to Kilograms Conversion Example Problem

Pounds (lb) and kilograms (kg) are two important units of mass and weight. The units are used for body weight, produce weight, and many other measurements. This worked example problem demonstrates how to convert pounds to kilograms and kilograms to pounds.

Pounds to Kilograms Problem

A man weighs 176 lbs. What is his weight in kilograms?

Start with the conversion factor between pounds and kilograms.

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How To Convert Kilograms to Grams

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

1 kg = 2.2 lbs

Write this in the form of an equation to solve for kilograms:

weight in kg = weight in lb x (1 kg / 2.2 lb)

The pounds cancel out, leaving kilograms. In essence this means all you have to do to get a kilogram weight in pounds is divide by 2.2:

x kg = 176 lbs x 1 kg/2.2 lbs
x kg = 80 kg

The 176 lb. man weighs 80 kg.

Kilograms to Pounds Conversion

It's easy to work the conversion the other way, too. If given a value in kilograms, all you need to do is multiply it by 2.2 to get the answer in pounds.

For example, if a melon weighs 0.25 kilograms, its weight in pounds is 0.25 x 2.2 = 0.55 lbs.

Check Your Work

To get a ballpark conversion between pounds and kilograms, remember there are about 2 pounds in a 1 kilogram, or the number is twice as much. The other way to look at it is to remember there are about half as many kilograms in a pound.