Pounds (lb)
A pound (lb) is a unit of mass equal to 0.45359237 kilograms exactly, as defined by international agreement. It is used primarily in the United States and countries employing the imperial system to measure body weight, food products, and industrial materials [nist-si-guide]. The pound is subdivided into 16 ounces.
Origin
The pound traces back to Roman libra units, evolving through medieval English measures. The international avoirdupois pound was standardized in 1959 by the United States, United Kingdom, and other anglophone countries to harmonize measurements [nist-si-guide].
Worldwide Use
The pound remains in use in the US, Liberia, and Myanmar for everyday mass measurement. It is common in commerce, health, and transportation sectors despite SI units predominating globally [bipm-si-brochure].
Common References
- Average adult body weight often reported in pounds
- Food packaging lists mass in pounds
- Postal weight limits in pounds
- Weights used in fitness training
- Luggage weight restrictions