Pounds to Kilograms Converter
1 lb = 0.4536 kg (exactly 0.453592 kg). US strength programmes, product packaging, and airline limits in pounds; the rest of the world uses kg. The standard economy baggage allowance is 23 kg in metric markets and 50 lb in the US; the two are almost identical (50.7 lb vs 50.0 lb), just written differently.
Last updated: June 2026
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Converting pounds to kilograms
Enter a pound value in the "From" field to instantly see the equivalent in kilograms. The conversion uses the formula: kilograms = pounds × 0.453592. You can use the preset buttons (1, 5, 10, 50, 100 lbs) to quickly test common values, or swap the units to convert kilograms back to pounds.
Weight reference: barbells, baggage, and body weight
| Pounds | Kilograms | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb | 0.454 kg | Small product or item |
| 5 lbs | 2.27 kg | Small package |
| 10 lbs | 4.54 kg | Common parcel weight |
| 50 lbs | 22.68 kg | Luggage or shipment limit |
| 100 lbs | 45.36 kg | Heavy item or body weight reference |
| 150 lbs | 68.04 kg | Average adult body weight |
Gym and fitness: US barbells and dumbbells in metric
US gym equipment is almost universally labelled in pounds. European equipment uses kilograms. When following a US strength programme on metric equipment, use the table below to match the nearest available plate combination. The standard Olympic barbell weighs 20 kg (44 lb); US programmes assume 45 lb (20.41 kg), so the 1 lb gap is close enough for practical use.
| US prescription (lbs) | Exact kg | Nearest metric plates |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | 2.27 kg | 2.5 kg plate |
| 10 lbs | 4.54 kg | 5 kg plate |
| 25 lbs | 11.34 kg | 10 + 1.25 kg |
| 35 lbs | 15.88 kg | 15 + 1 kg |
| 45 lbs | 20.41 kg | 20 kg plate (closest standard) |
| 135 lbs (bar + 2x45) | 61.24 kg | 20 kg bar + 2x20 kg = 60 kg |
| 225 lbs (3 plates/side) | 102.1 kg | 20 kg bar + 2x40 kg = 100 kg |
Airline baggage limits in pounds and kilograms
Airlines set baggage allowances in whichever unit suits the region, so a US traveller used to pounds often has to meet a limit written in kilograms. On most full-service airlines the standard checked bag is 23 kg, which is almost exactly 50 lb (50.7 lb), and 50 lb is the round figure US carriers print. A heavier premium or business allowance is usually 32 kg, about 70 lb, which is also roughly the point at which a bag becomes too heavy for one handler to lift safely. Carry-on limits are lower and stricter, commonly 7 to 10 kg, or about 15 to 22 lb.
| Allowance | Kilograms | Pounds |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on (typical) | 7-10 kg | 15-22 lb |
| Checked, economy | 23 kg | 50 lb |
| Checked, premium or business | 32 kg | 70 lb |
| Overweight fee threshold | over 23 kg | over 50 lb |
If your bag weighs more in pounds than the kilogram limit allows, move items into a carry-on or pay the excess before you reach the airport, where the fee is usually highest.
Frequently Asked Questions
US product specs are in pounds, so how do I match them to European kg sizes?
Divide the pound value by 2.205 to get kg. A 10 lb bag = 4.54 kg, a 25 lb bag = 11.34 kg. European equivalents often come in rounded metric sizes (5 kg, 10 kg) that don't match exactly. When buying, round up to the nearest available metric size to avoid running short.
A US recipe says 2 lbs of chicken, so what does that look like at the supermarket?
2 lbs = 907 g, so look for a roughly 900 g pack. Supermarket packs are typically 500 g, 750 g or 1 kg. A 900 g or 1 kg pack is the closest match. For 1 lb, look for a 450 g or 500 g pack.
What are the parcel weight limits in pounds vs kg for major carriers?
USPS domestic: up to 70 lbs (31.75 kg). FedEx and UPS Ground standard: up to 150 lbs (68 kg). International parcels: typically capped at 30 kg (66 lbs) by customs rules, though carrier limits may be higher. Always check the destination country's customs limit, not just the carrier's.
Dumbbell and weight plate labels are in lbs, so how do I convert to kg?
5 lbs = 2.27 kg, 10 lbs = 4.54 kg, 25 lbs = 11.34 kg, 45 lbs = 20.41 kg. Most European gym equipment uses kg plates (2.5, 5, 10, 20 kg). A 45 lb "bar standard" in the US is closest to a 20 kg plate in Europe. Use exact values when programming strength training to avoid overshoot.
Is 200 lbs considered heavy?
200 lbs = 90.72 kg. Context depends on height: at 5'10" (178 cm) this gives a BMI of ~28.8 (overweight range); at 6'3" (191 cm) it gives ~25.1 (healthy range). Weight alone is not a health indicator without height and muscle mass. Use a BMI calculator for a more complete picture.
How do I estimate pounds in kilograms in my head?
Halve the pound figure, then take off about 10 percent. So 100 lb is roughly 50 minus 5, which is 45 kg (the exact answer is 45.4 kg). The shortcut runs a little under 1 percent low, which is close enough for judging a parcel or a body weight at a glance, but use the converter when the number has to be exact.
What happens if my checked bag is over the weight limit?
Most airlines charge an overweight fee once a checked bag passes the 23 kg (50 lb) economy limit, and many refuse bags heavier than 32 kg (70 lb) outright because they exceed safe single-person lifting rules. The fee is usually highest if you pay at the airport, so weigh the bag at home and move heavy items into your carry-on before you travel.