Pound (mass) facts for kids
A pound (often shortened to lb) is a unit used to measure the mass (or weight) of something. It is part of the imperial system and the United States customary system. There are a few different types of pounds. The most common one today is the international avoirdupois pound. This pound is equal to about 0.45 kilograms and is made up of 16 avoirdupois ounces.
The Avoirdupois Pound
The avoirdupois pound (also called lb.) is the most common type of pound. People use it for almost everything, like measuring their own weight or the weight of groceries. Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and others use this as their main way to measure weight.
- One avoirdupois pound is equal to 16 ounces.
- It is also equal to 7,000 grains.
- In the metric system, one avoirdupois pound is about 453.59 grams.
The Troy Pound
The troy pound (abbreviated t lb.) is not used much anymore. It was once used in England by apothecaries (people who prepared medicines) and jewellers. A troy pound has 12 troy ounces. Even though the troy pound is rare, the troy ounce is still used today. It helps measure the weight of precious metals like gold and silver, and also gems.
- One troy pound contains 12 troy ounces.
- It is equal to 5,760 grains.
- In the metric system, one troy pound is about 373.24 grams.
The Metric Pound
In some European countries, people sometimes use the term "metric pound" informally. This usually means half a kilogram, which is 500 grams. However, in the Netherlands, their "pond" (metric pound) is actually equal to one full kilogram.
Comparing Different Pounds
It can be helpful to see how the different types of pounds compare to each other.
- One avoirdupois pound is equal to about 1.215 troy pounds.
- One troy pound is equal to about 0.823 avoirdupois pounds.
- The avoirdupois pound is heavier than the troy pound.
See also
In Spanish: Libra (unidad de masa) para niños
