How to convert kg to lb
lb = kg × 2.204622622. The scale factor is the source-unit factor divided by the destination-unit factor.
Worked example
An airline baggage allowance of 23 kg converts to 50.7063203 lb.
- Start with 23 kg.
- Multiply 23 by 2.204622622.
- Report 50.7063203 lb, rounded to the precision of your original measurement.
Airlines may round displayed allowances. Compare the permitted value in the airline’s stated unit rather than rounding your bag’s measured mass down.
Check the reverse conversion
1 lb = 0.45359237 kg. Use the pound to kilogram converter to calculate in the opposite direction. This has its own formula and reference table.
Definitions that matter
Pounds and ounces here are avoirdupois units, not troy units for precious metals. A tonne is 1,000 kg; it is not a US short ton or imperial long ton. Mass is not gravitational force.
The base unit for this category is kg. One kg corresponds to 1 kg; one lb corresponds to 0.45359237 kg. These definitions explain the relationship rather than relying on a rounded display value.
Sources and precision
Definitions: NIST Guide to the SI. Calculations use double precision; the tool defaults to a readable rounded result, while tables show up to ten significant digits. Displaying more digits does not increase the accuracy of the original measurement.
Read our calculation methodology and content standards, or continue with kilograms, pounds and exact conversion factors.