How Many Pounds in a Kilogram?
There are 2.20462 pounds in one kilogram.
How to Convert Kilograms to Pounds
To convert kilograms to pounds, multiply by 2.20462.
For example: 5 kilograms × 2.20462 = 11.0231 pounds.
Why This Number Matters
Luggage allowances, gym plates, medical records and bathroom scales switch between the two constantly. This is the number behind the familiar "a kilo is a bit over two pounds".
A 20-kilogram bag of dog food is 44.0925 pounds, which American packaging sells as a 44-pound bag.
What People Get Wrong
The exact definition runs the other way: a pound is exactly 0.45359237 kilograms. 2.20462 is a rounded reciprocal, so dividing by 0.45359237 gives a more precise answer than multiplying by 2.20462.
Kilograms to Pounds Conversion Table
| Kilograms (kg) | Pounds (lb) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2.20462 |
| 2 | 4.40925 |
| 3 | 6.61387 |
| 4 | 8.81849 |
| 5 | 11.0231 |
| 6 | 13.2277 |
| 7 | 15.4324 |
| 8 | 17.637 |
| 9 | 19.8416 |
| 10 | 22.0462 |
| 11 | 24.2508 |
| 12 | 26.4555 |
| 13 | 28.6601 |
| 14 | 30.8647 |
| 15 | 33.0693 |
| 16 | 35.274 |
| 17 | 37.4786 |
| 18 | 39.6832 |
| 19 | 41.8878 |
| 20 | 44.0925 |
| 25 | 55.1156 |
| 30 | 66.1387 |
| 40 | 88.1849 |
| 50 | 110.231 |
| 75 | 165.347 |
| 100 | 220.462 |
| 250 | 551.156 |
| 500 | 1,102.31 |
| 1,000 | 2,204.62 |
About These Units
The kilogram
The kilogram is the SI base unit of mass, redefined in 2019 in terms of the Planck constant. The pound is now legally defined as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms.
The pound
The pound is exactly 0.45359237 kilograms and contains 16 ounces. It is the standard American unit for body weight, groceries and shipping.
Definitions follow NIST Special Publication 811, Appendix B. See how we calculate for the exact values and rounding rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pounds is 1 kg exactly?
One kilogram is 2.2046226218 pounds to ten digits. It is not an exact decimal, because the exact definition fixes the pound in kilograms rather than the reverse.
Is 2.2 close enough?
It is 0.2 percent low. On a 100-kilogram weight that is about 460 grams, or one pound.
How many kilograms in a pound?
One pound is exactly 0.45359237 kilograms.
How many pounds is 10 kg?
10 kilograms is 22.0462 pounds.