Pounds To Stone Converter

While pounds (lbs) are the standard unit for measuring body weight in the United States, the stone remains a common unit in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Understanding how to convert pounds to stone is essential for anyone communicating with people from these regions or interpreting health and fitness information from UK sources. This guide explains the conversion process and introduces our simple Pounds to Stone Converter.

What is a Stone?

The stone (abbreviated as st) is an English and imperial unit of mass that is equal to 14 pounds. The use of the stone as a unit of weight dates back centuries, where it was historically used for trade, particularly for agricultural goods like wool. While its use has declined in most official contexts, it has persisted as a popular and informal way to express human body weight in the UK.

The Pounds to Stone Conversion Formula

The conversion is based on a single, fixed relationship between the two units, making the math straightforward.

The Core Relationship

The fundamental conversion factor is:

Converting from Pounds to Stone

To convert a total number of pounds into the stone and pound format, you perform a division with a remainder.

1. Divide the total pounds by 14.
2. The whole number part of the result is the number of stone.
3. The remainder from the division is the number of pounds.

Formula

Stone = floor(Total Pounds / 14)

Remaining Pounds = Total Pounds % 14

(Where '%' is the modulo operator, which gives the remainder of a division).

Converting from Stone to Pounds

To get the total pounds from a stone and pound measurement, you reverse the process.

Total Pounds = (Stone × 14) + Remaining Pounds

How to Use Our Pounds to Stone Converter

Our tool simplifies this process for you. Here’s how to use it:

1. Enter Pounds: If you know the total weight in pounds, enter it into the "Pounds (lbs)" field. The calculator will automatically show you the equivalent in stone and remaining pounds.
2. Enter Stone and Pounds: If you have a weight in the stone/pound format, enter the values into their respective fields. The calculator will instantly calculate the total weight in pounds.

Practical Example

Let's say a person weighs 150 pounds and wants to know their weight in stone.

• Input: Enter "150" into the "Pounds (lbs)" field.
• Calculation:
  • 150 ÷ 14 = 10.714...
  • The whole number is 10, so that's 10 stone.
  • The remainder is 150 % 14 = 10, so that's 10 pounds.
• Output: The converter will show 10 stone and 10 pounds.

Pounds to Stone Conversion Chart

Here is a quick reference chart for common weights:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is a stone 14 pounds?

The standard of 14 pounds for a stone was established by the English wool trade. It became a convenient and legally defined unit for weighing goods, and its use for measuring human weight followed.

What is the difference between pounds and kilograms?

The pound is an imperial unit, while the kilogram (kg) is a metric unit. One kilogram is approximately 2.20462 pounds. You can use our kg to lbs Converter for precise conversions.

Is the stone used outside of the UK and Ireland?

Its use is largely confined to these countries and is rare elsewhere. Most other countries use kilograms for measuring body weight.

External Resources for Further Reading:

• Britannica - Stone (Unit of Weight) - A detailed history of the stone unit.
• NHS BMI Calculator - The UK's National Health Service uses a BMI calculator that accepts weight in stone and pounds.