Stone To Lbs Converter

The imperial system of measurement contains several units for weight that can be confusing, especially for those more familiar with the metric system. Two such units are the stone and the pound (lb). While the pound is widely recognized in the United States, the stone is still commonly used for body weight in the UK and Ireland. Our Stone to Pounds Converter makes it easy to switch between these two related units.

The Definition: A Simple Relationship

The relationship between stone and pounds is a straightforward and exact definition within the imperial system. There is no complex formula or approximation involved:

1 stone = 14 pounds

This definition has been standardized for centuries and is the sole basis for the conversion. A "stone" is simply a name for a grouping of 14 pounds.

Conversion Formulas

Based on this simple definition, the conversion formulas are easy to remember:

• To convert from stone to pounds (lbs):
  Multiply the number of stone by 14.
  Pounds = Stone × 14
• To convert from pounds (lbs) to stone:
  Divide the number of pounds by 14.
  Stone = Pounds / 14

Practical Examples

1. Body Weight: A person in the UK might say they weigh "11 stone." To understand this in pounds, you calculate:
   11 stone × 14 = 154 lbs
2. Converting from Pounds: An American visiting the UK weighs 175 lbs. To express this in stone, they would calculate:
   175 lbs / 14 = 12.5 stone

   This is often expressed as "12 stone and 7 pounds," since 0.5 stone is equal to 7 pounds (0.5 × 14).

Quick Conversion Chart

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why is it called a "stone"?

A: The name originates from the historical practice of using stones of a standardized weight for trade and measurement. For centuries, a "stone" of wool was legally defined as 14 pounds, and the unit eventually became a common measure for other goods and, eventually, people.

Q: Is the stone used for anything other than body weight today?

A: In modern times, its use is almost exclusively for measuring human body weight in the UK and Ireland. For most other purposes, pounds, kilograms, or tonnes are used.

Q: How do I express a decimal stone value in "stone and pounds"?

A: Take the decimal part of your result and multiply it by 14. For example, if you calculate a weight as 11.75 stone, the "0.75" part is 0.75 × 14 = 10.5 pounds. So, the weight is 11 stone and 10.5 pounds.