Lbs vs. Pounds: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 1, 2023
"Lbs" is just an abbreviation for "pounds," a unit of weight in the imperial system. Both refer to the same measurement unit.
Key Differences
"Lbs" is the written abbreviation for "pounds," used in various contexts, such as weight measurement in daily life, while "pounds" is the full word, commonly spoken or written out in formal texts or conversations.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
In documentation or on digital platforms, "lbs" is often used for brevity and convenience, whereas "pounds" might be used in dialogues, formal writing, or whenever clarity and formality are necessary.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
"Lbs" stands for "libra," a Roman unit of weight measurement, which is why it's written with an 'L,' while "pounds" is the English term that has been used for centuries, derived from the Latin phrase "libra pondo."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Both "lbs" and "pounds" are units of weight commonly used in the United States, with "lbs" often appearing on food packaging or gym equipment, and "pounds" more likely to be used in verbal communication or formal writing.
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023
There's no difference in the quantity that "lbs" and "pounds" represent; it's merely a difference in notation or context of use — "lbs" is more abbreviated and informal, while "pounds" is the full, formal terminology.
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
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Lbs and Pounds Definitions
Pounds
"Pounds" is a standard unit of weight;
The newborn weighed seven pounds.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Pounds
"Pounds" is more formal than "lbs";
He weighed himself to find he was 200 pounds.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
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Pounds
A unit of apothecary weight equal to 12 ounces (373.242 grams). See Table at measurement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Pounds
The primary unit of currency in the United Kingdom, worth 20 shillings or 240 old pence before the decimalization of 1971. Also called pound sterling.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Pounds
The primary unit of currency in Ireland and Cyprus before the adoption of the euro.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Pounds
A primary unit of currency in Scotland before the Act of Union (1707). Also called pound scots.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Pounds
An animal shelter, especially one operated by a public agency to house stray or confiscated animals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Pounds
A tank or submerged cage, as on a boat, in which live fish or shellfish are kept.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Pounds
New England An establishment at which live lobsters are kept and sold, often also offering no-frills restaurant service.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Pounds
A place in which vehicles impounded by the authorities are held until redeemed by their owners.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Pounds
To strike repeatedly and forcefully, especially with the hand or a tool
Pounded the nail with a hammer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Pounds
To instill by persistent, emphatic repetition
Pounded knowledge into the students' heads.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Pounds
To produce energetically, as from forceful use of the hands. Often used with out
"a tinny piano pounding out Happy Birthday down the block" (Laura Kascischke).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Pounds
To cause harm or loss to; affect adversely
Stocks that were pounded when energy prices rose.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Pounds
(Slang) To drink quickly (a beverage, especially an alcoholic one). Often used with back or down
Pounded back a few beers after work.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
FAQs
Are "lbs" and "pounds" the same?
Yes, "lbs" is just the abbreviation of "pounds."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Why is "pounds" abbreviated as "lbs"?
It originates from the Latin word "libra," which referred to a Roman unit of weight.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Is "lbs" used in formal writing?
Generally, "pounds" is preferred in very formal writing.
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
Do other countries use "pounds"?
It's mainly used in the United States, the United Kingdom, and a few other countries.
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023
What's the metric equivalent of a pound?
One pound is approximately 0.453592 kilograms.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 01, 2023
What's the symbol for "pounds"?
The symbol is "lb" for singular or "lbs" for plural.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Does "lbs" stand for "libras"?
It comes from "libra," a Roman unit, but in modern use, it stands for "pounds."
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
How do I convert "lbs" to "pounds"?
No conversion is needed; they represent the same unit.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Can "lbs" and "pounds" be used interchangeably?
Yes, they can, but "lbs" is often used in writing and "pounds" in speech.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Why do some scales show weight in "lbs"?
It's a common abbreviation used especially in the U.S.
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023
Do "lbs" and "pounds" have decimal values?
Yes, you can have fractions, like 2.5 lbs or 2.5 pounds.
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
Are "pounds" and "British pounds" the same?
No, British pounds refer to currency, not weight.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
How do I pronounce "lbs"?
You pronounce the full word it represents, "pounds."
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
Can I write "pounds" as "Pounds"?
No, unless it's at the start of a sentence, it's usually lowercase.
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
How old is the term "pounds"?
It dates back to Roman times when it referred to a unit of weight.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Can I use "pounds" in scientific documents?
Scientists typically use the metric system, but it might be used in context.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 01, 2023
Is "lb" or "lbs" correct?
"Lb" is the singular form, and "lbs" is the plural.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 01, 2023
Are "lbs" and "pounds" used in medicine?
Yes, especially in the U.S., for body weight and medication dosages.
Sara Rehman
Nov 01, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
