Lbs vs. Pounds: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
"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."
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.
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.
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Comparison Chart
Full form
Abbreviation for pounds
The complete word
Etymology
From Latin "libra"
From Latin "libra pondo"
Usage
More common in writing
More common in speech
Formality
Informal
Formal
Meaning
Same as pounds
Same as lbs
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Lbs and Pounds Definitions
Lbs
"Lbs" is often seen on product labels;
The flour bag is 5 lbs.
Pounds
"Pounds" is a standard unit of weight;
The newborn weighed seven pounds.
Lbs
"Lbs" means the same as pounds;
The weight is 150 lbs.
Pounds
"Pounds" is more formal than "lbs";
He weighed himself to find he was 200 pounds.
Lbs
"Lbs" is a unit of weight;
He lost 10 lbs this month.
Pounds
"Pounds" is commonly used in speech;
I lost three pounds last week!
Lbs
"Lbs" is used informally;
She added 2 lbs of sugar to the cart.
Pounds
"Pounds" is used in cooking measurements;
Add two pounds of potatoes.
Lbs
"Lbs" stands for pounds;
The package weighed 5 lbs.
Pounds
"Pounds" means the same as lbs;
The luggage weighed fifty pounds.
Lbs
Plural of lb; pounds
5 lbs 6 oz - 5 pounds and 6 ounces
Pounds
A unit of weight equal to 16 ounces (453.592 grams).
Pounds
A unit of apothecary weight equal to 12 ounces (373.242 grams). See Table at measurement.
Pounds
A unit of weight differing in various countries and times.
Pounds
See pound-force.
Pounds
See pound-mass.
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.
Pounds
See Table at currency.
Pounds
The primary unit of currency in Ireland and Cyprus before the adoption of the euro.
Pounds
A primary unit of currency in Scotland before the Act of Union (1707). Also called pound scots.
Pounds
The pound key on a telephone.
Pounds
A heavy blow.
Pounds
The sound of a heavy blow; a thump.
Pounds
The act of pounding.
Pounds
An animal shelter, especially one operated by a public agency to house stray or confiscated animals.
Pounds
A public enclosure for the confinement of stray livestock.
Pounds
A tank or submerged cage, as on a boat, in which live fish or shellfish are kept.
Pounds
New England An establishment at which live lobsters are kept and sold, often also offering no-frills restaurant service.
Pounds
A place in which vehicles impounded by the authorities are held until redeemed by their owners.
Pounds
(Archaic) A prison.
Pounds
To strike repeatedly and forcefully, especially with the hand or a tool
Pounded the nail with a hammer.
Pounds
To assault with military force
Pounded the bunker with mortars.
Pounds
To beat to a powder or pulp; pulverize or crush
Pound corn into meal.
Pounds
To instill by persistent, emphatic repetition
Pounded knowledge into the students' heads.
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).
Pounds
To cause harm or loss to; affect adversely
Stocks that were pounded when energy prices rose.
Pounds
To defeat soundly
Pounded their rivals in the season finale.
Pounds
To attack verbally; criticize
Was pounded for months in the press.
Pounds
(Slang) To drink quickly (a beverage, especially an alcoholic one). Often used with back or down
Pounded back a few beers after work.
Pounds
To strike vigorous, repeated blows
He pounded on the table.
Pounds
To move along heavily and noisily
The children pounded up the stairs.
Pounds
To pulsate rapidly and heavily; throb
My heart pounded.
Pounds
To move or work laboriously
A ship that pounded through heavy seas.
Pounds
To confine (an animal) in a pound.
Pounds
Plural of pound
Pounds
Infl of pound
FAQs
How many ounces are in a pound?
There are 16 ounces in a pound.
Are "lbs" and "pounds" the same?
Yes, "lbs" is just the abbreviation of "pounds."
Why is "pounds" abbreviated as "lbs"?
It originates from the Latin word "libra," which referred to a Roman unit of weight.
Is "lbs" used in formal writing?
Generally, "pounds" is preferred in very formal writing.
Do other countries use "pounds"?
It's mainly used in the United States, the United Kingdom, and a few other countries.
What's the metric equivalent of a pound?
One pound is approximately 0.453592 kilograms.
What's the symbol for "pounds"?
The symbol is "lb" for singular or "lbs" for plural.
Does "lbs" stand for "libras"?
It comes from "libra," a Roman unit, but in modern use, it stands for "pounds."
How do I convert "lbs" to "pounds"?
No conversion is needed; they represent the same unit.
Can "lbs" and "pounds" be used interchangeably?
Yes, they can, but "lbs" is often used in writing and "pounds" in speech.
Why do some scales show weight in "lbs"?
It's a common abbreviation used especially in the U.S.
Do "lbs" and "pounds" have decimal values?
Yes, you can have fractions, like 2.5 lbs or 2.5 pounds.
Are "pounds" and "British pounds" the same?
No, British pounds refer to currency, not weight.
How do I pronounce "lbs"?
You pronounce the full word it represents, "pounds."
Can I write "pounds" as "Pounds"?
No, unless it's at the start of a sentence, it's usually lowercase.
Is "lbs" an acronym?
No, it's an abbreviation for "pounds."
How old is the term "pounds"?
It dates back to Roman times when it referred to a unit of weight.
Can I use "pounds" in scientific documents?
Scientists typically use the metric system, but it might be used in context.
Is "lb" or "lbs" correct?
"Lb" is the singular form, and "lbs" is the plural.
Are "lbs" and "pounds" used in medicine?
Yes, especially in the U.S., for body weight and medication dosages.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
