Kilograms (kg) are a unit of mass in the metric system, used by most of the world. Pounds (lbs) are a unit of weight in the imperial system, used primarily in the United States. Because of this, there’s often a need to convert between the two.
Many people specifically search online to find out what 38 kilos to pounds is equal to.
This article will cover the exact conversion, how to calculate it yourself, and a little bit about the context of these units of measurement.
Kilograms and pounds defined
Before we get started, let’s make sure we understand the terms we’re working with. It can be helpful to know a little bit about how kilograms and pounds are defined.
What’s a kilogram?
A kilogram is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units, which is often abbreviated as SI. A kilogram is equal to 1,000 grams.
The kilogram has been redefined a few times over the years, most recently in 2019. Kilograms are used all over the world to measure mass and weight.
What’s a pound?
A pound is a unit of weight in the United States customary and imperial systems of measurement. A pound is equal to 16 ounces, according to what’s called the avoirdupois weight system.
Pounds are mostly used in the United States to measure weight.
How to calculate pounds from kilograms
To convert kilograms to pounds, you need to know the conversion factor:
1 kilogram = 2.20462 pounds (approximately)
For a more precise conversion, use 1 kilogram = 2.20462262185 pounds.
Here’s the formula:
Pounds = Kilograms x 2.20462
So, to convert 38 kilograms to pounds:
Pounds = 38 x 2.20462 = 83.7756596303 pounds
Or, written another way:
[lb] = 38 2.2046226218
Therefore, 38 kilograms is about 83.78 pounds.
Turning decimal pounds into pounds and ounces
Weights don’t always come out as whole numbers. So, what do you do with those decimals if you need a more precise measurement?
You can convert decimal pounds into a combination of pounds and ounces. Here’s how:
- Subtract the whole number of pounds from the total.
- Multiply the decimal part by 16 (since there are 16 ounces in a pound).
Let’s use our 38 kg conversion as an example:
83.7756596303 lbs = 83 lbs + (0.7756596303 16) oz
83.7756596303 lbs = roughly 83 lbs and 12.41 oz
Knowing how to convert to pounds and ounces can be super helpful in cooking, baking, shipping, and other situations where precision matters!
Why would I need to convert kilograms to pounds?
Kilograms and pounds are units of weight, but one is part of the metric system and the other is part of the imperial system. You might need to do the conversion in the following situations:
- International shipping: Shipping companies often have weight restrictions in both kilograms and pounds.
- Travel: Many countries use kilograms for body weight, while others use pounds.
- Cooking: If you’re using a recipe from another country, you might need to convert ingredient measurements.
You may also need to convert other weights, such as luggage weight limits, or the weight of produce.
In Summary
So, there you have it: 38 kilograms is roughly 83.7756596303 pounds. We got there by using the conversion factor that 1 kilogram equals about 2.20462 pounds and then multiplying.
Knowing how to convert between kilograms and pounds (and other units of measurement) is important for all kinds of global communication, from shopping online to understanding international trade.
We hope this information has been helpful for your conversion needs!