The exact factor
The pound is defined as exactly 0.45359237 kg, so one pound is 453.59237 grams — usually rounded to 454. For a quick estimate, multiply by 450 and add 1%: 5 lb → 2250 + 22.5 = 2272 g, within a gram of the exact 2268.
Quick reference
| Pounds | Grams | Everyday equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ lb | 113.4 g | One US stick of butter |
| ½ lb | 226.8 g | Half a pound of meat |
| 1 lb | 453.6 g | A block of butter (4 sticks) |
| 2 lb | 907.2 g | Bag of US sugar |
| 5 lb | 2268 g | Small bag of flour |
| 10 lb | 4536 g | Large parcel |
| 50 lb | 22 680 g | Bag of fertiliser |
A European block of butter is 250 g, or about 0.55 lb — a little heavier than a US pound block.
Two things people mix up
- Grams are not grains. A grain is an old apothecary unit still used for ammunition and some medicines: 1 grain = 0.0648 g, and 1 lb = 7000 grains. A "180-grain" bullet is 11.7 g, not 180 g.
- Avoirdupois vs troy. The everyday pound (avoirdupois) is 453.6 g. Precious metals use the troy pound of 373.24 g instead, so a "pound" of gold is lighter than a pound of flour.
Common questions
How many grams are in a pound?
One pound is 453.59237 grams, or about 454 g. That figure is exact by definition: the 1959 international agreement fixed the pound at 0.45359237 kilograms.
How do I convert pounds to grams in my head?
Multiply by 450, then add 1 percent of the result. For 3 lb: 3 x 450 = 1350, plus 13.5 is about 1364 g (the exact answer is 1360.8). Multiplying by 454 gives the same answer in one step if you can do it.
How many grams is a quarter pound?
A quarter pound is 113.4 g. That is one US stick of butter, and the raw meat weight of a quarter-pound burger before cooking.
