lb to kg Conversion Chart (and kg to lb) for Nursing
Shows the work. Every example is computed with the formula and numbered steps. For study and exam practice, not for patient care.
Weight-based doses are ordered per kilogram, so a weight in pounds is converted first. Nursing courses and exams use 1 kg = 2.2 lb.
Rule: 1 kg = 2.2 lb. To go from lb to kg, divide by 2.2. To go from kg to lb, multiply by 2.2. The exact factor is 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg (NIST); the last column shows it for comparison.
For any other amount, use the Unit converter calculator: it shows the factor and each step.
Pounds to kilograms
| lb | kg (÷ 2.2, to the tenth) | kg (exact factor, to the hundredth) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.5 | 0.45 |
| 2 | 0.9 | 0.91 |
| 5 | 2.3 | 2.27 |
| 7 | 3.2 | 3.18 |
| 10 | 4.5 | 4.54 |
| 15 | 6.8 | 6.8 |
| 20 | 9.1 | 9.07 |
| 22 | 10 | 9.98 |
| 25 | 11.4 | 11.34 |
| 30 | 13.6 | 13.61 |
| 40 | 18.2 | 18.14 |
| 44 | 20 | 19.96 |
| 50 | 22.7 | 22.68 |
| 66 | 30 | 29.94 |
| 88 | 40 | 39.92 |
| 100 | 45.5 | 45.36 |
| 110 | 50 | 49.9 |
| 132 | 60 | 59.87 |
| 150 | 68.2 | 68.04 |
| 154 | 70 | 69.85 |
| 176 | 80 | 79.83 |
| 200 | 90.9 | 90.72 |
| 220 | 100 | 99.79 |
| 250 | 113.6 | 113.4 |
| 300 | 136.4 | 136.08 |
Kilograms to pounds
| kg | lb (× 2.2, to the tenth) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2.2 |
| 2 | 4.4 |
| 2.5 | 5.5 |
| 3 | 6.6 |
| 3.5 | 7.7 |
| 4 | 8.8 |
| 5 | 11 |
| 10 | 22 |
| 15 | 33 |
| 20 | 44 |
| 25 | 55 |
| 30 | 66 |
| 40 | 88 |
| 50 | 110 |
| 60 | 132 |
| 70 | 154 |
| 80 | 176 |
| 90 | 198 |
| 100 | 220 |
| 120 | 264 |
| 150 | 330 |
Good to know
- Use the factor your question or program gives. When it says 2.2, use 2.2 even though the exact factor differs slightly.
- This site rounds a converted weight to the tenth of a kilogram, then calculates the dose. Follow your program's rule if it differs.
Worked example
A client weighs 176 lb. Use 1 kg = 2.2 lb. What is the weight in kg?
- Value
- 176 lb
- To
- kg
Formula Multiply or divide by the conversion factor.
- kg = lb ÷ 2.2.
- 176 ÷ 2.2 = 80 kg.
- 80 kg is exact, so no rounding is needed.
Answer 80 kg
FAQ
How do you convert pounds to kilograms for dosage calculation?
Divide the weight in pounds by 2.2. Then multiply the kilograms by the ordered amount per kg.
Is 2.2 exact?
No. One pound is exactly 0.45359237 kg, so 1 kg is about 2.2046 lb. Dosage calculation courses round it to 2.2.
Terms on this page: Weight-based dosing, Safe dose range
Sources
- Unit conversion (metric SI) — National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Clinical Calculations: With Applications to General and Specialty Areas (Kee, Marshall, et al.) — Elsevier
- Calculate with Confidence (Morris) — Elsevier