Lbs vs. Pounds — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 21, 2023
Lbs is the abbreviation for pounds, and both refer to a unit of weight.
Difference Between Lbs and Pounds
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lbs and Pounds are synonymous, both indicating a unit of weight commonly used in the United States. The term "Lbs" is an abbreviation derived from the Latin "libra," which means balance or scale. Pounds, on the other hand, is the full word denoting this unit of measure.
Although "Lbs" and "Pounds" both reference the same weight measurement, the contexts in which they are used may differ. Lbs is often seen on product labels, in scientific contexts, or where space might be limited. Pounds, being the unabbreviated form, might be used in more formal writing or spoken English.
In everyday conversation, people might refer to "pounds" more frequently. For instance, someone would likely say, "I've lost ten pounds," rather than "I've lost ten lbs." On the contrary, in written form, especially in technical or space-constrained contexts, "lbs" is often preferred for its brevity.
Lastly, both "Lbs" and "Pounds" are specific to certain regions, notably the United States, as many other countries utilize the metric system and measure weight in kilograms.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Abbreviation
Full form
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Origin
Derived from Latin "libra"
English word
Usage
Common in labels, scientific contexts
Often used in spoken English and formal writing
Length
Shorter
Longer
Commonality
Frequently seen in written form
Common in everyday conversation
Compare with Definitions
Lbs
Frequently used on product labels.
This bag holds up to 25 lbs.
Pounds
Equivalent to 16 ounces.
The grocery bag was a few pounds heavy.
Lbs
Common notation in technical contexts.
Ensure the weight doesn't exceed 50 lbs.
Pounds
Often verbalized in everyday speech.
He lifted weights of 20 pounds each.
Lbs
Represents the same as pounds.
The machine can handle 100 lbs.
Pounds
A unit of weight equal to 16 ounces (453.592 grams).
Lbs
Abbreviation for the unit of weight.
The package weighs 5 lbs.
Pounds
A unit of apothecary weight equal to 12 ounces (373.242 grams). See Table at measurement.
Lbs
Short form derived from "libra."
The ingredients require 2 lbs of sugar.
Pounds
A unit of weight differing in various countries and times.
Lbs
Plural of lb; pounds
5 lbs 6 oz - 5 pounds and 6 ounces
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
Pounds
A unit of weight used primarily in the U.S.
The baby weighed 7 pounds at birth.
Pounds
Not abbreviated.
The recipe requires three pounds of flour.
Pounds
Common in non-technical writing.
The suitcase weighed 40 pounds.
Common Curiosities
When should I use "Lbs" instead of "Pounds"?
"Lbs" is commonly used in written form, especially on labels or where space is limited, while "pounds" is used in spoken English and more formal writing.
Why is "Lbs" used as the abbreviation for pounds?
"Lbs" is derived from the Latin "libra," which means balance or scale.
Are there other abbreviations for "Pounds"?
"Lbs" is the most common abbreviation. In some contexts, "lb." (singular) is also used.
How many ounces are in a pound?
There are 16 ounces in a pound.
How do I pronounce "Lbs"?
It's pronounced as "pounds."
Do all countries use Lbs and Pounds as weight measurements?
No, they're primarily used in the U.S. Many countries use the metric system, measuring weight in kilograms.
Do the British use Lbs and Pounds?
While the UK officially uses the metric system, pounds are still understood and sometimes used informally.
How did "Pounds" get its name?
It's derived from the Latin "pondo," meaning weight and the Roman "libra," meaning balance or scales.
Why might some product labels only use "Lbs"?
Due to space constraints and the universal recognition of "Lbs" as pounds.
Are Lbs and Pounds the same?
Yes, Lbs is the abbreviation for pounds, and both refer to the same unit of weight.
Can "Lbs" and "Pounds" be used interchangeably in writing?
Generally, yes, but it depends on the context. "Lbs" is more concise, while "pounds" can be more formal.
If I'm writing a formal document, which should I use?
In formal writing, it's generally better to spell out "pounds" unless noting specific measurements.
Is it correct to say "lbs weight"?
It's redundant; you can simply say "lbs" or "pounds."
Can I write "Lbs" as "lbs" in lowercase?
While "Lbs" is standard, "lbs" is also commonly accepted, especially in informal contexts.
Are Lbs and Pounds used for measuring both weight and mass?
In everyday language, they're used for weight. Technically, they refer to mass, but the distinction is often overlooked in non-scientific contexts.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
