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
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
Comparison Chart
Nature
Abbreviation
Full form
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin
Derived from Latin "libra"
English word
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
Usage
Common in labels, scientific contexts
Often used in spoken English and formal writing
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
Length
Shorter
Longer
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
Commonality
Frequently seen in written form
Common in everyday conversation
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
Compare with Definitions
Lbs
Frequently used on product labels.
This bag holds up to 25 lbs.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 13, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Pounds
Equivalent to 16 ounces.
The grocery bag was a few pounds heavy.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 13, 2023
Lbs
Common notation in technical contexts.
Ensure the weight doesn't exceed 50 lbs.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 13, 2023
Pounds
Often verbalized in everyday speech.
He lifted weights of 20 pounds each.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 13, 2023
Lbs
Represents the same as pounds.
The machine can handle 100 lbs.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 13, 2023
Pounds
A unit of weight equal to 16 ounces (453.592 grams).
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Lbs
Abbreviation for the unit of weight.
The package weighs 5 lbs.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 13, 2023
Pounds
A unit of apothecary weight equal to 12 ounces (373.242 grams). See Table at measurement.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Lbs
Short form derived from "libra."
The ingredients require 2 lbs of sugar.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 13, 2023
Pounds
A unit of weight differing in various countries and times.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Lbs
Plural of lb; pounds
5 lbs 6 oz - 5 pounds and 6 ounces
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
See pound-force.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
See pound-mass.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
See Table at currency.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
The primary unit of currency in Ireland and Cyprus before the adoption of the euro.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
A primary unit of currency in Scotland before the Act of Union (1707). Also called pound scots.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
The pound key on a telephone.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
A heavy blow.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
The sound of a heavy blow; a thump.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
The act of pounding.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
An animal shelter, especially one operated by a public agency to house stray or confiscated animals.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
A public enclosure for the confinement of stray livestock.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
A tank or submerged cage, as on a boat, in which live fish or shellfish are kept.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
New England An establishment at which live lobsters are kept and sold, often also offering no-frills restaurant service.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
A place in which vehicles impounded by the authorities are held until redeemed by their owners.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
(Archaic) A prison.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
To strike repeatedly and forcefully, especially with the hand or a tool
Pounded the nail with a hammer.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
To assault with military force
Pounded the bunker with mortars.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
To beat to a powder or pulp; pulverize or crush
Pound corn into meal.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
To instill by persistent, emphatic repetition
Pounded knowledge into the students' heads.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
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).
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
To cause harm or loss to; affect adversely
Stocks that were pounded when energy prices rose.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
To defeat soundly
Pounded their rivals in the season finale.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
To attack verbally; criticize
Was pounded for months in the press.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
(Slang) To drink quickly (a beverage, especially an alcoholic one). Often used with back or down
Pounded back a few beers after work.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
To strike vigorous, repeated blows
He pounded on the table.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
To move along heavily and noisily
The children pounded up the stairs.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
To pulsate rapidly and heavily; throb
My heart pounded.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
To move or work laboriously
A ship that pounded through heavy seas.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
To confine (an animal) in a pound.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
Plural of pound
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
Infl of pound
Fiza Rafique
Oct 12, 2023
Pounds
A unit of weight used primarily in the U.S.
The baby weighed 7 pounds at birth.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 13, 2023
Pounds
Not abbreviated.
The recipe requires three pounds of flour.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 13, 2023
Pounds
Common in non-technical writing.
The suitcase weighed 40 pounds.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
Why is "Lbs" used as the abbreviation for pounds?
"Lbs" is derived from the Latin "libra," which means balance or scale.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
Are there other abbreviations for "Pounds"?
"Lbs" is the most common abbreviation. In some contexts, "lb." (singular) is also used.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
How many ounces are in a pound?
There are 16 ounces in a pound.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
How do I pronounce "Lbs"?
It's pronounced as "pounds."
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
Do the British use Lbs and Pounds?
While the UK officially uses the metric system, pounds are still understood and sometimes used informally.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
How did "Pounds" get its name?
It's derived from the Latin "pondo," meaning weight and the Roman "libra," meaning balance or scales.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
Why might some product labels only use "Lbs"?
Due to space constraints and the universal recognition of "Lbs" as pounds.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
Are Lbs and Pounds the same?
Yes, Lbs is the abbreviation for pounds, and both refer to the same unit of weight.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
Is it correct to say "lbs weight"?
It's redundant; you can simply say "lbs" or "pounds."
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
Can I write "Lbs" as "lbs" in lowercase?
While "Lbs" is standard, "lbs" is also commonly accepted, especially in informal contexts.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Nov 21, 2023
Share Your Discovery
⮪ Previous Comparison
Coach Class vs. Business Class
Next Comparison ➦
Remit vs. SubmitAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor 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.
