How Many Ounces In a Pound?

Converting From Pounds To Ounces

posted by Alastair:

Hi Jenny. Sure thing. The answer to your question of how many ounces (oz) there are in a pound (lb) actually depends on which ounce and pound you are referencing (hence why you might have read conflicting information). There exists the Troy ounce and pound, and the Avoirdupois ounce and pound. Thankfully, it's quite straight forward to determine which units to use.

1. The Avoirdupois Ounce and Pound are commonly used as a unit of mass and weight in the United States and around the world.
2. The Troy Ounce and Pound are no longer in general use. They are sometimes referenced for measurements of precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum, and gems such as opals.

On July 1, 1959, an international agreement was formed that the Avoirdupois pound and ounce would become standardised as a unit of mass in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK and the US, with one pound weighing 16 ounces (0.45359237 kg). So, unless you're measuring precious metals, you'll likely be referencing this Avoirdupois Ounce and Pound. Here are the conversions to help you:

• 1 Pound (Avoirdupois) = 16 Ounces
• 1 Pound (Troy) = 12 Ounces

To assist you further, I've included a conversion table of pounds (avoirdupois) to ounces.

Pounds to ounces conversion table

For converting a specific number of pounds to ounces, use our ounces and pounds converter.

If you would like some more help with converting units of weight, give our weight converter a try.