Pound to Kilogram Converter
Essential powerlifting weight conversion calculator. Convert between pounds and kilograms instantly with comprehensive charts and plate calculations for competition and training.
Powerlifting Weight Conversion Chart
| Pounds (lbs) | Kilograms (kg) | Pounds (lbs) | Kilograms (kg) | Pounds (lbs) | Kilograms (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 20.4 | 185 | 83.9 | 365 | 165.6 |
| 55 | 24.9 | 195 | 88.5 | 385 | 174.6 |
| 65 | 29.5 | 205 | 93.0 | 405 | 183.7 |
| 75 | 34.0 | 215 | 97.5 | 425 | 192.8 |
| 85 | 38.6 | 225 | 102.1 | 445 | 201.8 |
| 95 | 43.1 | 245 | 111.1 | 465 | 210.9 |
| 105 | 47.6 | 265 | 120.2 | 485 | 220.0 |
| 115 | 52.2 | 285 | 129.3 | 505 | 229.1 |
| 135 | 61.2 | 315 | 142.9 | 545 | 247.2 |
| 155 | 70.3 | 335 | 151.9 | 585 | 265.4 |
US Standard Barbell Plates
| Plate Type | Pounds (lbs) | Kilograms (kg) | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 lb Plate | 45 | 20.4 | Standard Large Plate |
| 35 lb Plate | 35 | 15.9 | Medium Weight Plate |
| 25 lb Plate | 25 | 11.3 | Quarter Plate |
| 10 lb Plate | 10 | 4.5 | Small Increment |
| 5 lb Plate | 5 | 2.3 | Fine Tuning |
| 2.5 lb Plate | 2.5 | 1.1 | Micro Loading |
| 1.25 lb Plate | 1.25 | 0.6 | Micro Loading |
Standard Barbells (US)
| Barbell Type | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Olympic Barbell | 45 | 20.4 | Powerlifting, Olympic Lifting |
| Women’s Olympic Barbell | 33 | 15.0 | Women’s Powerlifting |
| Standard Barbell | 40 | 18.1 | General Training |
| EZ Curl Bar | 15-25 | 6.8-11.3 | Curls, Tricep Work |
| Safety Squat Bar | 50-60 | 22.7-27.2 | Squats |
| Trap Bar | 45-60 | 20.4-27.2 | Deadlifts, Shrugs |
Conversion Formulas
Pounds to Kilograms:
Kilograms = Pounds ÷ 2.20462 (or × 0.453592)
Example: 225 lbs ÷ 2.20462 = 102.06 kg
Kilograms to Pounds:
Pounds = Kilograms × 2.20462
Example: 100 kg × 2.20462 = 220.462 lbs
US Powerlifting Competition Standards
Competition Weight Standards:
- USPA/UPA: Typically uses pounds with 5lb minimum increments
- USAPL: Follows IPF standards – converts to kilograms for international
- RPS/SPF: Usually pounds-based with 5-10lb increments
- Training: Most US gyms use pounds for plate loading
- Precision: Competition plates are calibrated to exact weights
- Warm-ups: Smaller increments (2.5lbs/1.25lbs) allowed for warm-up attempts
Why Weight Conversion Matters in US Powerlifting
Weight conversion is essential for US powerlifters who compete internationally or follow international training programs. Many elite programs and scientific studies use metric measurements, making conversion crucial for proper implementation. Understanding both systems helps with equipment transitions and comparing performances across different competition formats.
US Plate Loading Strategy
Efficient US Plate Loading Tips:
- Start with 45s: Load 45lb plates first, then work down to smaller plates
- Use 25s Wisely: 25lb plates are great for medium increments
- 10s and 5s: Perfect for fine-tuning and percentage work
- Micro Plates: 2.5lb and 1.25lb plates for precise loading
- Competition Prep: Practice with calibrated plates when possible
- Safety First: Always use collars and load symmetrically
- Quick Math: Learn common combinations (45+25+10+5 = 85lbs per side)
- Warm-up Strategy: Plan efficient progressions using available plates
Training Applications
Practical Uses for Weight Conversion:
- Program Design: Convert metric programs to US gym equipment
- International Training: Follow European/Australian training methods
- Competition Prep: Practice attempt selection in both systems
- Progress Tracking: Compare PRs across different measurement systems
- Equipment Shopping: Understand specifications when buying gear
- Coaching: Help athletes understand international standards
- Meet Planning: Calculate attempts for different federation formats
Common US Powerlifting Milestones
| Milestone (lbs) | Equivalent (kg) | Milestone (kg) | Equivalent (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 135 lbs | 61.2 kg | 60 kg | 132.3 lbs |
| 225 lbs | 102.1 kg | 100 kg | 220.5 lbs |
| 315 lbs | 142.9 kg | 140 kg | 308.6 lbs |
| 405 lbs | 183.7 kg | 180 kg | 396.8 lbs |
| 495 lbs | 224.5 kg | 220 kg | 485.0 lbs |
| 585 lbs | 265.4 kg | 260 kg | 573.2 lbs |
