A pound is defined as exactly 16 avoirdupois ounces — a clean, exact conversion within the US customary weight system.
How it works
Dividing ounces by 16 gives pounds; multiplying pounds by 16 gives ounces back. Type into either field and the other updates instantly.
What this does not include
This does not include the metric gram — for that conversion, use this site’s ounces-to-grams calculator instead. This page stays within the US customary system.
How to use this calculator
- Enter a value in either ounces or pounds — the other field fills in automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Why exactly 16 ounces in a pound?
It’s the defining ratio of the avoirdupois weight system used throughout the US and UK for everyday goods.
Where is this conversion most commonly needed?
Cooking and grocery shopping, where package weights are often given in ounces for smaller items and pounds for larger ones.
Is this the troy ounce used for gold and silver?
No — this uses the standard avoirdupois ounce; the troy ounce (used for precious metals) is a heavier, different unit with 12 ounces to a troy pound.
