Common Units of Weight in the US
The United States primarily uses the avoirdupois system, where the pound (lb) is the standard unit of weight. Ounces, tons, and grains are also common in everyday and industrial use.
Weight vs. Mass
Weight is the force of gravity on an object, while mass measures the amount of matter. In everyday US commerce, scales display weight, often assuming standard gravity on Earth.
Conversions and Official Standards
One pound equals 16 ounces and is defined as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms by international agreement. The National Institute of Standards and Technology oversees measurement standards in the United States.
