Stone vs Pounds: When to Use Which
1 stone = 14 pounds. But when do Britons say "11 stone 6" and when do they just say "160 pounds"? The unwritten rules, explained.
The Simple Rule
In the UK, human body weight is expressed in stone and pounds together: "11 stone 6", "9 stone 2". Almost everything else measured in imperial, from a bag of sugar to a dumbbell, is expressed in pounds alone.
Use stone + pounds for:
- Your own body weight
- Someone else's body weight
- Weight-loss goals ("lose a stone")
- Boxing / MMA weigh-ins (UK)
- Doctor conversations (informally)
Use pounds alone for:
- Cooking and recipes
- Luggage and postage
- Gym weights and dumbbells
- Baby weights (with ounces)
- Talking to Americans
Why Both? The Precision Problem
A stone is a large unit: 14 pounds. Saying just "11 stone" could mean anything from 154 to 167 pounds, a range of nearly a stone in itself. Adding the leftover pounds ("11 stone 6") pins it down to the pound. It is the British compromise between a friendly-sized number and useful precision.
| Stone & Pounds | Pounds Only | Typical Context |
|---|---|---|
| 9 st 0 lb | 126 lb | Small adult, jockey |
| 10 st 7 lb | 147 lb | Average UK woman |
| 11 st 6 lb | 160 lb | Common UK weight |
| 13 st 5 lb | 187 lb | Average UK man |
| 15 st 0 lb | 210 lb | Large adult |
Quick Conversion Method
Stone to pounds: multiply stone by 14, then add leftover pounds. Example: 12 st 8 lb = (12 × 14) + 8 = 176 lb.
Pounds to stone: divide by 14. The whole number is stone; the remainder is pounds. Example: 176 ÷ 14 = 12 remainder 8, so 12 st 8 lb.
For instant results, use our stone to pounds converter or pounds to stone converter. For the metric equivalent, see stone vs kg.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use stone vs pounds?
Use stone and pounds together for human body weight in the UK ('11 stone 6'). Use pounds alone for smaller weights like food, luggage, or gym weights, and when talking to Americans.
How many pounds are in a stone?
Exactly 14 pounds. To convert stone to pounds, multiply by 14. To convert pounds to stone, divide by 14.
Why do Britons say stone and pounds together?
Stone is a large unit (14 lb), so the leftover pounds give precision. '11 stone 6' is more informative than '11 stone' alone, and more natural than '160 pounds'.
Is it wrong to just say pounds in the UK?
Not wrong, just unusual for body weight. Pounds alone are normal for cooking, postage, and gym weights. For your own weight, Britons expect stone.
How do I convert 11 stone 6 to pounds?
Multiply the stone by 14 and add the pounds: (11 × 14) + 6 = 160 pounds.