Convert ounces to pounds quickly and accurately with our comprehensive calculator. Perfect for cooking, recipe measurements, package weighing, portion control, and professional applications where precise ounce-to-pound conversions are essential.
Essential Conversion Information
1 ounce = 0.0625 pounds (exactly)
- Formula: oz ÷ 16 = lbs
- Alternative formula: oz × 0.0625 = lbs
- Reverse formula: lbs × 16 = oz
- Quick rule: 16 ounces = 1 pound
Quick Reference Conversion Table
| Ounces (oz) |
Pounds (lbs) |
Decimal Form |
Common Reference |
| 1 oz |
0.0625 lbs |
1/16 |
Slice of bread |
| 2 oz |
0.125 lbs |
1/8 |
Shot glass |
| 4 oz |
0.25 lbs |
1/4 |
Burger patty |
| 8 oz |
0.5 lbs |
1/2 |
Cup of water |
| 12 oz |
0.75 lbs |
3/4 |
Can of soda |
| 16 oz |
1 lb |
1 |
Standard pound |
| 24 oz |
1.5 lbs |
1.5 |
Large steak |
| 32 oz |
2 lbs |
2 |
Quart of liquid |
| 48 oz |
3 lbs |
3 |
Whole chicken |
| 64 oz |
4 lbs |
4 |
Half gallon milk |
| 80 oz |
5 lbs |
5 |
Bag of flour |
| 160 oz |
10 lbs |
10 |
Bowling ball |
Cooking and Recipe Applications
Recipe Measurement Conversions
Converting small recipe measurements from ounces to pounds for bulk cooking:
| Ingredient |
Recipe Amount (oz) |
Pounds Equivalent |
Bulk Cooking Notes |
| Chocolate chips |
6 oz |
0.375 lbs |
Standard baking package |
| Nuts (chopped) |
4 oz |
0.25 lbs |
1 cup chopped |
| Cream cheese |
8 oz |
0.5 lbs |
Standard package |
| Butter (stick) |
4 oz |
0.25 lbs |
½ cup or 1 stick |
| Pasta (dry) |
12 oz |
0.75 lbs |
Serves 6 people |
| Ground spices |
1 oz |
0.0625 lbs |
About 3 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract |
2 oz |
0.125 lbs |
¼ cup liquid |
Professional Kitchen Scaling
| Kitchen Item |
Standard Portion (oz) |
Pounds |
Restaurant Use |
| Protein portion |
6-8 oz |
0.375-0.5 lbs |
Main course serving |
| Side vegetables |
3-4 oz |
0.1875-0.25 lbs |
Accompaniment |
| Salad portion |
2-3 oz |
0.125-0.1875 lbs |
Appetizer size |
| Cheese portion |
1-2 oz |
0.0625-0.125 lbs |
Garnish or topping |
| Bread roll |
2-3 oz |
0.125-0.1875 lbs |
Individual serving |
Food Packaging and Product Labels
Common Package Sizes
| Product Type |
Package Size (oz) |
Pounds Equivalent |
Typical Brand Examples |
| Cereal box |
12-18 oz |
0.75-1.125 lbs |
Family size |
| Pasta box |
16 oz |
1 lb |
Standard package |
| Rice bag |
32 oz |
2 lbs |
Medium bag |
| Coffee bag |
12 oz |
0.75 lbs |
Standard retail |
| Chocolate bar |
3-5 oz |
0.1875-0.3125 lbs |
King size candy |
| Soup can |
10.5-15 oz |
0.656-0.9375 lbs |
Condensed/ready |
| Frozen vegetables |
10-16 oz |
0.625-1 lb |
Family pack |
Bulk Shopping Conversions
| Bulk Item |
Small Package (oz) |
Bulk Package (oz) |
Pounds Savings |
| Almonds |
6 oz (0.375 lbs) |
48 oz (3 lbs) |
2.625 lbs more |
| Olive oil |
16.9 oz (1.056 lbs) |
101.4 oz (6.34 lbs) |
5.28 lbs more |
| Protein powder |
32 oz (2 lbs) |
80 oz (5 lbs) |
3 lbs more |
| Honey |
12 oz (0.75 lbs) |
48 oz (3 lbs) |
2.25 lbs more |
Baby and Child Nutrition
Baby Food and Formula
| Baby Product |
Package Size (oz) |
Pounds |
Age Range |
| Formula powder |
12.4-35 oz |
0.775-2.1875 lbs |
0-12 months |
| Baby food jar |
2.5-4 oz |
0.156-0.25 lbs |
4-8 months |
| Baby cereal box |
8-16 oz |
0.5-1 lb |
4-12 months |
| Teething crackers |
1.7-5 oz |
0.106-0.3125 lbs |
6-12 months |
| Toddler snacks |
1.48-6 oz |
0.0925-0.375 lbs |
12-36 months |
Child Meal Planning
| Age Group |
Meal Portion (oz) |
Pounds |
Daily Total |
| Toddler (1-2 years) |
2-4 oz per meal |
0.125-0.25 lbs |
0.75-1.5 lbs/day |
| Preschooler (3-5 years) |
3-5 oz per meal |
0.1875-0.3125 lbs |
1.125-1.875 lbs/day |
| School age (6-12 years) |
4-6 oz per meal |
0.25-0.375 lbs |
1.5-2.25 lbs/day |
Health and Fitness Tracking
Protein Intake by Activity Level
| Activity Level |
Daily Protein (oz) |
Pounds |
Example Sources |
| Sedentary adult |
3-4 oz |
0.1875-0.25 lbs |
Chicken breast, fish |
| Moderately active |
4-6 oz |
0.25-0.375 lbs |
Lean meats, legumes |
| Very active/athlete |
6-8 oz |
0.375-0.5 lbs |
Multiple protein sources |
| Bodybuilder |
8-12 oz |
0.5-0.75 lbs |
Protein powder, meats |
Weight Loss Portion Control
| Food Category |
Weight Loss Portion (oz) |
Pounds |
Calorie Range |
| Lean protein |
3-4 oz |
0.1875-0.25 lbs |
140-200 calories |
| Complex carbs |
2-3 oz (dry weight) |
0.125-0.1875 lbs |
200-300 calories |
| Healthy fats |
0.5-1 oz |
0.03125-0.0625 lbs |
60-120 calories |
| Vegetables |
4-6 oz |
0.25-0.375 lbs |
20-60 calories |
Pet Care and Feeding
Dog Food Portions by Size
| Dog Size |
Daily Food (oz) |
Pounds |
Weight Range |
| Toy breeds |
2-4 oz |
0.125-0.25 lbs |
2-10 lbs |
| Small breeds |
4-8 oz |
0.25-0.5 lbs |
10-25 lbs |
| Medium breeds |
8-16 oz |
0.5-1 lb |
25-60 lbs |
| Large breeds |
16-24 oz |
1-1.5 lbs |
60-90 lbs |
| Giant breeds |
24-32 oz |
1.5-2 lbs |
90+ lbs |
Cat Food and Treat Portions
| Cat Type |
Daily Food (oz) |
Pounds |
Feeding Schedule |
| Kitten (2-6 months) |
3-6 oz |
0.1875-0.375 lbs |
3-4 meals/day |
| Adult cat (indoor) |
3-5 oz |
0.1875-0.3125 lbs |
2 meals/day |
| Active/outdoor cat |
5-7 oz |
0.3125-0.4375 lbs |
2-3 meals/day |
| Senior cat |
2-4 oz |
0.125-0.25 lbs |
2-3 smaller meals |
Postal and Shipping Applications
USPS First-Class Mail Categories
| Mail Type |
Weight Limit (oz) |
Pounds |
Postage Category |
| Postcards |
Up to 1 oz |
Up to 0.0625 lbs |
Lowest rate |
| Standard letters |
Up to 3.5 oz |
Up to 0.21875 lbs |
Letter rates |
| Large envelopes |
Up to 13 oz |
Up to 0.8125 lbs |
Flat rates |
| Packages |
Up to 13 oz |
Up to 0.8125 lbs |
Package rates |
| Priority Mail |
13 oz and above |
0.8125+ lbs |
Priority rates |
International Shipping Limits
| Service Type |
Weight Limit (oz) |
Pounds |
Typical Use |
| International letters |
Up to 8 oz |
Up to 0.5 lbs |
Documents only |
| International packages |
Up to 1120 oz |
Up to 70 lbs |
Gifts, merchandise |
| Express International |
Up to 1120 oz |
Up to 70 lbs |
Urgent delivery |
Beverage Industry Applications
Standard Drink Sizes
| Beverage Type |
Size (oz) |
Pounds |
Container Type |
| Shot |
1.5 oz |
0.09375 lbs |
Bar standard |
| Beer bottle |
12 oz |
0.75 lbs |
Standard bottle |
| Wine glass |
5 oz |
0.3125 lbs |
Standard pour |
| Coffee cup |
8 oz |
0.5 lbs |
Standard cup |
| Soda can |
12 oz |
0.75 lbs |
Standard can |
| Energy drink |
16 oz |
1 lb |
Large can |
| Smoothie |
20 oz |
1.25 lbs |
Large cup |
Alcohol Content Calculations
| Drink Size |
Volume (oz) |
Pounds |
Standard Drinks* |
| Wine bottle |
25.4 oz |
1.5875 lbs |
5 standard drinks |
| Beer bottle |
12 oz |
0.75 lbs |
1 standard drink |
| Spirit bottle (750ml) |
25.4 oz |
1.5875 lbs |
17 standard drinks |
| Mixed drink |
4-8 oz |
0.25-0.5 lbs |
1-2 standard drinks |
*Standard drink = 0.6 fl oz pure alcohol
Gardening and Agriculture
Seed Application Rates
| Plant Type |
Seeds per oz |
Coverage (lbs/1000 sq ft) |
Planting Season |
| Grass seed (fine) |
200,000+ seeds |
0.125-0.25 lbs |
Spring/Fall |
| Wildflower mix |
50,000-150,000 |
0.0625-0.125 lbs |
Spring |
| Lettuce seeds |
25,000 seeds |
0.005-0.01 lbs |
Spring/Fall |
| Tomato seeds |
10,000 seeds |
0.001-0.005 lbs |
Spring (indoor) |
Fertilizer and Amendment Applications
| Amendment Type |
Application Rate (oz/sq ft) |
Per 1000 sq ft (lbs) |
Frequency |
| Granular fertilizer |
0.5-1 oz |
31.25-62.5 lbs |
2-4 times/year |
| Compost |
4-8 oz |
250-500 lbs |
1-2 times/year |
| Lime |
1-2 oz |
62.5-125 lbs |
Every 2-3 years |
| Bone meal |
0.25-0.5 oz |
15.625-31.25 lbs |
Once/year |
Medical and Pharmaceutical Context
Dosage Weight References
Important: Always consult healthcare professionals for medical dosages.
| Patient Category |
Typical Weight (oz) |
Pounds |
Dosage Considerations |
| Premature infant |
32-80 oz |
2-5 lbs |
Specialized NICU protocols |
| Full-term newborn |
96-144 oz |
6-9 lbs |
Pediatric formulations |
| 6-month infant |
224-288 oz |
14-18 lbs |
Weight-based liquid meds |
| Toddler |
320-560 oz |
20-35 lbs |
Chewable/liquid forms |
| Child |
560-1120 oz |
35-70 lbs |
Age-appropriate forms |
Medication Package Sizes
| Medication Type |
Package Size (oz) |
Pounds |
Typical Duration |
| Liquid antibiotic |
3-5 oz |
0.1875-0.3125 lbs |
7-10 days |
| Cough syrup |
4-8 oz |
0.25-0.5 lbs |
1-2 weeks |
| Vitamin liquid |
8-16 oz |
0.5-1 lb |
1-3 months |
| Topical cream |
1-4 oz |
0.0625-0.25 lbs |
2-8 weeks |
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Beauty Product Standard Sizes
| Product Type |
Size (oz) |
Pounds |
Usage Duration |
| Foundation |
1-2 oz |
0.0625-0.125 lbs |
3-6 months |
| Moisturizer |
1.7-3.4 oz |
0.106-0.2125 lbs |
2-4 months |
| Shampoo |
8.5-33.8 oz |
0.53-2.1125 lbs |
1-6 months |
| Body lotion |
8-21 oz |
0.5-1.3125 lbs |
1-4 months |
| Perfume |
1-3.4 oz |
0.0625-0.2125 lbs |
6-18 months |
| Sunscreen |
3-8 oz |
0.1875-0.5 lbs |
1 season |
Travel Size Regulations
| Travel Regulation |
Size Limit (oz) |
Pounds |
Container Type |
| TSA carry-on liquid |
3.4 oz |
0.2125 lbs |
Individual container |
| Total liquids bag |
32 oz |
2 lbs |
Quart-size bag |
| Checked luggage |
No limit* |
No limit* |
Non-aerosol preferred |
*Subject to weight restrictions and hazmat regulations
Sports and Recreation
Fishing Weight Conversions
| Sinker Type |
Weight (oz) |
Pounds |
Fishing Application |
| Split shot |
0.1-0.5 oz |
0.00625-0.03125 lbs |
Light freshwater |
| Egg sinkers |
0.25-2 oz |
0.015625-0.125 lbs |
Bottom fishing |
| Bank sinkers |
1-8 oz |
0.0625-0.5 lbs |
Surf casting |
| Downrigger weights |
64-160 oz |
4-10 lbs |
Deep trolling |
Camping Equipment Weights
| Gear Item |
Weight (oz) |
Pounds |
Category |
| Ultralight tent |
16-32 oz |
1-2 lbs |
Shelter |
| Sleeping bag |
24-48 oz |
1.5-3 lbs |
Sleep system |
| Backpack |
32-80 oz |
2-5 lbs |
Carrying system |
| Water filter |
2-12 oz |
0.125-0.75 lbs |
Water treatment |
| Portable stove |
3-16 oz |
0.1875-1 lb |
Cooking |
Common Conversion Mistakes to Avoid
Frequent Errors
- Confusing fluid ounces with weight ounces
- ❌ Assuming 8 fl oz always = 0.5 lbs (depends on density)
- ✅ Using weight ounces (this converter) for solid materials
- Decimal place errors
- ❌ 8 oz = 0.8 lbs (incorrect)
- ✅ 8 oz = 0.5 lbs (correct)
- Troy ounce confusion
- ❌ Using 16 troy oz = 1 lb for precious metals
- ✅ Knowing 14.58 troy oz = 1 lb for gold/silver
- Rounding too early
- ❌ Converting each ingredient separately and rounding
- ✅ Adding all ounces first, then converting to pounds
Professional Tips and Mental Math
Quick Calculation Methods
Fast conversion tricks:
- Divide by 16 to convert oz to lbs
- Move decimal 4 places left and multiply by 6.25 (6.25 = 100/16)
- Quarter method: 4 oz = 0.25 lbs, so multiply by 0.25 for every 4 oz
- Half method: 8 oz = 0.5 lbs, so multiply by 0.5 for every 8 oz
Kitchen Measurement Shortcuts
- 1 cup butter = 8 oz = 0.5 lbs
- 1 cup flour ≈ 4.5 oz ≈ 0.28 lbs
- 1 cup sugar = 7 oz = 0.4375 lbs
- 1 stick butter = 4 oz = 0.25 lbs
Industry-Specific Applications
Jewelry and Precious Metals
| Item Type |
Weight Range (oz) |
Pounds |
Notes |
| Wedding ring |
0.1-0.3 oz |
0.00625-0.01875 lbs |
Gold/platinum |
| Necklace |
0.2-1 oz |
0.0125-0.0625 lbs |
Varies by design |
| Bracelet |
0.3-0.8 oz |
0.01875-0.05 lbs |
Chain or solid |
| Earrings (pair) |
0.05-0.2 oz |
0.003125-0.0125 lbs |
Studs to dangles |
Note: Precious metals typically measured in troy ounces, not avoirdupois ounces
Manufacturing and Production
| Material Type |
Standard Unit (oz) |
Pounds |
Industry Use |
| Fabric (per yard) |
3-12 oz |
0.1875-0.75 lbs |
Textile/apparel |
| Paint coverage |
16-32 oz |
1-2 lbs |
Per 100 sq ft |
| Adhesive |
1-16 oz |
0.0625-1 lb |
Assembly/construction |
| Plastic pellets |
1-50 oz |
0.0625-3.125 lbs |
Injection molding |
International Context and Comparison
Global Measurement Usage
| Country/Region |
Primary System |
Ounce Usage |
Common Applications |
| United States |
Imperial/US Customary |
Extensive |
Food, retail, personal use |
| United Kingdom |
Mixed (mostly metric) |
Limited |
Food packaging, recipes |
| Canada |
Metric (official) |
Informal |
Cross-border trade |
| European Union |
Metric |
Rare |
US import/export |
| Asia-Pacific |
Metric |
Commercial only |
International business |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many ounces make a pound exactly?
A: Exactly 16 ounces make 1 pound in the avoirdupois system used for everyday weights.
Q: Is this the same for precious metals?
A: No! Precious metals use troy ounces. 1 pound = 14.58 troy ounces, not 16.
Q: Can I use this for liquid measurements?
A: This is for weight ounces. For liquids, you typically need fluid ounces, which measure volume.
Q: What’s the difference between 0.25 lbs and 4 oz?
A: They’re exactly the same! 4 oz = 0.25 lbs = 1/4 pound.
Q: Why do some scales show both ounces and pounds?
A: It’s more intuitive to read “2 lbs 3 oz” than “35 oz” or “2.1875 lbs” for many people.
Q: How precise should I be for different uses?
A: Cooking: 2 decimal places. Shipping: 1 decimal place. Scientific: as precise as needed.
Related Conversion Tools
- Lb to Oz Converter (reverse conversion)
- Grams to Ounces (metric to imperial)
- Kg to Pounds (larger metric units)
- Troy Ounces Calculator (precious metals)
- Fluid Ounces to Cups (liquid volume)
- Stone to Pounds (UK weight system)