What is the Difference Between Lb and Lbs?

The difference between "lb" and "lbs" lies in their usage as abbreviations for the unit of weight or mass known as the pound. Both "lb" and "lbs" are used to represent the pound, but they are used in different contexts.

• Lb: This abbreviation stands for "pound" and is typically used to refer to a single pound. For example, "This package weighs 5 lbs."
• Lbs: This abbreviation stands for "pounds" and is used to refer to multiple pounds. For example, "These packages weigh 10 lbs. in total."

It is important to note that the correct abbreviation for both singular and plural forms is "lb". However, the usage of "lbs" for plural pounds has become quite common, even though it is considered incorrect. In scientific publications and general use, it is recommended to stick to using "lb" for both singular and plural forms.

Comparative Table: Lb vs Lbs

Here is a table comparing the difference between "lb" and "lbs":

The main difference between "lb" and "lbs" is that "lb" is the correct abbreviation for both singular and plural uses, while "lbs" is often used for plural purposes but is not entirely accurate. The abbreviation "lb" comes from the Roman libra, which was a unit of mass used by ancient Romans. The pound (lb) is the Imperial unit of mass, and it is equal to 0.45359237 kilograms.