Aircraft weight conversions
Aircraft loading information may use pounds or kilograms depending on the airplane and operating environment. Passenger weights, baggage, fuel and equipment all need to be expressed in the same unit before total weight or moment is calculated.
Pounds to kilograms
One pound equals about 0.4536 kilogram. To convert pounds to kilograms, multiply by 0.4536. A 180-pound person is about 81.6 kg.
Kilograms to pounds
One kilogram equals about 2.2046 pounds. Multiply kilograms by 2.2046 to get pounds. A 25 kg bag is about 55.1 lb.
Ounces
There are 16 ounces in one pound. Ounces matter more for small equipment or servicing quantities, but they can be converted to pounds before being added to a loading worksheet.
Moment units must match
If a weight-and-balance record uses pounds and inches, entering kilograms without converting them will make the moment wrong. Likewise, a metric record may use kilograms and millimeters or meters. Follow the units specified by the approved data.
Do not convert the limit and forget the load
When comparing actual aircraft weight to a maximum weight, both values must be in the same unit. It is not enough to convert only the passengers or only the limitation.
Round carefully
Small rounding differences usually have little effect on rough planning, but several rounded entries can accumulate. For formal weight-and-balance calculations, use the precision and procedure specified by the aircraft documentation or operator.
Related PilotDesk guides
Weight and balance basics · Fuel weight · Percent MAC