Stone calculator

Ounces calculator

Definition and Conversion

The stone (abbreviated as st) is a traditional unit of mass commonly used in the United Kingdom and Ireland. One stone is equivalent to 14 pounds avoirdupois, which is approximately 6.35029318 kilograms.

Historical Context

Historically, the stone was used throughout northwestern Europe, with its value varying by region and commodity. For instance, in medieval England, the stone's weight could range from 4 to 32 pounds depending on the item being weighed. A significant standardization occurred in 1389 when a royal statute fixed the stone of wool at 14 pounds to facilitate trade, particularly with Florence.

In other European regions, the stone had different values. For example, in Amsterdam before 1817, a stone ("steen") was 8 Amsterdam pounds, approximately 3.953 kg. After adopting the metric system, it was redefined as 3 kg.

Modern Usage

Today, the stone remains in common use in the UK and Ireland, primarily for expressing body weight. It's customary to state weight in stones and pounds, such as "11 stone 6 pounds," rather than using kilograms or pounds alone.

Practical Applications

• Healthcare and Fitness: Medical professionals and fitness enthusiasts often use stones to monitor and discuss body weight.

• Sports: In sports like boxing and wrestling, weight classes are sometimes denoted in stones.

• Cultural Significance: The use of stones is deeply ingrained in British and Irish culture, reflecting traditional practices in weight measurement.

Unique Insights

An interesting historical note is that Thomas Jefferson, in his 1790 report on weights and measures, proposed a decimal-based system that included a "decimal stone" weighing approximately 5.8595 pounds (2.6578 kg). However, this system was never adopted.

Understanding the stone unit's historical background and current applications provides valuable context for its use in various fields. When developing or using a stone calculator, it's essential to recognize these nuances to ensure accurate and culturally appropriate measurements.

Stones to other units conversion

Stones conversion calculator