Pounds
Ounces
Grams
Kilograms
What are the world's weight units?
Weight (mass) units vary across the world based on region, tradition, and standardization systems. Below is a breakdown by continent and country:
North America
- United States: Pounds (lb), Ounces (oz), Tons (short ton = 2,000 lb)
- Canada: Kilograms (kg) (official), Pounds (lb) (common in daily use)
- Mexico: Kilograms (kg), Grams (g), Toneladas (metric tons)
South America
- Most countries use Kilograms (kg) and Metric Tons (t).
- Some local uses of Arroba (~11.5 kg in some countries, ~15 kg in others).
Europe
- Entire European Union: Kilograms (kg), Metric Tons (t)
- United Kingdom: Kilograms (kg) (official), but Pounds (lb), Stones (st) (14 lb = 1 stone) are still commonly used.
- Russia: Kilograms (kg), Poods (obsolete but sometimes used, 1 Pood = ~16.38 kg)
Africa
- Most countries use Kilograms (kg) and Metric Tons (t).
- Some local weight units in rural areas, like Ardeb in Sudan (~90 kg for wheat).
Asia
- China: Kilograms (kg), Traditional units like Jin (~0.5 kg)
- Japan: Kilograms (kg), Traditional Kan (~3.75 kg, rare)
- India: Kilograms (kg), Traditional units like Maund (~37.3 kg, historical)
- Middle East: Kilograms (kg), Local units like Rotl (~0.5 kg in some places)
Australia and Oceania
- Australia, New Zealand: Kilograms (kg), Metric Tons (t)
- Some local traditional units in smaller Pacific islands.
The metric system (kg, g, t) is used in most of the world, but the Imperial system (lb, oz, st, ton) remains in the U.S. and parts of the UK.