Pound to Dram Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert pounds to drams with our free online weight converter.
Pound to Dram Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Pound).
- The converted value in Dram will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Weight category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Pound to Dram
Converting Pound to Dram involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Pound = 256 drams
Example Calculation:
Convert 5 pounds: 5 × 256 = 1280 drams
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
What is a Pound and a Dram?
The pound (avoirdupois) is a unit of mass used in the imperial and US customary systems. It is defined as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms.
The dram (or drachm) can refer to several units. In the context of common weight conversion (Avoirdupois system), it is a unit of mass equal to 1/16 of an ounce or 1/256 of a pound. This Avoirdupois dram is approximately 1.7718 grams.
Note: The Pound is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Dram belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Pound and Dram
Originates from the Roman 'libra'. The avoirdupois pound became the standard for commerce in England and was later adopted in the US.
The term originates from the Greek drachma coin. It became a unit in multiple historical weight systems (Avoirdupois, Apothecaries', Troy). The Avoirdupois dram was used for general commodities.
Common Uses for pounds and drams
Explore the typical applications for both Pound (imperial/US) and Dram (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for pounds
- Body Weight: The primary unit for measuring human body weight in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, commonly seen on personal scales.
- Food & Groceries (US/UK): Standard unit for selling and pricing produce (e.g., apples, potatoes by the pound), meat, cheese, and deli items. Recipe ingredients are often measured in pounds or ounces.
- General Weight: Used for everyday weight measurements in non-scientific contexts in the US/UK, such as package weight for domestic shipping or luggage weight.
- Specific Applications: Sometimes used in technical fields like measuring tire pressure (pounds per square inch, PSI - though PSI is pressure, not mass) or fishing line strength (lb-test).
Common Uses for drams
- Historical Measurement: Found in older texts and recipes.
- Ammunition Reloading: Powder charges are sometimes measured in dram equivalents (though grains are more common).
- Note: The fluid dram (fl dr) is a unit of volume in the Apothecaries' system, distinct from the Avoirdupois dram mass unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Pound (lb)
What measurement system uses pounds?
The pound (lb) is a key unit in the imperial and US customary measurement systems.
Where is the pound commonly used?
Primarily in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada for everyday measurements like body weight and groceries.
How many ounces are in a pound?
There are exactly 16 avoirdupois ounces (oz) in 1 avoirdupois pound (lb).
About Dram (dr)
How many drams are in an ounce (avoirdupois)?
There are 16 drams (dr) in 1 avoirdupois ounce (oz).
How many grams are in a dram (avoirdupois)?
There are approximately 1.771845 grams (g) in 1 avoirdupois dram (dr).
Is a dram a unit of mass or volume?
It can be both, which causes confusion. The Avoirdupois dram (dr) is mass (1/16 oz). The fluid dram (fl dr) is volume (1/8 fl oz).
Conversion Table: Pound to Dram
Pound (lb) | Dram (dr) |
---|---|
1 | 256 |
5 | 1,280 |
10 | 2,560 |
25 | 6,400 |
50 | 12,800 |
100 | 25,600 |
500 | 128,000 |
1,000 | 256,000 |
All Weight Conversions
Other Units from Weight
- Kilogram (kg)
- Gram (g)
- Milligram (mg)
- Ounce (oz)
- Stone (st)
- Ton (metric) (t)
- Ton (US) (ton)
- Ton (UK) (long ton)
- Microgram (µg)
- Carat (ct)
- Slug (sl)
- Troy Ounce (oz t)
- Pennyweight (dwt)
- Grain (gr)
- Quintal (q)
- Atomic Mass Unit (u)
- Pavan (India) (pavan)
- Kati (India) (kati)
- Masha (India) (masha)
- Dina (India) (dina)
- Pras (India) (pras)
- Lota (India) (lota)