How Many Kilos In a Stone?

What is a Stone?

Before we dive into the conversion, let’s clarify what a stone is, not to be confused with a stone worktop. A stone is an Imperial unit of weight that is mainly used in the United Kingdom and Ireland to measure a person’s weight or the weight of certain objects. Historically, it was used across different cultures, but today, it’s most commonly associated with the British Isles.

The Origin of the Stone Measurement

The stone’s use dates back to ancient times, with various cultures using stones of different sizes for weight measurement. Over the years, the standard for a stone has been solidified to 14 pounds. However, this wasn’t always the case, and the weight of a stone used to vary based on local customs and materials. Eventually, the British Imperial system standardized the stone to weigh exactly 14 pounds.

Converting Stone to Kilograms

Now, let’s get to the heart of the question: how many kilos in a stone? The conversion between stones and kilograms is straightforward once you know the numbers involved. A single stone equals approximately 6.35 kilograms.

So, if you have a weight in stones, simply multiply that number by 6.35 to convert it into kilograms. For example:

10 stones = 10 × 6.35 = 63.5 kilograms

5 stones = 5 × 6.35 = 31.75 kilograms

Why 6.35 Kilograms?

The reason a stone weighs 6.35 kilograms has to do with the way weight was standardized in the UK when the metric system was introduced. The metric system uses kilograms as a base unit of weight, and it was decided that 1 stone would be equal to 14 pounds, which is roughly equal to 6.35 kilograms. This gives us the easy conversion factor we use today.

Why Do Some Countries Use Stones for Weight?

While most of the world uses the metric system to measure weight, the stone is still widely used in the UK and Ireland. But why? Well, it’s simply a matter of tradition and practicality.

Tradition of the British Imperial System

The British Imperial system, which includes the stone, was used in the UK for centuries. While the world gradually adopted the metric system, the UK retained many of its traditional units, including the stone. As a result, even today, people in the UK often refer to their weight in stones, especially when they talk about body weight.

Cultural Familiarity

The use of stones feels natural for many people in the UK, and it’s a more convenient measurement when discussing body weight. For instance, it’s common for someone to say they weigh “11 stone” rather than listing out their weight in kilograms or pounds. It’s a unit that people are used to, and switching to another system might feel unnecessary.

Common Uses of the Stone Measurement

While the stone is primarily used for human weight, it also has other uses in various contexts. Let’s take a look at some common ways the stone measurement is applied.

Body Weight

The most common use of stones is to measure body weight, particularly in the UK and Ireland. Instead of saying, “I weigh 90 kilograms,” a person in the UK would likely say, “I weigh 14 stone.” This system is part of the culture, even though the rest of the world uses kilograms or pounds.

Agriculture and Goods

In some countries, the stone measurement is still used for weighing certain agricultural products, like potatoes or coal. Although the metric system has largely replaced the stone, this is one area where the traditional measurement still persists.

Converting Stones to Pounds and Kilograms

It’s worth noting that in addition to kilograms, stones are often also converted to pounds. Since 1 stone is equal to 14 pounds, you can use this simple conversion to change stones into pounds as well.

1 stone = 14 pounds

5 stones = 5 × 14 = 70 pounds

So, for those familiar with pounds, converting stones to pounds might feel more intuitive. If you need the weight in kilograms, however, you’ll multiply by 6.35.

Why Do We Need to Convert Stones to Kilograms?

If you live in a country that uses the metric system, you may wonder why you would even bother converting stones to kilograms. The answer lies in global standardization. The metric system is used worldwide for scientific and medical purposes. Therefore, if you’re traveling, visiting a doctor, or buying products internationally, you may need to convert your weight to kilograms for consistency.

Quick Conversion Chart: Stones to Kilograms

Here’s a quick reference for converting stones to kilograms:

Having a chart like this makes it easier for you to make quick conversions without needing a calculator.

Converting Stones to Kilograms for Fitness Goals

If you’re working toward a fitness goal, knowing how to convert stones to kilograms can help you track your progress more accurately. For example, if you’re aiming to lose weight and your goal is to shed 2 stones, this would be equivalent to losing about 12.7 kilograms. Tracking your weight loss in kilograms may provide a clearer understanding of how much progress you’ve made, especially if you’re using a fitness tracker that measures in kilograms.

Other Measurement Units Compared to Stones

If you’re still wondering how stones compare to other weight measurements, here’s a comparison with some common units:

1 stone = 6.35 kilograms

1 stone = 14 pounds

1 kilogram = 0.157 stones

1 pound = 0.0714 stones

This breakdown can help you understand the relationship between these different units of weight.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the stone remains a significant unit of measurement for weight, especially in the UK and Ireland. If you’re unfamiliar with it, the conversion is simple: 1 stone equals 6.35 kilograms. Whether you’re dealing with personal weight, agricultural products, or other measurements, understanding how to convert between stones and kilograms is crucial. Knowing this conversion can help you navigate global systems, track fitness progress, and ensure accurate weight reporting when traveling.

FAQs

How many kilos are in 5 stones?

5 stones is equivalent to 31.75 kilograms.

Why do the UK and Ireland still use stones?

The use of stones in the UK and Ireland is largely due to tradition and cultural familiarity. While the metric system is used globally, stones are still commonly used for body weight and other contexts in these countries.

How can I quickly convert stones to kilograms?

To convert stones to kilograms, simply multiply the number of stones by 6.35. For example, 10 stones equals 63.5 kilograms.

Is there a difference between stones and pounds?

Yes, a stone is equal to 14 pounds. So, if you’re converting stones to pounds, multiply the number of stones by 14.

Why is the stone still used despite the metric system?

The stone remains in use because it’s deeply rooted in British history and culture. People in the UK are accustomed to this unit of measurement, particularly for body weight.