Pound (lb)
The pound, symbol lb, is a unit of mass with origins in ancient Rome, where it was known as the libra. Standardized in England in the 14th century, the modern pound equals 0.453592 kilograms. Pounds remain in common use in the United States, Canada, and the UK for body weight, groceries, and various trades. The pound maintains continuity with traditional measurements while being used in parallel with metric units in international contexts. Its presence reflects the balance between imperial and metric systems.
Gram (g)
The gram (g) is the core unit of mass in the metric system. Originating in France in the late 1700s during metrication, it was originally set as the weight of a single cubic centimeter of water at 4°C, the point of water’s greatest density. This definition grounded the gram in both practicality and scientific accuracy. As the cornerstone for all metric mass measurements, the gram supports precise calculations and global consistency. Today, it is a fundamental unit in scientific research, culinary arts, and commerce, valued for its straightforwardness and universal application.