What is the difference between pound and poundal?

A pound (lb) is a unit of mass, while a poundal (pdl) is a unit of force defined in the FPS system.

Why would I convert from pounds to poundals?

Converting to poundals allows understanding the force exerted by a certain mass under specific accelerations in classical mechanics.

Is the poundal commonly used today?

The poundal is less common in modern usage, so conversions should be made carefully to avoid confusion with other force units.

How to Convert from Pound [lbs] to Poundal [pdl]

Learn how to convert from pounds (lbs), a unit of mass, to poundals (pdl), a unit of force in the FPS system. Understand their definitions, common use cases, and practical examples to assist with mechanics and engineering calculations.

Pound [lbs]

Poundal [pdl]

Pound [lbs] to Poundal [pdl] Conversion Table

Pound [lbs]	Poundal [pdl]

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Pound [lbs] to Poundal [pdl] Conversion Table
Pound [lbs]	Poundal [pdl]

Explore More Weight And Mass Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This converter helps you transform values from pound (lbs), a mass unit in the avoirdupois system, to poundal (pdl), a force unit in the foot–pound–second system. It is designed to support calculations in mechanics where force rather than mass is required.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the value in pounds (lbs) you wish to convert
Select poundal (pdl) as the target unit
Click convert to see the equivalent force value in poundals

Key Features

Converts between mass (pounds) and force (poundals) units
Supports classical mechanics and engineering applications using FPS units
Provides clear conversion examples for easy understanding
Browser-based and easy to use

Examples

2 pounds [lbs] = 64.4 poundals [pdl]
0.5 pounds [lbs] = 16.1 poundals [pdl]

Common Use Cases

Calculating force exerted by a mass under acceleration in FPS mechanics
Analyzing classical dynamics problems involving Newton’s second law
Interpreting engineering or ballistics materials using FPS unit conventions
Converting between older FPS force units and SI or pound-force units

Tips & Best Practices

Always consider the acceleration context when converting mass to force
Double-check unit definitions to avoid confusion with pound-force or SI units
Use the converter when working with historical or FPS-based engineering data

Limitations

Pound is a mass unit, while poundal is a force unit; conversion depends on acceleration specifics
Poundal is less commonly used today, requiring careful unit interpretation
Direct conversion assumes acceleration factor, often standard gravity, which must be accounted for

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pound and poundal?: A pound (lb) is a unit of mass, while a poundal (pdl) is a unit of force defined in the FPS system.
Why would I convert from pounds to poundals?: Converting to poundals allows understanding the force exerted by a certain mass under specific accelerations in classical mechanics.
Is the poundal commonly used today?: The poundal is less common in modern usage, so conversions should be made carefully to avoid confusion with other force units.

Key Terminology

Pound (lbs): A unit of mass in the avoirdupois system defined exactly as 0.45359237 kilograms.
Poundal (pdl): A unit of force in the FPS system, defined as the force needed to accelerate a 1-pound mass at 1 foot per second squared.
FPS System: The foot–pound–second system of units, where poundal is used as a unit of force.

Quick Knowledge Check

What type of quantity is a pound (lbs)?

Force

Mass

Acceleration

Which system uses the poundal (pdl) as a force unit?

Metric System

Foot–Pound–Second (FPS) System

International System of Units (SI)

What is the conversion rate from 1 pound to poundals according to the tool?

32.2 poundals

0.138255 poundals

1 poundal