Probably simple math question

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Can someone help me understand why 1 pound of fluid = 500 ml of fluid and 1 kg = 1000 ml? My instructor tried valiantly, but my brain just isn't grasping it. It seems like it should be the other way around... I come close to getting it, and then it slips away.

I promise I'm not an idiot, I've had 100% on all of my clinical calculations tests, but I think I need the "For Dummies" explanation on this one.

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Just to be clear, I've researched and I believe my instructor... I just need to get it for my own peace of mind. I think a kg is lighter than a pound...so why is it more volume? Or am I not thinking about this correctly?

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I'm definitely thinking of this wrong. A kg is heavier, isn't it? Because there are 2.2 pounds IN a kg. I might be getting there. Lol.

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

You have it backwards and I gather you have either been getting weight based questions wrong or not understanding why you get them right.

its quite simple.

2.2lb = 1kg. Therefore a pound weighs less than a kg.

To to make a single 1kg package of chocolate, you would need to place 2.2 individual pounds in the bag because pounds are smaller.

If if I weigh 220 pounds (which I don't) then I also weigh 100kg.

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I've always gotten weight based problems right, because I know the arithmetic and conversions. I was definitely thinking about it backwards though, in more abstract terms.

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.
I've always gotten weight based problems right, because I know the arithmetic and conversions. I was definitely thinking about it backwards though, in more abstract terms.

its really common to understand lb vs kg backward based on how you set up problems to convert. They appear like lbs weigh more. But when you break it down to it taking more lbs to equal a kg, is where it gets easier to remember. GL!

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