Stone (UK)

Definition

The stone (abbreviated as st) is a unit of mass equal to 6.35029318 kilograms. It is a customary unit primarily used in the United Kingdom and Ireland for measuring body weight. It is not part of the International System of Units (SI).

History

The stone originated from the practice of using stones as weights in trade. Its use dates back to medieval England where various stones were used, leading to different local definitions. In the 14th century, the stone was standardized to 14 pounds for weight purposes, which later evolved to the current mass equivalent.

Uses

The stone is primarily used in everyday life, particularly in the UK for measuring body weight. It is often seen in contexts such as healthcare and sports. The stone is less common in scientific and engineering applications, where SI units are preferred.

Conversions

  • 1 stone = 14 pounds
  • 1 stone = 6.35029318 kilograms
  • 1 stone = 0.157473044 tons (US)

Fun Facts

  • A common misconception is that all stones have the same weight; however, historical variations exist.
  • The stone has cultural significance in the UK, often used in traditional sports like wrestling.
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