Tool
PE to lb Converter
Convert PE to lb (and kg) instantly. PE 1.5 is about 30 lb, PE 2 is about 40 lb, PE 3 is about 65 lb, PE 4 is about 80 lb (approximate, varies by brand). Drag setting at 25% of line, and tackle class suggestions per PE rating.
PE Line Converter
PE class to lb / kg converter
Japanese PE ratings are used across Thai tackle shops and pay-lakes. Select a PE class to see the approximate breaking strain and recommended drag setting. Values are approximations — actual strength varies by brand.
PE 2 — breaking strain (approximate)
40 lb
Approximate — varies by brand
18.1 kg
Approximate — varies by brand
Tackle class
Medium-Heavy
Typical target species
Arapaima, large catfish, GT inshore, medium offshore jigging
Recommended drag setting
≤ 10 lb / 4.5 kg (25% of breaking strain)
Set drag to no more than 25% of breaking strain to protect knots and leader connections. Heavy-tackle GT fishing may push to 30% — verify with your guide.
Full PE reference table
| PE | Approx lb | Approx kg |
|---|---|---|
| PE 0.4 | 8 | 3.6 |
| PE 0.6 | 12 | 5.4 |
| PE 0.8 | 16 | 7.3 |
| PE 1 | 20 | 9.1 |
| PE 1.2 | 25 | 11.3 |
| PE 1.5 | 30 | 13.6 |
| PE 2 | 40 | 18.1 |
| PE 2.5 | 50 | 22.7 |
| PE 3 | 65 | 29.5 |
| PE 4 | 80 | 36.3 |
| PE 5 | 100 | 45.4 |
| PE 6 | 120 | 54.4 |
| PE 8 | 150 | 68.0 |
| PE 10 | 200 | 90.7 |
| PE 12 | 250 | 113.4 |
All values approximate. Highlighted row = currently selected PE class.
PE to lb and kg: common questions
What is PE 1 in lb and kg?
PE 1 is about 20 lb (9.1 kg), approximate, varies by brand.
What is PE 1.5 in lb and kg?
PE 1.5 is about 30 lb (13.6 kg), approximate, varies by brand.
What is PE 2 in lb and kg?
PE 2 is about 40 lb (18.1 kg), approximate, varies by brand.
What is PE 3 in lb and kg?
PE 3 is about 65 lb (29.5 kg), approximate, varies by brand.
What is PE 4 in lb and kg?
PE 4 is about 80 lb (36.3 kg), approximate, varies by brand.
What is PE 5 in lb and kg?
PE 5 is about 100 lb (45.4 kg), approximate, varies by brand.
What is PE 8 in lb and kg?
PE 8 is about 150 lb (68.0 kg), approximate, varies by brand.
What is PE 10 in lb and kg?
PE 10 is about 200 lb (90.7 kg), approximate, varies by brand.
What is a PE rating, and why is the lb figure approximate?
Japanese PE ratings are used across Thai tackle shops and pay-lakes. Each PE class is listed with an approximate breaking strain in lb and kg. The values are approximations: actual tensile strength depends on braid construction, wet vs dry conditions, and brand quality, so always check the spool label or manufacturer data sheet.