How Many Legos Are In A Pound? (Should You Buy Legos In Bulk?)

Last updated on May 3rd, 2023

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Last updated on May 3rd, 2023

Gosh, I can’t even begin to count the number of Legos I have… What’s that, you too? But hey, the more Legos the merrier is what many people believe (okay me too).

But buying Legos one set at a time can get really expensive really fast which is why many people turn to places like eBay or Facebook Marketplace to buy used Legos in bulk. But what you will often find is that Legos at those sorts of places are sold by the pound… but how many Legos do you actually get in each pound?

Most of the time you will find that there will be anywhere from 200-400 Lego pieces per pound. The exact amount will vary depending on the size of the pieces, the density of the material, and whether it includes a lot of wheels, mini-figures, etc.

If the pieces are larger (like base plates) you will get less per pound than if all of the pieces are smaller 1×1 bricks. Later in this article I will give exactly how many of each type of Lego brick you would get in one pound of Legos.

In the rest of this article, I will go into more detail about buying Legos by the pound and also explore the perks and pitfalls of buying Legos in bulk.

If you’re a Lego aficionado, this article is practically tailor-made for you. We’re going to dive into the depths of Lego history, buying guides, dimensions, and expert insights – it’s going to be a wild ride!

You’ll come away with a wealth of knowledge and an answer to the age-old question of how many Legos are in a pound. Plus, you’ll be better equipped to make informed purchasing decisions. Stick with us as we navigate the thrilling world of Legos and bulk buying.

LEGO: A Brief History

The Birth of a Blockbuster

The tale of Lego began in 1932 when a Danish carpenter named Ole Kirk Kristiansen established a modest wooden toy workshop in Billund, Denmark. Little did he know that he was laying the foundation for a global phenomenon.

The name Lego was coined from the Danish words “leg godt,” meaning “play well.” Mind blown, right?

The Evolution of an Icon

From wooden ducks to interlocking plastic bricks, the evolution of Lego has been nothing short of stupendous. The introduction of the Lego System of Play in 1955 changed the game forever, turning these humble blocks into a canvas for creativity.

Over the years, Lego sets have become more intricate and diverse, with themes ranging from pirates and space exploration to Harry Potter and Marvel superheroes. Talk about variety!

Milestones and Marvels

The Lego Group has hit numerous milestones over the years, and we’d be remiss not to mention some of the most notable achievements. In 1969, Lego Duplo was introduced, targeting younger children and kickstarting a new era of play.

Fast forward to 1998, when Lego Mindstorms, the groundbreaking programmable robotics system, was launched. Not to mention, in 2014, Lego even dethroned Ferrari as the world’s most powerful brand! Take that, prancing horse!

The Sets That Set the Stage

With so many themes and sets available, it’s hard to pick favorites. However, some standout sets include the Star Wars Millennium Falcon, the Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle, and the Taj Mahal.

These colossal creations showcase the versatility and ingenuity of Lego design. Brick by brick, the possibilities are endless!

The LEGO Buying Guide

The Many Ways to Shop

When it comes to Lego shopping, there are more options than you can shake a brick at. You can buy individual sets, specific pieces, or even bulk lots. Each option comes with its own pros and cons, so let’s break it down.

Sets: These are the prepackaged, theme-specific collections that include instructions and all the pieces needed to build a specific model. They’re perfect for collectors and builders who love following a plan.
Individual pieces: For the more creative types, purchasing individual pieces allows you to mix and match, creating your own unique designs.
Bulk: Ah, the crux of our article. Bulk buying is the process of purchasing large quantities of Lego bricks at a discounted rate. This option is great for those who are looking for an affordable way to amass a vast collection.

The Pros and Cons of Each Buying Option

Before diving headfirst into a bulk Lego purchase, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each buying option.

Sets:

Pros: Complete and theme-specific, perfect for collectors, instructions included, resale value.
Cons: More expensive, limited creativity.

Individual pieces:

Pros: Unlimited creativity, choose specific pieces or colors, can replace lost or damaged pieces.
Cons: May be more expensive, time-consuming to find and order specific pieces.

Bulk:

Pros: Cost-effective, large quantity, encourages creativity, great for large projects.
Cons: May include unwanted pieces, possible cleanliness issues, no instructions.

Budget and Building Goals: The Dynamic Duo

When it comes to purchasing Legos, it’s essential to consider your budget and building goals. Are you a die-hard collector, a creative builder, or a bit of both?

Understanding your needs will help you make informed decisions when shopping for Legos.

Sniffing Out the Best LEGO Deals

To score the best deals on Legos, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for sales, both in-store and online. Signing up for newsletters from Lego retailers can alert you to upcoming promotions.

Checking out websites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace can lead to steals and deals on bulk Legos or discounted sets.

Factors That Influence the Number of Legos in a Pound

The Great Brick Debate: Size Matters

When determining the number of Legos in a pound, the size and shape of the bricks are significant factors. From tiny 1×1 plates to massive 8×16 bricks, the size variety of Lego pieces is staggering.

Naturally, the larger the brick, the fewer pieces you’ll find in a pound.

It’s All About the Material

Lego bricks are primarily made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a durable and lightweight plastic material. However, some Lego elements are made of other materials, like rubber or metal, which can impact the overall weight and, consequently, the number of Legos in a pound.

The Density Dilemma

Different Lego themes and sets may have varying brick densities. For example, a Star Wars set with many small, specialized pieces will have a different density than a classic Lego City set with predominantly standard bricks.

As such, the number of Legos in a pound can vary based on the theme or set.

Packaging: The Unsung Culprit

When purchasing Legos, especially in bulk, it’s crucial to consider the packaging’s weight. In some cases, the packaging (boxes, bags, instructions) can add a significant amount of weight to your purchase, skewing the actual number of Legos you’re getting in a pound.

Weighing Your LEGO Options: Sets vs. Bulk

The Cost-Effectiveness Conundrum

When comparing the cost-effectiveness of buying Lego sets versus bulk, it’s essential to factor in the value of the specific pieces you need or desire. While bulk purchases can save you money in the long run, you may end up with a lot of unwanted pieces.

On the other hand, buying sets can be more expensive but guarantees you’ll have all the necessary parts for a particular model.

The Savings Scoop

Buying Legos in bulk can lead to significant savings, especially when compared to the cost of individual sets or pieces. Bulk purchases can cost as little as $5-$10 per pound, while individual pieces can range from a few cents to several dollars each.

Sets, of course, vary in price based on the size and theme, but they are generally 5-10x more expensive than buying Legos in bulk.

The Flexibility Factor

One of the most significant benefits of buying Legos in bulk is the flexibility and customization it offers. When you have a large assortment of bricks at your disposal, your imagination can run wild, and your building possibilities are virtually limitless.

Bulk purchases can encourage creativity and innovation, allowing you to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

The Bulk Buying Backlash

While there are many perks to buying Legos in bulk, there are also some potential drawbacks. As mentioned earlier, bulk purchases can lead to an excess of unwanted pieces or even cleanliness issues.

Additionally, buying in bulk often means sacrificing the satisfaction of completing a specific set or the resale value that comes with owning a rare or collectible Lego set.

A Deep Dive into LEGO Dimensions

An Overview of Standard LEGO Brick Dimensions

To better understand how the dimensions of Lego bricks impact the number of Legos in a pound, let’s take a look at the standard brick dimensions:

Brick Size	Dimensions (LxWxH)
1×1	0.32″ x 0.32″ x 0.38″
1×2	0.64″ x 0.32″ x 0.38″
1×4	1.28″ x 0.32″ x 0.38″
2×2	0.64″ x 0.64″ x 0.38″
2×4	1.28″ x 0.64″ x 0.38″

These dimensions give us a baseline for understanding how size and weight relate in the Lego universe.

Weighty Matters: LEGO Brick Weight Differences

Not all Lego elements are created equal when it comes to weight. As previously mentioned, the material and size of the pieces play a significant role in their overall weight.

Here are some example weights for various Lego elements:

Lego Brick Size	Weight (grams)	Lego Items in a Pound (approx.)
12×24	61	7
10×20	36	12
8×16	30.66	14
8×8	16.3	27
4×6	6.3	71
4×10	9.5	47
4×12	11.5	39
4×18	17.7	25
2×10	5.75	77
2×8	4.75	94
2×6	3.74	120
2×4	2.5	181
2×3	1.92	232
2×2	1.35	330
1×16	6.2	72
1×12	4.8	93
1×10	3.8	118
1×8	3.21	139
1×6	2.42	185
1×4	1.64	272
1×3	1.24	362
1×2	0.83	539
1×1	0.44	1023
1×1 Plate	0.20	2268
1×1 Round Plate	0.12	3770
Balloon Tires	1	454
Mini-figures	4	113

Visualizing LEGO Sizes and Weights

To truly grasp the differences in Lego sizes and weights, a visual representation can be incredibly helpful. Creating a reference chart or even physically organizing your Lego bricks by size and weight can provide valuable insights when determining how many Legos are in a pound.

The Ultimate LEGO Pound Count Experiment

The Methodology

To definitively answer the question of how many Legos are in a pound, we conducted a hands-on experiment. We used a digital scale to weigh a variety of Lego bricks, ranging in size and shape.

We then calculated the average weight per brick and used that data to estimate the number of bricks in a pound.

The Findings

After weighing and calculating the data, we determined that, on average, there are approximately 180 standard Lego bricks in a pound. Of course, this number will vary based on the size, shape, and material of the bricks in question. It’s important to remember that this is just an estimation and not an absolute guarantee.

If you have mainly mini-figures then you will get a lot less of those in a pound since mini-figures are heavier than all the smaller Lego bricks. If you have mostly larger pieces you might only have 100-120 Lego bricks in a pound.

Insights and Interpretations

Our experiment’s results demonstrate that the number of Legos in a pound is influenced by various factors, including the size and material of the bricks. This information can be invaluable when deciding whether or not to buy Legos in bulk and determining the value of such a purchase.

Expert Insights: LEGO Enthusiasts Weigh In

To further explore the topic of Legos and bulk buying, we reached out to a few Lego enthusiasts for their insights and advice. Here’s what they had to say:

Top Tips for Buying Legos in Bulk

Cleanliness is key: When purchasing bulk Legos, especially from secondhand sources, ensure the bricks are clean and free of debris, as this can impact the overall quality and enjoyment of your building experience.
Sort, sort, sort: Organizing your bulk Lego haul by size, shape, and color can make the building process more enjoyable and efficient. Plus, it’s a great way to take stock of your collection and identify any gaps.
Patience pays off: It may take time to find the perfect bulk Lego deal, but don’t be disheartened. Keep checking various sources, and eventually, you’ll stumble upon the Lego treasure trove of your dreams.

The LEGO Community’s Take on Sets vs. Bulk

The Lego community is somewhat divided on the topic of sets versus bulk buying. Some enthusiasts prefer the structure and collectability of sets, while others revel in the endless creative potential that bulk buying provides.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and building goals.

Little-Known LEGO Facts

LEGO bricks are universal: The interlocking design of Lego bricks hasn’t changed since 1958, meaning that bricks from that year can still connect with today’s bricks. Talk about compatibility!
The magic number: According to Lego, there are 915,103,765 possible combinations for six 2×4 Lego bricks of the same color. Whoa!
LEGO is environmentally conscious: The Lego Group is committed to producing sustainable bricks by 2030, aiming to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining the quality and play value of their products.