Kilogram to Ton (metric) Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool

Convert kilograms to tons with our free online weight converter.

From:

Kilogram

To:

Ton (metric)

How to Use the Calculator:

Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Kilogram).
The converted value in Ton (metric) will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Weight category.
Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.

How to Convert Kilogram to Ton (metric)

Converting Kilogram to Ton (metric) involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.

Formula:

1 Kilogram = 0.001 tons

Example Calculation:

Convert 5 kilograms: 5 × 0.001 = 0.005 tons

Disclaimer: For Reference Only

These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.

Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.

What is a Kilogram and a Ton (metric)?

The kilogram is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined based on the fixed numerical value of the Planck constant.

The metric ton (or tonne) is a unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms (kg). It is part of the International System of Units (SI) although not technically an SI unit itself, it is accepted for use with SI. It is equivalent to approximately 2,204.6 pounds.

Note: The Kilogram is part of the metric (SI) system, primarily used globally in science and trade. The Ton (metric) belongs to the imperial/US customary system.

History of the Kilogram and Ton (metric)

Originally defined as the mass of one liter of water. Later, it was represented by the International Prototype of the Kilogram (IPK), a platinum-iridium cylinder. In 2019, the definition was changed to be based on fundamental physical constants.

The term "tonne" derives from the "tun", an old English unit of volume for large casks. The metric tonne was defined as 1,000 kilograms to provide a larger metric unit for trade and industry, aligning with the decimal nature of the SI system.

Common Uses for kilograms and tons

Explore the typical applications for both Kilogram (metric) and Ton (metric) (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.

Common Uses for kilograms

Global Standard: The primary unit for mass in science (physics, chemistry), engineering calculations, and international trade (e.g., commodity pricing).
Body Weight: Widely used worldwide (outside the US/UK primarily) for measuring human body weight for health and fitness tracking.
Food & Groceries: Used for selling and labeling larger quantities of food items like rice, flour, sugar, and some produce in metric countries.
Shipping & Logistics: Standard unit for calculating weights of packages and freight internationally.
Everyday Objects: Measuring the mass of common items like furniture, electronics, or luggage.

Common Uses for tons

Transportation: Measuring the mass of vehicles like cars, trucks, and heavy machinery.
Shipping & Logistics: Quantifying large amounts of bulk cargo in shipping (e.g., coal, grain, ore).
Agriculture: Expressing crop yields and large-scale agricultural production.
Heavy Industry: Standard unit for production outputs in steel manufacturing, mining, and construction.
Waste Management: Used for calculating municipal solid waste volumes and recycling quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Kilogram (kg)

What is the base unit of mass in the SI system?

The kilogram (kg) is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI).

Is the kilogram used worldwide?

Yes, it's the global standard for science, engineering, and international trade, and widely used for everyday measurements in most countries.

How was the kilogram originally defined?

It was initially defined as the mass of one liter of water, later represented by a physical artifact (the IPK), and is now based on the Planck constant.

About Ton (metric) (t)

How many kilograms are in a metric ton?

There are exactly 1,000 kilograms (kg) in 1 metric ton (t).

Is a metric ton the same as a US ton?

No. A metric ton (1,000 kg) is slightly heavier than a US ton (also called a short ton, 2,000 lbs or about 907.18 kg).

Why is it sometimes spelled "tonne"?

The spelling "tonne" is often used internationally to distinguish it clearly from the imperial/US tons (short ton and long ton).

Conversion Table: Kilogram to Ton (metric)

Kilogram (kg)	Ton (metric) (t)
1	0.001
5	0.005
10	0.01
25	0.025
50	0.05
100	0.1
500	0.5
1,000	1

All Weight Conversions

Kilogram to Gram Kilogram to Milligram Kilogram to Pound Kilogram to Ounce Kilogram to Stone Kilogram to Ton (US)Kilogram to Ton (UK)Kilogram to Microgram Kilogram to Carat Kilogram to Slug Kilogram to Troy Ounce Kilogram to Pennyweight Kilogram to Grain Kilogram to Dram Kilogram to Quintal Kilogram to Atomic Mass Unit Kilogram to Pavan (India)Kilogram to Kati (India)Kilogram to Masha (India)Kilogram to Dina (India)Kilogram to Pras (India)Kilogram to Lota (India)Gram to Kilogram Gram to Milligram Gram to Pound Gram to Ounce Gram to Stone Gram to Ton (metric)Gram to Ton (US)Gram to Ton (UK)Gram to Microgram Gram to Carat Gram to Slug Gram to Troy Ounce Gram to Pennyweight Gram to Grain Gram to Dram Gram to Quintal Gram to Atomic Mass Unit Gram to Pavan (India)Gram to Kati (India)Gram to Masha (India)Gram to Dina (India)Gram to Pras (India)Gram to Lota (India)Milligram to Kilogram Milligram to Gram Milligram to Pound Milligram to Ounce Milligram to Stone Milligram to Ton (metric)Milligram to Ton (US)Milligram to Ton (UK)Milligram to Microgram Milligram to Carat Milligram to Slug Milligram to Troy Ounce Milligram to Pennyweight Milligram to Grain Milligram to Dram Milligram to Quintal Milligram to Atomic Mass Unit Milligram to Pavan (India)Milligram to Kati (India)Milligram to Masha (India)Milligram to Dina (India)Milligram to Pras (India)Milligram to Lota (India)Pound to Kilogram Pound to Gram Pound to Milligram Pound to Ounce Pound to Stone Pound to Ton (metric)Pound to Ton (US)Pound to Ton (UK)Pound to Microgram Pound to Carat Pound to Slug Pound to Troy Ounce Pound to Pennyweight Pound to Grain Pound to Dram Pound to Quintal Pound to Atomic Mass Unit Pound to Pavan (India)Pound to Kati (India)Pound to Masha (India)Pound to Dina (India)Pound to Pras (India)Pound to Lota (India)Ounce to Kilogram Ounce to Gram Ounce to Milligram Ounce to Pound Ounce to Stone Ounce to Ton (metric)Ounce to Ton (US)Ounce to Ton (UK)Ounce to Microgram Ounce to Carat Ounce to Slug Ounce to Troy Ounce Ounce to Pennyweight Ounce to Grain Ounce to Dram Ounce to Quintal Ounce to Atomic Mass Unit Ounce to Pavan (India)Ounce to Kati (India)Ounce to Masha (India)Ounce to Dina (India)Ounce to Pras (India)Ounce to Lota (India)Stone to Kilogram Stone to Gram Stone to Milligram Stone to Pound Stone to Ounce Stone to Ton (metric)