Stone to Ton (metric) Converter
Convert stones to tons with our free online weight converter.
Quick Answer
1 Stone = 0.00635 tons
Formula: Stone × conversion factor = Ton (metric)
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.
Stone to Ton (metric) Calculator
How to Use the Stone to Ton (metric) Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Stone).
- 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 Stone to Ton (metric): Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Stone to Ton (metric) involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Stone = 0.00635029 tonsExample Calculation:
Convert 5 stones: 5 × 0.00635029 = 0.0317515 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.
Need to convert to other weight units?
View all Weight conversions →What is a Stone and a Ton (metric)?
1 stone = 14 avoirdupois pounds (lb) = 6.35029318 kilograms (kg) EXACT
The stone (symbol: st) is a unit of mass in the Imperial system, legally defined in terms of pounds, which are themselves defined in terms of kilograms. The exact conversion is:
1 pound = 0.45359237 kilograms (international definition, 1959)
1 stone = 14 × 0.45359237 kg = 6.35029318 kg
Stone and Pounds Notation
The stone is almost never used alone for body weight. Instead, it's combined with additional pounds:
Format: "X stone Y pounds" or "X st Y lb"
Examples:
- 10 st 0 lb = 10 stone exactly = 140 lb = 63.5 kg
- 10 st 7 lb = 10 stone + 7 pounds = 147 lb = 66.7 kg
- 12 st 3 lb = 12 stone + 3 pounds = 171 lb = 77.6 kg
Why this format? It provides precision without unwieldy decimal places. Saying "10.5 stone" is rare—people say "10 stone 7" instead (10 stone + 7 pounds = 10.5 stone).
Stone vs. Kilogram vs. Pound
Three systems for measuring body weight:
| System | Unit | Used In | Precision | |-----------|----------|-------------|---------------| | Imperial (UK) | Stone + Pounds | UK, Ireland | "11 st 7 lb" (161 lb) | | Imperial (US) | Pounds only | United States, Canada | "161 lb" | | Metric | Kilograms | Most of the world | "73 kg" |
Cultural difference:
- Americans say "I weigh 161 pounds"
- British say "I weigh 11 stone 7" (rarely "161 pounds")
- Europeans say "I weigh 73 kilograms"
Why 14 Pounds?
The number 14 has no scientific basis—it's purely historical. Medieval England used base-12 counting (duodecimal) for some systems:
- 12 inches = 1 foot
- 12 pence = 1 shilling (pre-1971)
- But 14 pounds = 1 stone (not 12!)
Theory: The 14-pound wool stone emerged from trade practices. A "sack of wool" weighed 364 pounds = 26 stones (26 × 14 = 364), a convenient round number for taxation and commerce.
The metric ton (or tonne, symbol: t) is a unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms (kg). It is part of the International System of Units (SI) - although not technically a base SI unit itself, it is accepted for use with SI. It is equivalent to approximately 2,204.6 pounds.
Key relationships:
- 1 metric ton = 1,000 kilograms (kg)
- 1 metric ton = 1,000,000 grams (g)
- 1 metric ton ≈ 2,204.62 pounds (lb)
- 1 metric ton ≈ 1.10231 US tons (short tons)
- 1 metric ton ≈ 0.984207 UK tons (long tons)
Important distinction:
- Metric ton (tonne): 1,000 kg = 2,204.6 lb
- US ton (short ton): 2,000 lb = 907.185 kg
- UK ton (long ton): 2,240 lb = 1,016.05 kg
The metric ton is about 10% heavier than a US ton. Use our ton converter to avoid confusion.
In perspective:
- Compact car: ~1 metric ton
- Adult elephant: ~5-7 metric tons
- School bus: ~10-15 metric tons
- Shipping container (loaded): ~20-30 metric tons
- Blue whale: ~100-200 metric tons
Convert tons to other units with our weight converter.
Note: The Stone is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Ton (metric) belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Stone and Ton (metric)
Ancient and Medieval Origins (Pre-1300)
The concept of standardized stones: Before precise metallic weights, communities used stones as trade counterweights. A merchant would keep a reference stone in the marketplace, verified by local authorities, against which goods were weighed.
Advantages:
- Durability: Stones don't corrode or wear like metal
- Availability: Every village had stones
- Tamper-resistance: Hard to secretly shave weight off a stone
Problem: Every region had different stones! The "stone of wool" in Yorkshire differed from the "stone of wool" in Kent.
Medieval Standardization Attempts (1300-1824)
Edward III's wool stone (1340): King Edward III standardized the wool stone at 14 pounds as part of regulating the lucrative wool trade (England's economic backbone in the Middle Ages). The "sack of wool" was defined as 364 pounds = 26 stones.
Commodity-specific stones: Different goods had different stone weights:
| Commodity | Stone Weight | Reasoning | |--------------|-----------------|---------------| | Wool | 14 lb (6.35 kg) | Trade standard | | Meat | 8 lb (3.63 kg) | Butcher's stone | | Glass | 5 lb (2.27 kg) | Fragile goods | | Cheese | 16 lb (7.26 kg) | Agricultural products | | Iron | Variable (8-15 lb) | Regional differences |
Why different weights? Practical reasons:
- Heavy commodities (iron, lead): Smaller stone weight made counting easier
- Light, valuable goods (wool, spices): Larger stone weight reduced fractions
- Tradition: Each guild jealously guarded its customary weights
The Weights and Measures Act 1824
The problem: By 1800, Britain had dozens of incompatible stone definitions, creating chaos in trade and taxation.
The solution: The 1824 Act standardized British weights and measures:
- 14 pounds = 1 stone (for general use, not tied to specific commodities)
- Stone officially defined in relation to the pound
- Commodity-specific stones discouraged (but not banned)
Imperial standardization: The Act also defined:
- 1 pound = 7,000 grains
- 16 ounces = 1 pound
- 14 pounds = 1 stone
- 8 stone = 1 hundredweight (112 pounds)
- 20 hundredweight = 1 ton (2,240 pounds)
Body weight adoption: The Victorian era (1837-1901) saw the stone become the standard for human weighing. Bathroom scales, medical records, and public health data used stones and pounds.
Metrication and Persistence (1965-Present)
The Weights and Measures Act 1965: The UK officially adopted the metric system, making kilograms the legal unit for trade. However, the Act exempted personal weighing—bathroom scales could continue showing stones.
Why the exemption?
- Cultural resistance: Brits refused to abandon stones for body weight
- Economic lobbying: Scale manufacturers didn't want to retool
- Medical inertia: NHS records already used stones; conversion would be costly
The result: 60+ years later, the stone persists:
- Bathroom scales: Default to stones in the UK (even modern digital ones)
- NHS medical records: Still record patient weight in stones/pounds
- Weight loss programs: Slimming World, Weight Watchers UK use stones
- Media: British newspapers report celebrity weight in stones
- Sports: Boxing, horse racing, rowing use stones for weight classes
Ireland's experience: Ireland officially adopted metric units in 2005, but the stone remains common for body weight, especially among older generations.
Generational divide:
- Older Brits (60+): Think exclusively in stones
- Middle-aged (30-60): Bilingual (stones and kilograms)
- Younger (<30): Increasingly use kilograms, but still understand stones
Cultural Tenacity
The stone is the most persistent Imperial unit in British daily life, outlasting:
- Fahrenheit: Replaced by Celsius (weather, ovens)
- Inches/feet for height: Partially replaced by metres (though feet still common)
- Pints: Milk sold in litres (though beer still sold in pints!)
- Miles: Road signs still use miles (the UK never fully switched)
Why the stone survives:
- Emotional connection: Body weight is personal; changing units feels invasive
- Convenient range: For adults, weight is 8-20 stones (easy to remember vs. 50-127 kg)
- Medical exemption: Doctors use stones, so patients use stones
- Social reinforcement: Everyone around you uses stones, so you do too
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Etymology: The term "tonne" derives from the "tun", an old English unit of volume for large casks used in wine and beer trade. The word evolved through French ("tonneau") before being adapted for the metric system.
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Metric System Development: The metric ton was defined as 1,000 kilograms to provide a larger, practical metric unit for commerce, trade, and industry. This maintained the decimal nature of the metric system while providing a convenient unit for heavy goods.
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Why 1,000 kg?: The choice aligned with the metric prefix system:
- 1 gram = base unit for daily use
- 1 kilogram = 1,000 grams (convenient for everyday weighing)
- 1 metric ton = 1,000 kilograms (convenient for heavy industry)
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International Adoption: As countries adopted the metric system throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the metric ton became the standard for international trade, shipping, and industrial production.
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SI Acceptance: When the International System of Units (SI) was established in 1960, the metric ton was accepted for use with SI units as a practical multiple of the kilogram (the SI base unit of mass).
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Spelling Variations:
- "Tonne" is the international spelling (French origin)
- "Metric ton" is used in the US to distinguish from US/UK tons
- Both refer to the same unit: 1,000 kg
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Modern Usage: Today, the metric ton is the global standard in shipping, international trade, agriculture, mining, and most industrial applications. Only a few countries (primarily the US) still use non-metric tons for domestic purposes.
Common Uses and Applications: stones vs tons
Explore the typical applications for both Stone (imperial/US) and Ton (metric) (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for stones
1. Body Weight Measurement
The stone is the unit for body weight in the UK and Ireland.
Bathroom scales:
- Display: "11 st 7 lb" (digital) or analog dial with stone markings
- Dual units: Many scales toggle between st/lb and kg
- Default: Stones for UK-sold scales, even from international brands
Weighing yourself:
- British: "I'm 12 stone 3"
- American: "I'm 171 pounds"
- European: "I'm 78 kilograms"
Weight goals:
- "I want to lose a stone" = 14-pound goal
- "I'm aiming for 10 stone" = target weight
- "I've gained half a stone" = 7-pound increase
2. Medical and Healthcare
NHS patient records: British hospitals and GPs record weight in stones/pounds (with kg conversion).
Medical forms:
- Pre-op questionnaires: "Weight: __ st __ lb"
- Prescription dosing: Sometimes based on weight (converted to kg for calculations)
- Anesthesia planning: Weight in stones converted to kg for drug dosages
Maternity care:
- Booking appointment: "What was your pre-pregnancy weight?" (stones)
- Pregnancy weight tracking: "You've gained 2 stone, which is healthy"
- Post-natal: "Most women lose 1-2 stone in the first weeks"
Mental health context: Eating disorder treatment tracks weight changes in stones (e.g., anorexia recovery: "gained 1 stone to 7 stone 10").
3. Weight Loss and Fitness
Slimming clubs:
- Slimming World, Weight Watchers UK: Weigh-ins in stones
- Awards: "Half-stone hero," "Stone club," "3-stone milestone"
- Targets: "Lose 10% of body weight" (e.g., 1.5 stone from 15 stone start)
Fitness apps (UK versions):
- MyFitnessPal UK: Input weight in stones
- Fitbit/Garmin: UK users set goals in stones
- Weight tracking graphs: Y-axis shows stones, not kg
Personal trainers: British trainers discuss client progress in stones: "You've dropped from 14 stone to 12 stone 8—fantastic!"
4. Sports Weight Classes
Boxing: British boxing traditionally used stones for weight classes (now officially kilograms, but stones still common in commentary).
Horse racing:
- Jockey weights: Includes jockey + saddle + lead weights to meet required "riding weight"
- Handicapping: Horses carry different weights (in stones) to equalize competition
- Penalties: "Carrying 9 stone 7" vs. "Carrying 10 stone" affects race outcomes
Rowing: Lightweight rowers must weigh under certain stone limits (now metric, but historically stones).
5. Everyday Conversation
The stone pervades British informal speech:
Common phrases:
- "I'm 11 stone, give or take" = approximate weight
- "She must be 10 stone soaking wet" = very light
- "He's put on a stone since Christmas" = seasonal weight gain
- "I haven't been 9 stone since I was 15!" = nostalgic reference
Social etiquette:
- It's impolite to ask someone's weight directly, but acceptable to discuss your own
- Women might say "I'm trying to get back to 9 stone" (goal weight)
6. Media and Entertainment
British TV shows:
- Reality TV: "Love Island" contestants' weights discussed in tabloids (stones)
- Medical shows: "Embarrassing Bodies" references patient weight in stones
- Game shows: "The Biggest Loser UK" tracked loss in stones
Newspapers and magazines:
- Celebrity weight speculation: "Has she lost 2 stone?"
- Health articles: "How to lose half a stone by summer"
- Success stories: "I lost 8 stone and transformed my life!"
7. Historical and Cultural References
Literature: Victorian novels reference weight in stones:
- Dickens, Austen rarely mention specific weights (impolite)
- 20th-century literature: "She was a strapping girl of 12 stone"
British humor: Comedians joke about weight in stones:
- "I'm not overweight, I'm just undertall for my 14 stone!"
Generational markers:
- Older Brits: "When I got married, I was 8 stone"
- Modern comparison: "That's only 112 pounds—too thin by today's standards!"
When to Use tons
The metric ton is the international standard for measuring large-scale masses:
Transportation
Measuring the mass of vehicles like cars, trucks, buses, trains, ships, and aircraft. Vehicle specifications, loading limits, and freight capacity are expressed in metric tons worldwide.
Common Applications:
- Vehicle curb weight and gross weight
- Cargo payload capacity
- Shipping container limits (20-30 tons max)
- Bridge and road weight limits
- Ferry and ship capacity
Why it matters:
- Safety regulations based on weight limits
- Fuel efficiency calculations
- Infrastructure design (roads, bridges)
- Transportation costs calculated per ton
Convert vehicle weights: tons to pounds | tons to kg
Shipping & Logistics
Quantifying large amounts of bulk cargo in international shipping (e.g., coal, grain, ore, containers). Freight rates, ship capacity, and cargo manifests all use metric tons.
Shipping Terminology:
- Deadweight tonnage (DWT): Ship's cargo capacity
- Freight ton: Billing unit (can be weight or volume)
- Container weight: TEU (20-ft container) = up to 28 tons
- Cargo weight limits: Road, rail, sea transport
Industries Using Tons:
- Ocean freight (bulk carriers, container ships)
- Rail freight (coal, grain, minerals)
- Road haulage (trucking industry)
- Air freight (larger cargo planes)
- Warehouse logistics (storage capacity)
Agriculture
Expressing crop yields and large-scale agricultural production. Harvest amounts, commodity trading, and agricultural statistics use metric tons.
Agricultural Metrics:
- Crop yield: Tons per hectare (t/ha)
- Total harvest: Thousands or millions of tons
- Livestock weight: Individual animals in tons
- Feed requirements: Tons per season
- Grain storage: Silo capacity in tons
- Commodity prices: Dollars per metric ton
Common Crops Measured in Tons:
- Wheat, corn, rice, soybeans
- Potatoes, sugar beets
- Cotton (seed and fiber)
- Fruits and vegetables (large-scale)
Heavy Industry
Standard unit for production outputs in steel manufacturing, mining, construction, cement production, and other heavy industries.
Steel Industry:
- Production capacity: Millions of tons per year
- Steel mill output: Tons per day
- Raw materials: Iron ore, coal in tons
- Finished products: Steel beams, plates in tons
Mining:
- Ore extraction: Tons per day/year
- Processing capacity: Tons per hour
- Mineral reserves: Million/billion tons
- Tailings: Waste measured in tons
Construction:
- Concrete: Cubic meters → tons conversion
- Asphalt: Road paving in tons
- Aggregates: Gravel, sand, crushed stone
- Structural steel: Building materials
Chemical Industry:
- Production volumes
- Reactor capacity
- Storage tank capacity
- Product shipments
Use our ton converter for industrial calculations.
Waste Management
Calculating municipal solid waste volumes, recycling quantities, and landfill capacity. Environmental regulations often specify limits in metric tons.
Waste Metrics:
- Per capita waste: kg/person/year → tons/year
- City waste: Thousands of tons per year
- Landfill capacity: Million tons
- Recycling rates: Percentage of tons diverted
- Hazardous waste: Tons requiring special handling
Environmental Regulations:
- Emission limits (tons per year)
- Waste reduction targets
- Recycling goals
- Carbon credits (tons of CO₂)
International Trade
Standard unit for commodity trading and international commerce. Prices for bulk commodities are quoted per metric ton.
Commodities Traded by the Ton:
- Metals: Iron, steel, copper, aluminum
- Minerals: Coal, iron ore, bauxite
- Agricultural: Wheat, corn, soybeans, rice
- Energy: Oil (barrels converted to tons), coal
- Chemicals: Fertilizers, plastics, industrial chemicals
Trade Documentation:
- Bills of lading (metric tons)
- Customs declarations
- Import/export statistics
- Freight forwarding
- Commodity exchanges (futures contracts)
Environmental Science
Measuring emissions, pollution, and environmental impact. Carbon footprints, greenhouse gases, and pollutant loads are quantified in metric tons.
Carbon Accounting:
- CO₂ emissions: Tons per year
- Carbon footprint: Individual/organization/country
- Carbon credits: Traded in tons of CO₂ equivalent
- Climate goals: Reduce emissions by millions of tons
Pollution Measurement:
- Air pollutants: Tons per year
- Water pollutants: Tons discharged
- Soil contamination: Tons of material
- Plastic waste: Ocean plastic in tons
Additional Unit Information
About Stone (st)
1. How many pounds are in a stone?
Exactly 14 pounds.
This is a defined constant. There are no regional variations—1 stone always equals 14 pounds in any context.
Calculation examples:
- 5 stone = 5 × 14 = 70 pounds
- 12 stone = 12 × 14 = 168 pounds
- 0.5 stone = 0.5 × 14 = 7 pounds
2. Is the stone used outside the UK and Ireland?
Rarely. The stone is almost exclusive to the UK and Ireland.
Usage by country:
- UK: Dominant for body weight (even with official metrication)
- Ireland: Common, especially among older generations
- Canada, Australia, New Zealand: Not used (fully metric)
- United States: Not used (pounds only)
- Rest of world: Not used (metric)
Exception: British expats abroad sometimes use stones, and international weight loss forums may reference stones when discussing UK participants.
3. Why is it called a stone?
Historical practice: Actual stones were used as standardized weights in medieval markets.
How it worked:
- A community selected a reference stone of agreed weight
- The stone was kept in the marketplace (sometimes literally built into a wall)
- Merchants used the reference stone on balance scales to verify weights
- Different stones existed for different commodities (wool stone, meat stone, etc.)
Modern name: The unit name "stone" is a fossil of this practice, long after actual stones stopped being used.
4. How do you convert stone to kilograms?
Formula:
Kilograms = Stone × 6.35029318
Quick approximation:
Kilograms ≈ Stone × 6.35 (good to 3 decimal places)
Examples:
- 10 stone × 6.35 = 63.5 kg
- 12 stone × 6.35 = 76.2 kg
- 15 stone × 6.35 = 95.25 kg
Online tools: Most conversion sites and apps include stone ↔ kilogram calculators.
5. How do British people talk about their weight?
Typical format: "I'm X stone Y pounds" or "I'm X stone Y"
Examples:
- "I'm 11 stone 7" = 11 stone + 7 pounds = 161 lb = 73 kg
- "I'm just over 12 stone" = slightly more than 168 lb
- "I'm nearly 10 stone" = approaching 140 lb
Rarely said:
- "I'm 11.5 stone" (uncommon—people say "11 stone 7" instead)
- "I'm 161 pounds" (too American—Brits don't think in pounds alone)
- "I'm 73 kilograms" (used by younger generations, but less common)
Conversational weight: Discussing weight is somewhat taboo, so people often avoid specifics: "I need to lose a bit of weight" rather than "I need to drop from 13 to 11 stone."
6. Do British bathroom scales show kilograms?
Yes, most modern scales show both.
Typical features:
- Default: Stones and pounds (st/lb)
- Toggle button: Switch to kilograms
- Dual display: Some show both simultaneously
Older scales: Analog scales from before 2000 often show stones only.
Buying scales in the UK: Even international brands (Fitbit, Garmin) sell UK-specific versions that default to stones.
7. Will the UK ever stop using stones?
Unlikely in the near future.
Reasons for persistence:
- Cultural attachment: Body weight is personal; people resist change
- Legal exemption: Personal weighing scales exempt from trade regulations
- NHS inertia: Changing medical records costly
- Generational use: Older generations use stones exclusively
- No enforcement: No push to mandate kilograms for personal use
Trend: Younger Brits (under 30) increasingly use kilograms, especially those who travel or use fitness apps with international audiences. However, the stone will likely persist for decades among older populations.
Comparison: Similar to Fahrenheit in the US—officially discouraged but culturally entrenched.
8. What is a "half stone"?
Half stone = 7 pounds = 3.175 kg
Usage:
- Weight loss: "I've lost half a stone" = 7 lb loss
- Weight gain: "I've put on half a stone over Christmas" = 7 lb gain
- Milestones: "Half-stone club" in weight loss programs
Why significant? Half a stone is a noticeable weight change—enough to affect how clothes fit and how you feel, but achievable in 3-7 weeks of dieting (at 1-2 lb/week loss).
9. How do you write stone and pounds?
Common formats:
Formal:
- "11 stone 7 pounds"
- "11 st 7 lb"
Informal:
- "11 stone 7"
- "11st 7lb" (no spaces)
- "11-7" (very casual, context-dependent)
Avoid:
- "11.7 stone" (ambiguous—could mean 11 stone 7 lb or 11 stone 9.8 lb)
- "11/7 st" (confusing notation)
Medical records: NHS typically uses "st/lb" format: "Patient weight: 12 st 3 lb"
10. Why do Americans not use stone?
The United States never adopted the stone for body weight.
Historical reasons:
- Colonial divergence: By the time the stone standardized in Britain (1824), the US had already established pounds as the body weight unit
- Decimal preference: Americans favored simpler base-10 systems where possible
- No cultural push: No equivalent to UK's Victorian-era adoption of stones for weighing people
Result: Americans think in pounds only:
- "I weigh 180 pounds" (no stones)
- Weight loss: "I lost 30 pounds" (not "2 stone 2 pounds")
Canadian note: Canada officially metricated in the 1970s and uses kilograms, not stones or pounds (though older Canadians may still think in pounds).
11. Is stone a legal unit?
Yes, in the UK and Ireland, but with restrictions.
Legal status:
- Personal use: Fully legal (bathroom scales, self-weighing)
- Trade: Must use metric (kilograms) for selling goods by weight
- Medical: Allowed in patient records (NHS uses stones)
Weights and Measures Act: Kilograms are the legal unit for commerce, but stones remain legal for "non-trade" purposes (personal weighing, medical records).
Comparison: Similar to miles on UK road signs—officially metric, but exceptions preserve traditional units in specific contexts.
12. How much is a stone in other historical weight units?
Stone in troy and apothecary systems:
Troy weight (precious metals):
- 1 stone (avoirdupois) = 14 pounds (avoirdupois)
- 1 pound (avoirdupois) = 7,000 grains
- 1 stone = 98,000 grains (troy)
- 1 troy pound = 5,760 grains
- 1 stone ≈ 17.01 troy pounds
Apothecaries' weight (pharmacy):
- Same grain as troy and avoirdupois (64.79891 mg)
- 1 stone = 98,000 grains (apothecaries')
Why this matters: Historically, pharmacists used apothecaries' weights, so understanding stone conversions was important for dosing medicines based on body weight.
About Ton (metric) (t)
How many kilograms are in a metric ton?
There are exactly 1,000 kilograms (kg) in 1 metric ton (t).
- 1 metric ton = 1,000 kg
- To convert tons to kg: multiply by 1,000
- To convert kg to tons: divide by 1,000
- Example: 2.5 metric tons = 2.5 × 1,000 = 2,500 kg
- Example: 3,500 kg = 3,500 ÷ 1,000 = 3.5 metric tons
Use our ton to kilogram converter for instant conversions.
Is a metric ton the same as a US ton?
No. A metric ton is NOT the same as a US ton.
Metric Ton (Tonne):
- 1,000 kg = 2,204.6 pounds
- Used internationally
- Standard for global trade
US Ton (Short Ton):
- 2,000 pounds = 907.185 kg
- Used primarily in the United States
- Domestic commerce and industry
Difference: A metric ton is approximately 10% heavier than a US ton.
- 1 metric ton ≈ 1.102 US tons
- 1 US ton ≈ 0.907 metric tons
Why it matters: Significant difference in shipping, pricing, and cargo calculations. Always clarify which ton is being used!
Convert between them: Metric ton to US ton | Ton to pound
Why is it sometimes spelled "tonne"?
"Tonne" is the international spelling used to clearly distinguish the metric ton from imperial/US tons (short ton and long ton).
Usage:
- "Tonne": International standard, used in UK, Australia, Europe, Asia
- "Metric ton": Used in the United States to distinguish from US ton
- Both refer to the same unit: 1,000 kilograms
Pronunciation: Same pronunciation for both ("tun")
Why different spellings exist:
- Avoids confusion with short ton (US) and long ton (UK)
- "Tonne" comes from French ("tonneau")
- Makes documentation clearer in international trade
- Some industries prefer one spelling over the other
In practice: Use "metric ton" in US contexts, "tonne" elsewhere, or specify "1,000 kg" to be absolutely clear.
How many pounds are in a metric ton?
1 metric ton = 2,204.62 pounds (lb)
Commonly rounded to 2,205 pounds for practical use.
Conversion:
- Exact: 1 metric ton = 2,204.62262 lb
- Practical: 1 metric ton ≈ 2,205 lb
- To convert: metric tons × 2,204.6 = pounds
- Example: 5 metric tons = 5 × 2,204.6 = 11,023 lb
Comparison to US ton:
- Metric ton: 2,204.6 lb
- US ton: 2,000 lb
- Difference: 204.6 lb (about 10%)
Quick mental math:
- 1 metric ton ≈ 2,200 pounds (slightly under)
- Close to 1.1 US tons
Use our metric ton to pound converter for accurate conversions.
What weighs about 1 metric ton?
Common items that weigh approximately 1 metric ton (1,000 kg or 2,205 lb):
Vehicles:
- Small compact car (Honda Fit, Smart Car)
- Small motorcycle collection (several bikes)
- Small boat with trailer
- Golf cart (industrial models)
Animals:
- Large horse
- Large bison or buffalo
- Very large saltwater crocodile
- Small whale (pilot whale)
Materials:
- 1 cubic meter of water (exactly 1 ton)
- About 500 bricks
- Pallet of bottled water (about 1,000 bottles)
- 18-20 bags of cement (50 kg each)
Agricultural:
- Mid-size dairy cow
- Small harvest of grain (about 1,000 kg)
- Large hay bale (2-3 large round bales)
Household:
- Contents of a small apartment
- 10-15 washing machines
- 15-20 refrigerators
Perspective: Most passenger cars weigh 1-2 metric tons. A metric ton is substantial but not enormous - about half the weight of a typical sedan.
How do you convert cubic meters to metric tons?
You can't directly convert - cubic meters (m³) measure volume, metric tons (t) measure mass. You need to know the density of the material.
Formula: Mass (tons) = Volume (m³) × Density (tons/m³)
Common Material Densities:
Liquids:
- Water: 1 m³ = 1 ton (exactly, at 4°C)
- Gasoline: 1 m³ = 0.75 ton
- Diesel: 1 m³ = 0.85 ton
- Crude oil: 1 m³ = 0.8-0.95 ton
- Milk: 1 m³ = 1.03 ton
Construction Materials:
- Concrete: 1 m³ = 2.4 ton
- Asphalt: 1 m³ = 2.3 ton
- Gravel: 1 m³ = 1.5-1.7 ton
- Sand (dry): 1 m³ = 1.6 ton
- Topsoil: 1 m³ = 1.2-1.4 ton
Metals:
- Steel: 1 m³ = 7.85 ton
- Aluminum: 1 m³ = 2.7 ton
- Copper: 1 m³ = 8.96 ton
- Gold: 1 m³ = 19.3 ton
Wood (varies greatly):
- Softwood: 1 m³ = 0.4-0.6 ton
- Hardwood: 1 m³ = 0.6-0.9 ton
Example: How many tons is 10 m³ of concrete?
- 10 m³ × 2.4 tons/m³ = 24 metric tons
Tip: Always check the specific material's density for accurate conversion.
How many metric tons can a truck carry?
It varies widely by truck type and regulations:
Light Trucks:
- Pickup truck (half-ton): 0.5-1 ton payload
- Pickup truck (one-ton): 1-1.5 ton payload
- Cargo van: 1-1.5 ton
- Small box truck: 1-2 ton
Medium Trucks:
- Medium box truck: 3-5 ton
- Large delivery truck: 5-8 ton
- Flatbed truck: 8-12 ton
- Dump truck: 10-15 ton
Heavy Trucks (Semi-trucks):
- Typical semi-truck: 20-25 ton payload
- Maximum legal (US): ~23 ton (gross weight 36 ton)
- Maximum legal (Europe): ~26 ton (gross weight 40-44 ton)
- Special permit: Up to 40+ ton (overweight permits)
Specialized:
- Mining dump truck: 100-400 ton
- Logging truck: 20-30 ton
- Concrete mixer: 8-10 ton of concrete
- Tanker truck: 20-30 ton of liquid
Legal Limits Vary By:
- Country/region regulations
- Road type (highway vs local)
- Number of axles
- Permits (standard vs overweight)
Note: These are payload capacities (cargo weight), not including the truck's own weight.
What is the difference between gross ton and net ton?
Gross Ton and Net Ton refer to different measurement contexts:
In Shipping:
Gross Tonnage (GT):
- Measures a ship's overall internal volume
- NOT weight - despite "tonnage" in the name!
- Used for registration, regulations, port fees
- Formula based on enclosed spaces
- Example: Cruise ship = 100,000 GT
Net Tonnage (NT):
- Measures a ship's earning capacity (cargo space volume)
- Also volume, not weight
- Excludes crew quarters, machinery, etc.
- Example: Same cruise ship = 50,000 NT
In Mining/Refining:
Gross Ton:
- Total weight including impurities
- Example: Iron ore with rock mixed in
Net Ton:
- Pure/usable material weight
- Example: Pure iron content only
In Commerce:
Gross Weight:
- Total weight including packaging, container
- Example: Product + box + pallet = gross weight
Net Weight:
- Product weight only (excluding packaging)
- Example: Just the product itself
Important: In most shipping contexts, "tonnage" refers to volume, not weight. For actual cargo weight, use "deadweight tonnage (DWT)" in metric tons.
How much is a ton of CO₂?
1 ton of CO₂ is a measurement used in climate science and carbon accounting. But what does it mean practically?
Visual Understanding (CO₂ is a gas, so it's about volume):
- 1 ton of CO₂ at normal pressure = ~509 cubic meters of gas
- That's a cube about 8 meters on each side (26 feet)
- Enough to fill a small house!
How Much Do We Emit?
Individual Activities:
- Driving: 1 ton CO₂ = ~2,500 miles in average car
- Flying: 1 ton CO₂ = ~1 passenger, economy, transatlantic flight
- Electricity: 1 ton CO₂ = ~1,700 kWh (varies by power source)
- Natural gas heating: 1 ton CO₂ = ~500 therms
Average Annual Emissions:
- US person: ~16 tons CO₂/year
- Europe person: ~6-8 tons CO₂/year
- Global average: ~4 tons CO₂/year
- Target (Paris Agreement): ~2 tons CO₂/year by 2050
To Offset 1 Ton of CO₂:
- Plant ~50-100 trees (over their lifetime)
- Avoid ~1,000 miles of driving
- Switch to renewable energy for several months
- Reduce meat consumption significantly
Cost of Carbon:
- Carbon credits: $10-50 per ton (varies by market)
- Carbon tax: Varies by country
- Offset programs: $10-30 per ton typically
Why It Matters: Understanding ton of CO₂ helps track climate impact, set reduction goals, and calculate carbon footprints.
How many metric tons is a shipping container?
Container Weight Depends on Type and Loading:
Empty Container Weight:
- 20-ft container: 2.3 metric tons (empty)
- 40-ft container: 3.7 metric tons (empty)
- 40-ft high cube: 3.9 metric tons (empty)
Maximum Gross Weight (container + cargo):
- 20-ft container: 28-30 metric tons max
- 40-ft container: 30 metric tons max
- 40-ft high cube: 30 metric tons max
Maximum Payload (cargo only):
- 20-ft container: ~25-28 metric tons of cargo
- 40-ft container: ~26-27 metric tons of cargo
Actual Cargo Weight Varies:
- Light cargo (furniture, clothing): 5-15 tons
- Medium cargo (packaged goods): 15-22 tons
- Heavy cargo (machinery, metals): 22-28 tons
Weight Restrictions:
- Road transport: Often limited to 20-24 tons (varies by country)
- Rail transport: Can handle full 28-30 tons
- Ship transport: Full weight capacity usually available
Volume vs Weight:
- Container volume: 20-ft = 33 m³, 40-ft = 67 m³
- If cargo is light: Volume fills before weight limit
- If cargo is dense: Weight limit reached before volume fills
Example:
- Container full of styrofoam: ~5 tons (volume limited)
- Container full of steel plates: ~28 tons (weight limited)
TEU = Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (shipping industry standard):
- 1 TEU = One 20-ft container
- 1 FEU = One 40-ft container = 2 TEU
How do I convert short tons to metric tons?
1 US short ton = 0.907185 metric tons 1 metric ton = 1.10231 short tons
Conversion Formulas:
- Short tons to metric tons: multiply by 0.907185
- Metric tons to short tons: multiply by 1.10231
Examples:
- 10 short tons = 10 × 0.907 = 9.07 metric tons
- 10 metric tons = 10 × 1.102 = 11.02 short tons
- 100 short tons = 90.7 metric tons
- 1,000 metric tons = 1,102 short tons
Quick Approximations:
- Short tons to metric: Subtract ~10% (multiply by 0.9)
- Metric to short tons: Add ~10% (multiply by 1.1)
Why Different?:
- US short ton: 2,000 pounds = 907.185 kg
- Metric ton: 1,000 kg = 2,204.6 pounds
- Metric ton is 10% heavier
When to Convert:
- International trade (metric tons standard)
- US domestic to global markets
- Engineering specifications
- Scientific publications (use metric)
Use Our Converter: Short ton to metric ton for precise conversions - avoid manual calculation errors!
Also Available:
- Long ton (UK): 2,240 lb = 1.016 metric tons
- Long ton to metric ton converter
Conversion Table: Stone to Ton (metric)
| Stone (st) | Ton (metric) (t) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.003 |
| 1 | 0.006 |
| 1.5 | 0.01 |
| 2 | 0.013 |
| 5 | 0.032 |
| 10 | 0.064 |
| 25 | 0.159 |
| 50 | 0.318 |
| 100 | 0.635 |
| 250 | 1.588 |
| 500 | 3.175 |
| 1,000 | 6.35 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Stone to Ton (metric)?
To convert Stone to Ton (metric), enter the value in Stone in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our weight converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more →What is the conversion factor from Stone to Ton (metric)?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Stone and Ton (metric). You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Ton (metric) back to Stone?
Yes! You can easily convert Ton (metric) back to Stone by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Ton (metric) to Stone converter page. You can also explore other weight conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Stone and Ton (metric)?
Stone and Ton (metric) are both standard units used in weight measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our weight converter for more conversion options.
For more weight conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
Helpful Conversion Guides
Learn more about unit conversion with our comprehensive guides:
📚 How to Convert Units
Step-by-step guide to unit conversion with practical examples.
🔢 Conversion Formulas
Essential formulas for weight and other conversions.
⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
Understand the differences between measurement systems.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Learn about frequent errors and how to avoid them.
All Weight Conversions
Other Weight Units and Conversions
Explore other weight units and their conversion options:
- Kilogram (kg) • Stone to Kilogram
- Gram (g) • Stone to Gram
- Milligram (mg) • Stone to Milligram
- Pound (lb) • Stone to Pound
- Ounce (oz) • Stone to Ounce
- Ton (US) (ton) • Stone to Ton (US)
- Ton (UK) (long ton) • Stone to Ton (UK)
- Microgram (µg) • Stone to Microgram
- Carat (ct) • Stone to Carat
- Slug (sl) • Stone to Slug
Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
National Institute of Standards and Technology — US standards for weight and mass measurements
International Organization for Standardization — International standard for mechanics quantities
Last verified: December 3, 2025