Ton (metric) to Atomic Mass Unit Converter
Convert tons to atomic mass units with our free online weight converter.
Quick Answer
1 Ton (metric) = 6.022141e+29 atomic mass units
Formula: Ton (metric) × conversion factor = Atomic Mass Unit
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.
Ton (metric) to Atomic Mass Unit Calculator
How to Use the Ton (metric) to Atomic Mass Unit Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Ton (metric)).
- The converted value in Atomic Mass Unit 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 Ton (metric) to Atomic Mass Unit: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Ton (metric) to Atomic Mass Unit involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Ton (metric) = 6.02214e+29 atomic mass unitsExample Calculation:
Convert 5 tons: 5 × 6.02214e+29 = 3.01107e+30 atomic mass units
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 Ton (metric) and a Atomic Mass Unit?
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.
What Is an Atomic Mass Unit?
The atomic mass unit (symbol: u), also called the unified atomic mass unit or Dalton (symbol: Da), is a unit of mass used for expressing atomic and molecular masses.
Official definition: 1 u = exactly 1/12 of the mass of one unbound carbon-12 atom at rest in its ground state
Value in SI units: 1 u = 1.660 539 066 60 × 10⁻²⁷ kg (with uncertainty ±0.000 000 000 50 × 10⁻²⁷ kg)
Why Use Atomic Mass Units Instead of Kilograms?
Atomic and molecular masses in kilograms are extraordinarily small and unwieldy:
In kilograms (impractical):
- Hydrogen atom: 1.674 × 10⁻²⁷ kg
- Water molecule: 2.992 × 10⁻²⁶ kg
- Glucose molecule: 2.990 × 10⁻²⁵ kg
In atomic mass units (convenient):
- Hydrogen atom: 1.008 u
- Water molecule: 18.015 u
- Glucose molecule: 180.16 u
The atomic mass unit scales numbers to manageable sizes while maintaining precision for chemical calculations.
Carbon-12: The Reference Standard
Why carbon-12?
- Exact definition: ¹²C is defined as exactly 12 u (no uncertainty)
- Abundant: Carbon-12 comprises 98.89% of natural carbon
- Stable: Not radioactive, doesn't decay
- Central element: Carbon forms countless compounds, making it ideal for chemistry
- Integer mass: Convenient reference point (mass = 12 exactly)
Historical context: Before 1961, physicists and chemists used different oxygen-based standards, creating two incompatible atomic mass scales. Carbon-12 unified them.
Dalton vs. Unified Atomic Mass Unit
Two names, same unit:
Unified atomic mass unit (u):
- Official SI-accepted name
- Used primarily in chemistry and physics
- Symbol: u
Dalton (Da):
- Alternative name honoring John Dalton
- Used primarily in biochemistry and molecular biology
- Symbol: Da
- Convenient for large molecules (kilodaltons, kDa)
Relationship: 1 u = 1 Da (exactly equivalent)
Usage patterns:
- "The oxygen atom has a mass of 16.0 u" (chemistry)
- "The antibody protein has a mass of 150 kDa" (biochemistry)
Both refer to the same fundamental unit.
Note: The Ton (metric) is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Atomic Mass Unit belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Ton (metric) and Atomic Mass Unit
-
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.
-
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)
-
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.
-
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).
-
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
-
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.
John Dalton and Atomic Theory (1803-1808)
John Dalton (1766-1844), an English chemist and physicist, revolutionized chemistry with his atomic theory (1803):
Dalton's key postulates:
- All matter consists of indivisible atoms
- Atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties
- Atoms of different elements have different masses
- Chemical compounds form when atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios
Relative atomic masses: Dalton created the first table of atomic weights (1805-1808), assigning hydrogen a mass of 1 and expressing other elements relative to it:
- Hydrogen: 1
- Oxygen: 7 (incorrect; should be ~16, but Dalton thought water was HO, not H₂O)
- Carbon: 5 (incorrect)
Though Dalton's numerical values were often wrong (he didn't yet know correct chemical formulas), his conceptual framework established that elements have characteristic atomic masses.
Berzelius and Improved Atomic Weights (1810s-1820s)
Jöns Jacob Berzelius (Swedish chemist, 1779-1848) refined Dalton's work with meticulous experiments:
Achievements:
- Determined accurate atomic weights for over 40 elements by 1818
- Established oxygen = 100 as the standard (for convenience in calculation)
- Introduced modern chemical notation (H, O, C, etc.)
Berzelius' atomic weights were remarkably accurate, many within 1% of modern values.
Cannizzaro and Avogadro's Number (1860)
Stanislao Cannizzaro (Italian chemist, 1826-1910) resolved confusion about atomic vs. molecular weights at the Karlsruhe Congress (1860):
Key insight: Avogadro's hypothesis (1811)—equal volumes of gases contain equal numbers of molecules—allows distinguishing atomic from molecular masses
Result: By 1860s, chemists adopted consistent atomic weights based on oxygen = 16
The Oxygen Standard Era (1890s-1960)
Chemist's standard (1890s onward):
- Natural oxygen (mixture of ¹⁶O, ¹⁷O, ¹⁸O) = 16.0000 exactly
- Practical for analytical chemistry
- Used in atomic weight tables
Physicist's standard (1900s onward):
- Oxygen-16 isotope (¹⁶O) = 16.0000 exactly
- Used in mass spectrometry and nuclear physics
- More precise for isotope work
The problem: Natural oxygen is 99.757% ¹⁶O, 0.038% ¹⁷O, and 0.205% ¹⁸O
- Chemist's scale and physicist's scale differed by ~0.0003 (0.03%)
- Small but significant for precision work
Unification: Carbon-12 Standard (1961)
1960 IUPAP resolution (International Union of Pure and Applied Physics):
- Proposed carbon-12 as the new standard
- Physicist Alfred Nier championed the change
1961 IUPAC resolution (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry):
- Adopted carbon-12 standard
- Defined: 1 atomic mass unit = 1/12 the mass of ¹²C atom
Advantages of carbon-12:
- Unified physics and chemistry scales
- Carbon is central to organic chemistry
- Mass spectrometry reference (carbon calibration)
- Abundant, stable, non-radioactive
Notation evolution:
- Old: amu (atomic mass unit, ambiguous—which standard?)
- New: u (unified atomic mass unit, unambiguous—carbon-12 standard)
The Dalton Name (1960s-1980s)
1960s proposal: Several scientists suggested naming the unit after John Dalton
1980s acceptance: The name "Dalton" (Da) gained widespread use in biochemistry
1993 IUPAC endorsement: Officially recognized "Dalton" as an alternative name for the unified atomic mass unit
Modern usage:
- Chemistry/physics: Prefer "u" (atomic mass unit)
- Biochemistry: Prefer "Da" (Dalton), especially with kDa (kilodaltons) for proteins
Mass Spectrometry and Precision (1900s-Present)
Mass spectrometry (developed 1910s-1920s, refined continuously):
Thomson and Aston (1910s-1920s):
- J.J. Thomson and Francis Aston developed early mass spectrographs
- Discovered isotopes by precise mass measurement
- Aston won 1922 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Modern precision:
- Mass spectrometry now measures atomic masses to 8-10 decimal places
- Essential for determining isotopic compositions
- Used to measure the carbon-12 standard with extraordinary accuracy
CODATA values: The Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA) publishes official atomic mass unit values every few years, incorporating latest measurements:
- 2018 value: 1 u = 1.660 539 066 60(50) × 10⁻²⁷ kg
2019 SI Redefinition
Historic change: On May 20, 2019, the International System of Units (SI) was redefined based on fundamental physical constants rather than physical artifacts (like the kilogram prototype)
New kilogram definition: Based on the Planck constant (h = 6.626 070 15 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s, exact)
Impact on atomic mass unit: The atomic mass unit is now indirectly tied to fundamental constants through the kilogram's new definition, though it remains defined as 1/12 the mass of carbon-12
Practical effect: Minimal—atomic masses remain effectively unchanged, but now rooted in unchanging physical constants
Common Uses and Applications: tons vs atomic mass units
Explore the typical applications for both Ton (metric) (imperial/US) and Atomic Mass Unit (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for 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
When to Use atomic mass units
1. Atomic Weights and Periodic Table
The periodic table lists atomic weights (average masses) of elements in atomic mass units:
Example: Carbon:
- Natural carbon contains 98.89% ¹²C (12.0000 u) and 1.11% ¹³C (13.0034 u)
- Weighted average: 0.9889 × 12.0000 + 0.0111 × 13.0034 = 12.0107 u
- Periodic table lists carbon's atomic weight as 12.011 u
Why atomic weights aren't integers: Most elements are mixtures of isotopes with different masses, so the average is non-integer
Usage: Every stoichiometry calculation in chemistry depends on atomic weights expressed in u or g/mol (numerically equal)
2. Molecular Mass Calculations
Molecular mass = sum of atomic masses of all atoms in the molecule
Example: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆):
- 6 carbon atoms: 6 × 12.011 = 72.066 u
- 12 hydrogen atoms: 12 × 1.008 = 12.096 u
- 6 oxygen atoms: 6 × 15.999 = 95.994 u
- Total: 72.066 + 12.096 + 95.994 = 180.156 u
Molar mass connection: 180.156 u per molecule = 180.156 g/mol (numerically identical!)
3. Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry measures the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of ions:
Technique:
- Ionize molecules (add or remove electrons)
- Accelerate ions through electric/magnetic fields
- Separate by mass-to-charge ratio
- Detect and measure abundances
Output: Mass spectrum showing peaks at specific m/z values (in u/e or Da/e, where e = elementary charge)
Applications:
- Determining molecular formulas
- Identifying unknown compounds
- Measuring isotope ratios
- Protein identification in proteomics
- Drug testing and forensics
Example: A peak at m/z = 180 for glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆ = 180 u, charge = +1e)
4. Protein Characterization (Biochemistry)
Biochemists routinely express protein masses in kilodaltons (kDa):
SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis):
- Separates proteins by molecular weight
- Gels calibrated with protein standards of known kDa
- "The unknown protein band migrates at ~50 kDa"
Protein databases:
- UniProt, PDB (Protein Data Bank) list protein masses in Da or kDa
- Essential for identifying proteins by mass
Clinical diagnostics:
- "Elevated levels of 150 kDa IgG antibodies detected" (immune response)
- Tumor markers identified by protein mass
5. Stoichiometry and Chemical Equations
Stoichiometry: Calculating quantities in chemical reactions
Example: Combustion of methane: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O
Molecular masses:
- CH₄: 16.043 u
- O₂: 31.998 u
- CO₂: 44.010 u
- H₂O: 18.015 u
Mass balance: 16.043 + 2(31.998) = 44.010 + 2(18.015) = 80.039 u (both sides equal, confirming conservation of mass)
Practical calculation: To produce 44 grams of CO₂, you need 16 grams of CH₄ and 64 grams of O₂
6. Isotope Analysis
Isotopes: Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons (different masses)
Examples:
- ¹²C: 12.0000 u (6 protons, 6 neutrons) — 98.89% of natural carbon
- ¹³C: 13.0034 u (6 protons, 7 neutrons) — 1.11% of natural carbon
- ¹⁴C: 14.0032 u (6 protons, 8 neutrons) — radioactive, trace amounts
Applications:
- Radiocarbon dating: ¹⁴C decay measures age of organic materials
- Climate science: ¹³C/¹²C ratios in ice cores track ancient temperatures
- Medical tracers: ¹³C-labeled compounds track metabolic pathways
- Forensics: Isotope ratios identify geographic origins of materials
7. Nuclear Physics and Mass Defect
Mass-energy equivalence (E = mc²): Mass and energy are interconvertible
Mass defect: The mass of a nucleus is slightly less than the sum of its individual protons and neutrons
Example: Helium-4 (⁴He):
- 2 protons: 2 × 1.007276 = 2.014552 u
- 2 neutrons: 2 × 1.008665 = 2.017330 u
- Sum: 4.031882 u
- Actual ⁴He nucleus mass: 4.001506 u
- Mass defect: 4.031882 - 4.001506 = 0.030376 u
Interpretation: The "missing" 0.030376 u was converted to binding energy that holds the nucleus together
Calculation: 0.030376 u × c² = 28.3 MeV (million electron volts)
This is the energy released when helium-4 forms from protons and neutrons (nuclear fusion).
Additional Unit Information
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
About Atomic Mass Unit (u)
What is the value of 1 u (or Da) in kilograms?
Answer: 1 u = 1.660 539 066 60 × 10⁻²⁷ kg (with standard uncertainty ±0.000 000 000 50 × 10⁻²⁷ kg)
This extraordinarily precise value comes from measurements of carbon-12 atoms using mass spectrometry and relates to the newly defined kilogram (based on Planck's constant as of 2019).
Approximate value: 1 u ≈ 1.6605 × 10⁻²⁷ kg
In grams: 1 u ≈ 1.6605 × 10⁻²⁴ g
Memorization tip: "1.66 and exponent −27"
Uncertainty: The precision is about 0.3 parts per billion (extremely accurate!)
Source: CODATA 2018 recommended values (Committee on Data for Science and Technology)
Is the atomic mass unit (amu) the same as the Dalton (Da)?
Answer: Yes—in modern usage, u (unified atomic mass unit), amu, and Da (Dalton) all refer to the same unit
Historical context:
Pre-1961 (ambiguous):
- "amu" could mean the oxygen-based physics scale (¹⁶O = 16) or chemistry scale (natural O = 16)
- These differed by ~0.03%, causing confusion
1961 unification:
- IUPAC/IUPAP adopted carbon-12 standard
- "u" (unified atomic mass unit) replaced ambiguous "amu"
- 1 u = 1/12 mass of ¹²C atom
1970s-1993:
- "Dalton" (Da) proposed as an alternative name honoring John Dalton
- Gained popularity in biochemistry
Today:
- u: Official name, preferred in chemistry and physics
- Da: Alternative name, preferred in biochemistry (especially kDa for proteins)
- amu: Informal, but understood to mean "u" in modern contexts
Bottom line: 1 u = 1 Da = 1 amu (modern) — all identical
Why was Carbon-12 chosen as the standard for atomic mass?
Answer: Carbon-12 unified divergent physics and chemistry scales while being abundant, stable, and convenient
Historical problem (pre-1961):
- Physicists used ¹⁶O = 16.0000 exactly (pure isotope)
- Chemists used natural oxygen = 16.0000 exactly (isotope mixture)
- Natural oxygen is 99.757% ¹⁶O, 0.038% ¹⁷O, 0.205% ¹⁸O
- Result: Two incompatible atomic mass scales differing by ~0.03%
Carbon-12 advantages:
1. Unification: Resolved the physics-chemistry discrepancy with a single standard
2. Abundance: ¹²C comprises 98.89% of natural carbon (readily available)
3. Stability: Not radioactive (unlike ¹⁴C); doesn't decay
4. Integer mass: Defining ¹²C = 12 exactly gives a clean reference point
5. Chemical importance: Carbon is the basis of organic chemistry—central to life and synthetic compounds
6. Mass spectrometry: Carbon compounds are ubiquitous calibration standards
7. Convenience: Most atomic masses end up close to integers (approximately equal to mass number A)
Alternative considered: Hydrogen was Dalton's original choice, but hydrogen's mass (1.008 u) isn't exactly 1, and hydrogen forms fewer compounds than carbon or oxygen.
Result: Since 1961, all atomic weights worldwide are based on ¹²C = 12.0000 u (exact)
How does the atomic mass unit relate to Avogadro's number?
Answer: The atomic mass unit and Avogadro's number are defined such that mass in u equals molar mass in g/mol numerically
The elegant relationship:
Avogadro's constant: N_A = 6.022 140 76 × 10²³ mol⁻¹ (exact, as of 2019 SI redefinition)
Atomic mass unit: 1 u = 1/12 the mass of one ¹²C atom
Molar mass constant: M_u = 1 g/mol (by definition of the mole)
Mathematical relationship:
1 u = 1 g / N_A
Example:
- One carbon-12 atom: 12 u
- One mole of carbon-12 atoms: 12 g
- Number of atoms: 6.022 × 10²³
Practical consequence: To convert molecular mass (u) to grams, multiply by Avogadro's number:
- 1 water molecule: 18 u
- 1 mole of water: 18 g
- 18 g ÷ (6.022 × 10²³) = 2.99 × 10⁻²³ g per molecule ✓
Why this works: The definition of the mole (amount containing N_A entities) is coordinated with the definition of the atomic mass unit to make this numerical equality hold.
What is the difference between atomic mass and atomic weight?
Answer: Atomic mass refers to a specific isotope; atomic weight is the weighted average of all isotopes in natural abundance
Atomic mass (isotope-specific):
- Mass of one specific isotope
- Example: ¹²C has atomic mass = 12.0000 u (exact)
- Example: ¹³C has atomic mass = 13.0034 u
Atomic weight (element average):
- Weighted average of all naturally occurring isotopes
- Example: Natural carbon (98.89% ¹²C, 1.11% ¹³C) has atomic weight = 12.0107 u
- Listed on the periodic table
Calculation for carbon: Atomic weight = (0.9889 × 12.0000) + (0.0111 × 13.0034) = 12.0107 u
Why "weight" instead of "mass"? Historical naming; "atomic weight" actually refers to mass, not weight (force). The term persists despite being technically incorrect.
Relative atomic mass: Modern term preferred over "atomic weight" (same meaning, less confusing)
Important distinction: When doing precise isotope work (mass spectrometry, nuclear chemistry), use atomic masses of specific isotopes, not elemental atomic weights.
Can I use atomic mass units for objects larger than molecules?
Answer: Technically yes, but it's impractical—atomic mass units are too small for macroscopic objects
Practical range for atomic mass units:
- Atoms: 1-300 u (hydrogen to heaviest elements)
- Small molecules: 10-1,000 u
- Proteins: 1,000-10,000,000 u (1 kDa - 10 MDa)
- Viruses: up to ~1,000 MDa (1 gigadalton, GDa)
Beyond this: Use conventional mass units (grams, kilograms)
Example (why it's impractical):
- A grain of sand (~1 mg = 10⁻⁶ kg)
- In atomic mass units: 10⁻⁶ kg ÷ (1.66 × 10⁻²⁷ kg/u) ≈ 6 × 10²⁰ u
- This number is unwieldy!
Rule of thumb: Use atomic mass units for individual molecules or molecular complexes; switch to grams/kilograms for anything visible to the eye.
Extreme example: A 70 kg human = 4.2 × 10²⁸ u (42,000 trillion trillion u—utterly impractical!)
How accurate are modern atomic mass measurements?
Answer: Extraordinarily accurate—often 8-10 decimal places (parts per billion precision)
Modern mass spectrometry precision:
- Typical: 1 part per million (ppm) — 6 decimal places
- High-resolution: 1 part per billion (ppb) — 9 decimal places
- Ultra-high-resolution: 0.1 ppb — 10 decimal places
Example: Carbon-12:
- Defined as exactly 12.00000000000... u (infinite precision by definition)
Example: Hydrogen-1:
- Measured value: 1.00782503207 u (11 significant figures!)
- Uncertainty: ±0.00000000077 u
Why such precision matters:
1. Isotope identification: Distinguishing ¹²C¹H₄ (16.0313 u) from ¹³C¹H₃ (16.0344 u) requires high precision
2. Mass defect measurements: Nuclear binding energies calculated from tiny mass differences (0.1% of nuclear mass)
3. Molecular formula determination: Mass spectrometry can distinguish C₁₃H₁₂ from C₁₂H₁₂O from C₁₁H₁₆N (all ~168 u) with sufficient precision
4. Fundamental physics: Testing mass-energy equivalence, searching for physics beyond the Standard Model
Limitation: Even with extreme precision, natural isotopic variation (different ¹²C/¹³C ratios in different samples) limits practical accuracy to ~4-5 decimal places for most chemical applications.
Do protons and neutrons have exactly the same mass?
Answer: No—neutrons are slightly heavier than protons by about 0.14%
Precise values:
- Proton mass: 1.007276466621 u
- Neutron mass: 1.00866491595 u
- Difference: 0.00138845 u (neutron is heavier by ~1.4 MeV/c²)
Why this matters:
1. Neutron decay: Free neutrons decay into protons + electrons + antineutrinos with a half-life of ~10 minutes (neutron → proton + e⁻ + ν̄ₑ)
2. Nuclear stability: The mass difference affects which isotopes are stable vs. radioactive
3. Element synthesis: Mass differences determine which nuclear reactions can occur spontaneously in stars
Fun fact: Both are close to 1 u (within 1%), which is why atomic mass numbers (protons + neutrons) approximately equal atomic masses in u
Electron mass: Much lighter—only 0.000548580 u (~1/1836 of a proton)
Consequence: Atomic mass is almost entirely due to protons and neutrons; electrons contribute negligibly (<0.03%)
Why is the atomic mass of hydrogen 1.008 u instead of 1 u?
Answer: Because protons are slightly heavier than 1/12 of a carbon-12 atom, plus hydrogen atoms include an electron
Breakdown of hydrogen atom (¹H):
- Proton: 1.007276 u
- Electron: 0.000549 u
- Binding energy (negligible): −0.000015 u
- Total: 1.007825 u ≈ 1.008 u
Why isn't a proton exactly 1 u?
The atomic mass unit is defined as 1/12 the mass of carbon-12, which contains 6 protons + 6 neutrons + 6 electrons, minus the nuclear binding energy:
¹²C mass: 12 u (exact) = 6 protons + 6 neutrons + 6 electrons − binding energy
Solving: 1 nucleon (proton or neutron) ≈ 1.007-1.009 u (slightly more than 1 u)
Why the carbon-12 nucleus is lighter than 12 individual nucleons: Nuclear binding energy (E = mc²) converts ~0.1 u of mass into energy that holds the nucleus together
Result: Hydrogen (1 proton + 1 electron) ends up at 1.008 u, not 1.000 u
Will the definition of the atomic mass unit ever change?
Answer: Unlikely—the carbon-12 standard is stable, internationally accepted, and fundamental to chemistry
Why it's stable:
1. International agreement: IUPAC, IUPAP, and NIST all recognize ¹²C standard (since 1961)
2. Infrastructure: All atomic weight tables, databases, lab equipment calibrated to carbon-12
3. No compelling alternative: Carbon-12 works perfectly for chemistry and biochemistry
4. Historical continuity: Changing standards disrupts 60+ years of data
Recent change (2019 SI redefinition):
- The kilogram was redefined based on Planck's constant
- This indirectly affects the atomic mass unit (since 1 u is expressed in kg)
- But the change is at the 9th decimal place—completely negligible for chemistry
Future refinement: Values like 1.660539066(50) × 10⁻²⁷ kg will get more decimal places as measurements improve, but the carbon-12 definition (1 u = 1/12 m(¹²C)) won't change
Contrast with other standards:
- Meter: Redefined from physical bar to speed of light (1983)
- Kilogram: Redefined from physical cylinder to Planck constant (2019)
- Atomic mass unit: Based on fundamental particle (¹²C atom)—already a natural standard
Conclusion: The carbon-12 definition is here to stay for the foreseeable future (decades to centuries).
Conversion Table: Ton (metric) to Atomic Mass Unit
| Ton (metric) (t) | Atomic Mass Unit (u) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 301,107,038,104,056,130,000,000,000,000 |
| 1 | 602,214,076,208,112,300,000,000,000,000 |
| 1.5 | 903,321,114,312,168,400,000,000,000,000 |
| 2 | 1,204,428,152,416,224,500,000,000,000,000 |
| 5 | 3,011,070,381,040,561,000,000,000,000,000 |
| 10 | 6,022,140,762,081,122,000,000,000,000,000 |
| 25 | 15,055,351,905,202,806,000,000,000,000,000 |
| 50 | 30,110,703,810,405,612,000,000,000,000,000 |
| 100 | 60,221,407,620,811,225,000,000,000,000,000 |
| 250 | 150,553,519,052,028,060,000,000,000,000,000 |
| 500 | 301,107,038,104,056,100,000,000,000,000,000 |
| 1,000 | 602,214,076,208,112,200,000,000,000,000,000 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Ton (metric) to Atomic Mass Unit?
To convert Ton (metric) to Atomic Mass Unit, enter the value in Ton (metric) 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 Ton (metric) to Atomic Mass Unit?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Ton (metric) and Atomic Mass Unit. 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 Atomic Mass Unit back to Ton (metric)?
Yes! You can easily convert Atomic Mass Unit back to Ton (metric) by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Atomic Mass Unit to Ton (metric) converter page. You can also explore other weight conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Ton (metric) and Atomic Mass Unit?
Ton (metric) and Atomic Mass Unit 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.
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Other Weight Units and Conversions
Explore other weight units and their conversion options:
- Kilogram (kg) • Ton (metric) to Kilogram
- Gram (g) • Ton (metric) to Gram
- Milligram (mg) • Ton (metric) to Milligram
- Pound (lb) • Ton (metric) to Pound
- Ounce (oz) • Ton (metric) to Ounce
- Stone (st) • Ton (metric) to Stone
- Ton (US) (ton) • Ton (metric) to Ton (US)
- Ton (UK) (long ton) • Ton (metric) to Ton (UK)
- Microgram (µg) • Ton (metric) to Microgram
- Carat (ct) • Ton (metric) to Carat
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