Ton (US) to Ounce Converter
Convert US tons to ounces with our free online weight converter.
Quick Answer
1 Ton (US) = 32000.000028 ounces
Formula: Ton (US) × conversion factor = Ounce
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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Ton (US) to Ounce Calculator
How to Use the Ton (US) to Ounce Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Ton (US)).
- The converted value in Ounce 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 (US) to Ounce: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Ton (US) to Ounce involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Ton (US) = 32000 ouncesExample Calculation:
Convert 5 US tons: 5 × 32000 = 160000 ounces
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 (US) and a Ounce?
What Is a US Ton?
The US ton (officially called the short ton) is a unit of mass in the United States customary measurement system, defined as:
- Exactly 2,000 pounds (avoirdupois pounds)
- Exactly 32,000 ounces
- Exactly 907.18474 kilograms (by definition from 1959 international agreement)
- 20 hundredweight (where 1 hundredweight = 100 pounds in US system)
The US ton is the standard unit for measuring heavy loads in American commerce, transportation regulations, construction materials, and industrial applications.
US Ton vs. Metric: Key Comparison
US Ton (Short Ton):
- 2,000 pounds (exactly)
- 907.185 kilograms (907.18474 kg precisely)
- Used in United States for trucks, cargo, materials
- Based on 2,000-pound commercial standard
Metric Tonne:
- 1,000 kilograms (exactly)
- 2,204.623 pounds (about 2,205 lb)
- Global standard for international trade, shipping, emissions
- Based on metric system (1,000 kg)
Visual comparison:
- A metric tonne is about 92.8 kg heavier than a US ton (about 205 lb more)
- 1 metric tonne = 1.102 US tons (about 10% heavier)
- 1 US ton = 0.907 metric tonnes (about 10% lighter)
Commercial impact: A 20-ton truck in the US (40,000 lb) equals 18.14 metric tonnes. A 20-tonne truck in Europe (20,000 kg) equals 22.05 US tons. This distinction matters for international shipping, vehicle regulations, and trade contracts.
US Ton vs. Long Ton (UK)
US Ton (Short Ton):
- 2,000 pounds (20 hundredweight × 100 lb)
- 907.185 kg
- Standard in United States
Long Ton (Imperial Ton, UK):
- 2,240 pounds (20 hundredweight × 112 lb)
- 1,016.047 kg
- 12% heavier than US ton
- Used historically in UK, now largely replaced by metric tonne
Difference: The long ton is 240 pounds heavier than the US ton. This originated from different definitions of "hundredweight"—the US uses 100 lb, while the UK traditionally used 112 lb.
When it matters: Historical shipping documents, UK coal trade, and older engineering specifications may reference "tons" meaning long tons (2,240 lb), not US short tons (2,000 lb).
The ounce (symbol: oz, from Italian onza) is a unit of mass equal to exactly 1/16 of an avoirdupois pound, which is 28.349523125 grams in the metric system.
Avoirdupois Ounce vs. Troy Ounce
When Americans say "ounce" in everyday life, they almost always mean the avoirdupois ounce (28.35 g). However, there's a second type of ounce:
Avoirdupois Ounce (Standard Ounce):
- 28.35 grams
- Used for: food, cooking, postal weight, groceries, body weight, general commerce
- 16 ounces = 1 avoirdupois pound
Troy Ounce:
- 31.10 grams (about 10% heavier)
- Used exclusively for: precious metals (gold, silver, platinum), gemstones, gunpowder
- 12 troy ounces = 1 troy pound
- Abbreviated: "oz t" or "ozt"
Critical distinction: When buying gold or silver, prices are quoted per troy ounce (31.1 g), not avoirdupois ounce (28.35 g). A troy ounce is about 2.75 grams heavier than a standard ounce.
Ounce vs. Fluid Ounce
This is one of the most common sources of confusion in American cooking:
Ounce (oz): Measures weight/mass
- Used for solid or bulk ingredients: flour, sugar, meat, cheese
- 1 oz = 28.35 grams
- Measured with a scale
Fluid Ounce (fl oz): Measures volume/capacity
- Used for liquids: water, milk, juice, oil
- 1 fl oz = 29.57 milliliters (US) or 28.41 mL (UK)
- Measured with measuring cups
When they happen to match: For pure water at room temperature, 1 fluid ounce weighs approximately 1 ounce. This coincidence often misleads people into thinking oz and fl oz are interchangeable—they're not.
Example of the difference:
- 8 fl oz of water weighs about 8 oz
- 8 fl oz of honey weighs about 12 oz (honey is denser)
- 8 fl oz of olive oil weighs about 7.3 oz (oil is less dense)
Mathematical Relationships
1 ounce equals:
- 1/16 of a pound (exactly)
- 28.349523125 grams (exactly)
- 0.028349523125 kilograms
- 437.5 grains (grain is an even smaller unit)
- 28,349.523125 milligrams
Common fractions of a pound:
- 1 oz = 1/16 lb = 0.0625 lb
- 4 oz = 1/4 lb = 0.25 lb (quarter-pound)
- 8 oz = 1/2 lb = 0.5 lb (half-pound)
- 12 oz = 3/4 lb = 0.75 lb
- 16 oz = 1 lb (full pound)
Note: The Ton (US) is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Ounce belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Ton (US) and Ounce
Etymology: The "Tun" Wine Cask
The word "ton" derives from the medieval "tun," a large wine barrel or cask used for transporting and storing wine. A standard tun held approximately 252 wine gallons and weighed roughly 2,000 pounds when full.
This practical origin meant "ton" became synonymous with "very heavy load"—approximately the weight that could be carried in one tun cask. The measurement evolved from this real-world shipping container into a standardized unit of weight.
English Origins: Competing Ton Standards
In medieval and early modern England, multiple "ton" standards coexisted, creating confusion in commerce:
1. Wine Ton (Tun): ~2,000 pounds, based on wine cask weight 2. Long Ton: 2,240 pounds, based on 20 long hundredweight (20 × 112 lb) 3. Shipping Ton: Volume-based, used for calculating cargo space, not weight
The long ton (2,240 lb) became the official British standard, formalized in the British Imperial system in 1824. It was calculated as 20 hundredweight, where 1 hundredweight (cwt) = 112 pounds (8 stone × 14 lb/stone).
The short ton (2,000 lb) remained in common commercial use, especially in trades dealing with bulk commodities. It represented 20 hundredweight of 100 pounds each, a simpler rounding for everyday commerce.
American Adoption: The Short Ton (2,000 Pounds)
When American colonists inherited English measurement systems, both long ton (2,240 lb) and short ton (2,000 lb) were in use. After independence, the United States faced a choice between standardizing on one or the other.
Reasons the US chose the short ton (2,000 lb):
- Simpler arithmetic: 2,000 is easier to divide and calculate than 2,240
- Commercial preference: The 2,000-pound ton was already common in American trade
- Hundredweight definition: The US standardized on 100-pound hundredweight (rather than 112 lb), making 20 × 100 = 2,000 lb logical
- Decimal thinking: 2,000 fits better with base-10 calculations
In 1832, the US Treasury Department formally adopted the 2,000-pound ton as the standard US ton, distinguishing it as the "short ton" to differentiate from the British "long ton" (2,240 lb).
Metric Definition (1959)
The 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement refined the US ton's definition in metric terms:
- 1 pound = 0.45359237 kilograms (exactly)
- 1 US ton = 2,000 pounds = 907.18474 kilograms (exactly)
This metric definition ended ambiguity about the ton's exact mass in international contexts and established clear conversion factors for trade between US customary and metric systems.
Modern Usage: Persistent in US, Metric Elsewhere
Today, the US ton remains dominant in American industry despite global metrication:
Why the US ton persists in America:
- Transportation regulations: Federal trucking regulations use tons (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating in tons)
- Construction pricing: Gravel, sand, concrete priced per ton (2,000 lb)
- Cultural inertia: Generations of American industry built around ton-based systems
- Equipment design: Trucks, scales, loading equipment calibrated in tons
Global trend toward metric tonnes:
- International shipping: Maritime cargo measured in metric tonnes (1,000 kg)
- Carbon emissions: Greenhouse gases measured in tonnes CO2 (metric)
- Scientific use: Research and engineering use metric tonnes exclusively
- Trade contracts: International agreements specify metric tonnes to avoid confusion
Result: The US is the only major economy still using short tons as the primary heavy-weight standard, requiring constant conversion for international commerce.
Roman Origins: The Uncia
Latin Etymology: The word "ounce" comes from the Latin "uncia," meaning "one-twelfth" (related to "inch," from the same root).
Roman Measurement: In ancient Rome, the uncia was 1/12 of a Roman pound (libra), approximately 27 grams. The Romans used base-12 (duodecimal) systems for many measurements.
Symbol Origin: The abbreviation "oz" comes from the medieval Italian word onza (ounce), not from any English word starting with "o" and "z."
Medieval European Variation
Regional Chaos: Throughout medieval Europe, dozens of different "ounces" existed, varying by region, city, and trade guild. An ounce in Paris differed from an ounce in London, Venice, or Amsterdam.
Two Main English Systems:
Troy System (for precious goods):
- Used for gold, silver, jewels, and later gunpowder
- Troy ounce: 31.1 grams
- 12 troy ounces = 1 troy pound
- Named after Troyes, France, site of important medieval trade fairs
Avoirdupois System (for bulk goods):
- From French avoir de pois ("goods of weight")
- Used for wool, grain, cheese, meat—everyday bulk commodities
- Avoirdupois ounce: 28.35 grams
- 16 avoirdupois ounces = 1 avoirdupois pound
- Developed by medieval merchants for practical trade
English Standardization
1300s-1500s: Gradual Standardization: English monarchs attempted to standardize weights and measures, but variation persisted.
1588: Queen Elizabeth I: Confirmed the avoirdupois system for general trade, establishing 16 ounces per pound for commerce.
Troy System Preserved: The troy ounce remained the standard for precious metals, a tradition maintained to this day.
1959: International Agreement
Modern Definition: The 1959 international yard and pound agreement between the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa defined:
- 1 pound (avoirdupois) = exactly 453.59237 grams
- 1 ounce (avoirdupois) = exactly 1/16 pound = 28.349523125 grams
This eliminated minor variations between US and British measurements and anchored imperial units to the metric system.
Common Uses and Applications: US tons vs ounces
Explore the typical applications for both Ton (US) (imperial/US) and Ounce (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for US tons
1. Trucking and Transportation Regulations
Federal trucking regulations:
- Weight limits: Federal limit 80,000 lb (40 tons) gross vehicle weight on interstate highways
- Bridge formulas: Determine allowable weight based on axle spacing
- Weight stations: Weigh trucks to ensure compliance (fines for overweight)
Vehicle classification by GVWR:
- Class 1-2: Up to 10,000 lb (5 tons) — pickups, vans
- Class 3: 10,001-14,000 lb (5-7 tons) — heavy-duty pickups
- Class 4-6: 14,001-26,000 lb (7-13 tons) — box trucks, delivery trucks
- Class 7-8: 26,001-80,000 lb (13-40 tons) — semis, dump trucks, tractor-trailers
Commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements:
- CDL required: Vehicles over 26,000 lb (13 tons) GVWR
- Special endorsements: Hazmat, tanker, double/triple trailers
2. Construction and Building Materials
Material purchasing:
- Bulk materials: Gravel, sand, topsoil, mulch ordered by the ton
- Delivery trucks: 10-ton, 15-ton, 20-ton capacity standard sizes
- Pricing: Per-ton pricing typical ($20-$100/ton depending on material)
Structural engineering:
- Load calculations: Building load capacity measured in tons (tons per square foot)
- Crane capacity: Cranes rated by maximum lift capacity in tons (e.g., 50-ton crane)
- Equipment weight: Bulldozers, excavators specified by operating weight in tons
Concrete and cement:
- Ready-mix trucks: 8-10 cubic yard capacity (~16-20 tons wet concrete)
- Cement bags: 94 lb bags; ~21 bags = 1 ton cement
- Foundation loads: Structural loads calculated in tons
3. Waste Management and Environmental Services
Municipal solid waste:
- Collection fees: Often based on tonnage (residential flat fee, commercial per ton)
- Landfill tipping fees: $30-$100 per ton (varies by region, landfill type)
- Transfer stations: Weigh incoming waste by ton for billing and tracking
Recycling markets:
- Material pricing: Cardboard, metals, plastics traded by ton
- Scrap metal: Auto scrap, structural steel sold by ton to recyclers
- Commodity markets: Recycled materials priced per ton (fluctuates with demand)
Environmental reporting:
- Emissions: Industrial facilities report emissions in tons (NOx, SOx, PM)
- Waste reduction goals: "Divert 10,000 tons from landfills annually"
- Composting: Organic waste diverted measured in tons
4. Maritime and Port Operations
Cargo handling (US ports):
- Container weights: Listed in both tons (US) and metric tonnes (international)
- Crane capacity: Gantry cranes rated in tons lifting capacity
- Ballast water: Ship ballast measured in tons
Vessel tonnage (historical short ton use):
- Gross tonnage (GT): Volume-based ship size measurement (100 cubic feet = 1 register ton)
- Deadweight tonnage (DWT): Weight capacity, now primarily metric tonnes
- Displacement tonnage: Weight of water displaced, traditionally long tons, now metric
US domestic shipping:
- Great Lakes shipping: Often uses short tons for iron ore, coal, grain shipments
- Coastal shipping: Barge loads measured in tons
5. Industrial Manufacturing
Raw material purchasing:
- Steel, aluminum, copper: Purchased by the ton
- Chemicals: Bulk chemicals ordered in ton quantities
- Plastics: Resin pellets sold by ton
Production capacity:
- Steel mill: "Produces 2 million tons steel per year"
- Cement plant: "10,000 tons clinker production per day"
- Paper mill: "500 tons paper production per day"
Heavy machinery:
- Equipment weight: Specified in tons (e.g., "150-ton hydraulic press")
- Material handling: Forklifts, cranes rated by ton capacity
- Foundry operations: Ladle capacity measured in tons of molten metal
6. Agriculture and Commodity Trading
Crop production:
- Yield reporting: "Harvested 5,000 tons corn" or "200 bushels/acre"
- Storage: Grain elevators capacity measured in tons
- Trading: Commodity futures traded in tons or metric tonnes
Livestock operations:
- Feed consumption: "Dairy consumes 1,500 tons feed per year"
- Manure management: Measured in tons for spreading, composting
- Livestock hauling: Trailer capacity rated in tons
Farm equipment:
- Tractor weight: Specified in tons (affects traction, field compaction)
- Implements: Plow, harrow weight measured in tons
7. Energy and Mining
Coal industry:
- Mining production: Measured in tons per day/year
- Transportation: Coal trains (100+ cars × 100 tons = 10,000+ ton trains)
- Power generation: Plant fuel consumption measured in tons/day
Mining operations:
- Ore extraction: Production measured in tons mined per day
- Haul trucks: Mining dump trucks carry 100-400 tons per load
- Processing capacity: "Processes 50,000 tons ore per day"
Oil and gas (weight measurements):
- Equipment: Drilling rigs, platforms specified by weight in tons
- Offshore installations: Platform deck capacity measured in tons
When to Use ounces
Cooking and Baking
Recipe Measurements: American recipes commonly specify ingredient weights in ounces:
- Dry ingredients: flour, sugar, chocolate chips, nuts
- Solid fats: butter, shortening, cream cheese
- Proteins: chicken breasts (6 oz), ground beef (12 oz)
Kitchen Scales: Digital kitchen scales display weight in ounces (and grams), allowing precise measurement:
- Toggle between oz and g
- Tare function to zero out container weight
- Precision to 0.1 oz or 1 gram
Baker's Preference: Professional bakers prefer weight (ounces) over volume (cups) because:
- More accurate and consistent
- Eliminates measurement errors
- Works regardless of how ingredients settle or compact
Grocery Shopping and Pricing
Price per Pound, Sold by Ounce: Many items are priced per pound but sold in ounce quantities:
- Deli meat: "$8.99/lb, customer orders 6 oz"
- Cheese: "$10.99/lb, customer gets 4 oz"
- Bulk nuts: "$12.99/lb, customer takes 8 oz"
Nutrition Labels: US food labels show serving size in both household measures and ounces:
- "Serving Size: 3/4 cup (30g, about 1 oz)"
- This allows people to weigh food if they don't have measuring cups
Comparison Shopping: Savvy shoppers compare unit prices (price per ounce) to find better deals:
- Large box cereal: $0.25/oz
- Small box cereal: $0.35/oz
- Buying larger sizes often reduces cost per ounce
Postal Services and Shipping
USPS Pricing Tiers: First-Class Mail costs increase per ounce:
- 0-1 oz: $0.68 (2024 rate)
- 1-2 oz: $0.92
- 2-3 oz: $1.16
- 3-3.5 oz: $1.40
Package Weight Categories:
- Under 1 pound: priced per ounce
- Over 1 pound: typically priced per pound
Shipping Strategy: Sellers carefully package items to stay under weight thresholds, sometimes removing extra packaging to save an ounce.
Precious Metals and Jewelry
Troy Ounce Standard: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are traded globally in troy ounces:
- Gold price: "$2,050 per troy ounce" (example)
- Silver price: "$25 per troy ounce" (example)
- Bullion bars marked in troy ounces (1 oz, 10 oz, etc.)
Jewelry Weights: Precious metal jewelry is often described by weight:
- "14K gold chain, 0.5 troy oz"
- "Sterling silver bracelet, 1.2 troy oz"
Investment: Investors buy gold/silver coins and bars measured in troy ounces (1 oz American Gold Eagle, 5 oz silver bar).
Medical and Healthcare
Infant Weight: Hospitals and pediatricians measure newborn weight in pounds and ounces:
- Birth weight: "7 pounds 6 ounces"
- Weight checks: tracking gains of 4-6 oz per week
- Feeding goals: "baby should gain 5-7 oz weekly"
Medication Dosing: Some medications dose by body weight:
- Pediatric doses calculated per pound or per ounce
- Conversion to metric (kg) for precise dosing
Nutrition and Dietetics: Dietitians often recommend portion sizes in ounces:
- "3 oz serving of protein" (deck of cards size)
- "1 oz serving of cheese" (pair of dice size)
Portion Control and Diet
Standard Serving Sizes:
- Meat/fish: 3-4 oz (cooked)
- Cheese: 1-1.5 oz
- Nuts: 1 oz (small handful)
- Pasta: 2 oz dry per serving
- Cereal: 1 oz (varies by type; check label)
Visual Cues for Ounces:
- 3 oz meat = deck of playing cards
- 1 oz cheese = pair of dice
- 1 oz nuts = small handful
- 2 oz pasta = fits in cupped palm
Additional Unit Information
About Ton (US) (ton)
How many pounds are in a US ton?
There are exactly 2,000 pounds (lb) in 1 US ton (short ton).
Quick conversion:
- 1 ton = 2,000 lb
- 0.5 ton = 1,000 lb
- 2 tons = 4,000 lb
- 10 tons = 20,000 lb
This is the defining relationship: the US ton is defined as exactly 2,000 avoirdupois pounds.
Is the US ton the same as the UK ton?
No. The US ton (short ton) is smaller than the traditional UK ton (long ton):
- US ton (short ton): 2,000 lb = 907.185 kg
- UK long ton: 2,240 lb = 1,016.047 kg
- Difference: The long ton is 240 lb (12%) heavier than the US ton
Modern UK usage: Today, the UK primarily uses metric tonnes (1,000 kg = 2,205 lb), not long tons. Long tons are historical and rarely used in modern commerce.
When it matters: Historical shipping documents, old engineering specifications, and traditional industries (coal mining, maritime) may reference long tons.
What is the difference between a ton and a tonne?
"Ton" (US short ton) and "tonne" (metric tonne) are different units:
US Ton (Short Ton):
- 2,000 pounds (exactly)
- 907.185 kilograms
- Used in United States
- Symbol: ton, st, US ton
Metric Tonne:
- 1,000 kilograms (exactly)
- 2,204.6 pounds
- Used internationally
- Symbol: t, tonne, MT
Key difference: The metric tonne is about 10% heavier (93 kg or 205 lb more) than the US ton.
Spelling note: "Tonne" (with "ne") specifically means metric tonne; "ton" can mean US short ton or UK long ton, requiring clarification.
How do you convert US tons to metric tonnes?
To convert US tons to metric tonnes, multiply by 0.907185 (or approximately 0.9):
Formula:
metric tonnes = US tons × 0.907185
Examples:
- 1 ton = 0.907 tonnes (just under 1 tonne)
- 10 tons = 9.07 tonnes (about 10% lighter)
- 100 tons = 90.7 tonnes
Reverse conversion (tonnes to tons):
US tons = metric tonnes × 1.102311
- 1 tonne ≈ 1.102 tons (about 10% heavier)
- 10 tonnes ≈ 11.02 tons
Practical approximation: For rough estimates, 1 ton ≈ 0.9 tonnes, or 1 tonne ≈ 1.1 tons.
Where is the US ton used?
The US ton (short ton) is primarily used in the United States for:
Industries and applications:
- Transportation: Trucking regulations, vehicle weight ratings (GVWR)
- Construction: Pricing gravel, sand, concrete, steel by the ton
- Waste management: Landfill fees, recycling tonnages
- Shipping: Domestic cargo weights, freight billing
- Agriculture: Crop yields, livestock feed, commodity trading
- Mining: Coal production, ore extraction
- Manufacturing: Steel, cement, paper production
International use: Almost all other countries use metric tonnes (1,000 kg) instead of US tons. The US is the only major economy still using short tons as the primary heavy-weight standard.
Trade caution: International shipping and trade contracts typically specify metric tonnes to avoid confusion between US tons, long tons, and metric tonnes.
What does "half-ton truck" mean?
"Half-ton truck" is a historical classification for light-duty pickup trucks, not a precise measurement of payload capacity.
Traditional meaning: Originally, "half-ton" meant the truck could carry approximately 1,000 lb (0.5 ton) payload.
Modern reality: Today's "half-ton" trucks (Class 2A) typically have payload capacities of 1,500-2,500 lb (0.75-1.25 tons)—often exceeding the historical "half-ton" rating.
Common "half-ton" models:
- Ford F-150
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Ram 1500
- Toyota Tundra
- Nissan Titan
Other truck classifications:
- Half-ton (Class 2A): ~6,000-7,000 lb GVWR, ~1,500-2,000 lb payload
- Three-quarter-ton (Class 2B): ~8,500-10,000 lb GVWR, ~2,500-3,500 lb payload
- One-ton (Class 3): ~10,000-14,000 lb GVWR, ~3,000-4,500 lb payload
Important: Always check the vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and payload capacity listed on the door jamb sticker or owner's manual, not the truck's name.
How much does a ton of gravel weigh?
This question seems circular, but it's asking about volume-to-weight relationship:
By definition: 1 ton of gravel = 2,000 pounds (that's what "ton" means)
But the real question is: How much volume (cubic yards)?
Volume equivalence:
- 1 ton of gravel ≈ 0.60-0.75 cubic yards (depending on gravel type and compaction)
- Loose gravel: 1 ton ≈ 0.75 cubic yards
- Compacted gravel: 1 ton ≈ 0.60 cubic yards
Reverse:
- 1 cubic yard of gravel ≈ 1.3-1.7 tons (2,600-3,400 lb depending on type)
Gravel types and density:
- Pea gravel: ~1.3 tons per cubic yard (lighter)
- Crushed stone: ~1.5 tons per cubic yard (typical)
- Dense granite: ~1.7 tons per cubic yard (heavier)
Practical example: If you need to cover a driveway area of 10 cubic yards, you'll need approximately 13-15 tons of gravel (10 yd³ × 1.3-1.5 tons/yd³).
What is the federal truck weight limit in tons?
The federal limit for trucks on interstate highways in the United States is:
80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight = 40 tons
This includes:
- Truck/tractor weight (tare weight)
- Trailer weight (tare weight)
- Cargo weight (payload)
- Fuel, driver, equipment
Axle limits:
- Single axle: 20,000 lb (10 tons) maximum
- Tandem axle: 34,000 lb (17 tons) maximum
- Total gross: 80,000 lb (40 tons) maximum
Bridge formula: The federal bridge formula determines allowable weight based on number of axles and spacing, which may further limit weight on shorter wheelbases.
State variations:
- Some states allow higher weights on specific routes (e.g., Michigan allows up to 164,000 lb / 82 tons with 11 axles)
- Permits: Overweight permits available for specialized hauling (heavy equipment, modular homes)
Violations: Fines for overweight trucks typically $0.10-$0.20 per pound over limit, escalating for serious violations.
How many tons can a dump truck carry?
Dump truck capacity varies by size and type:
Small dump trucks (single-axle):
- Payload: 5-8 tons (10,000-16,000 lb)
- Examples: Small commercial dumps, landscape trucks
- Typical load: 4-6 cubic yards material
Standard dump trucks (tandem-axle):
- Payload: 10-15 tons (20,000-30,000 lb)
- Examples: Construction dump trucks, municipal trucks
- Typical load: 8-12 cubic yards material
Tri-axle dump trucks:
- Payload: 15-18 tons (30,000-36,000 lb)
- Examples: Heavy construction, aggregate hauling
- Typical load: 12-15 cubic yards material
Transfer dump trucks (multi-axle):
- Payload: 20-26 tons (40,000-52,000 lb)
- Examples: Long combination vehicles, specialized hauling
- Typical load: 16-20 cubic yards material
Limitations:
- Federal limit: 80,000 lb (40 tons) gross vehicle weight
- Truck weight: Tare weight typically 15,000-30,000 lb (7.5-15 tons)
- Net payload: Actual cargo capacity = 40 tons minus truck weight
Material matters: Volume capacity depends on material density (sand ~1.5 tons/yd³, mulch ~0.4 tons/yd³).
What does "tonnage" mean in shipping?
In maritime shipping, "tonnage" can mean several different measurements:
1. Gross Tonnage (GT):
- Volume measurement of ship's entire internal space
- Not weight: Measured in "register tons" (100 cubic feet = 1 register ton)
- Usage: Ship classification, port fees, regulations
- Example: "Cargo ship: 50,000 GT"
2. Deadweight Tonnage (DWT):
- Weight measurement of cargo, fuel, crew, provisions ship can carry
- Actual weight capacity (what most people think of as "tonnage")
- Measured in: Metric tonnes (1,000 kg) internationally, sometimes US tons domestically
- Example: "Bulk carrier: 80,000 DWT" (can carry 80,000 tonnes cargo)
3. Displacement Tonnage:
- Total weight of ship (including ship structure + cargo + fuel + everything)
- Equals weight of water displaced by ship (Archimedes' principle)
- Usage: Naval vessels, ship design
- Example: "Aircraft carrier: 100,000 tons displacement"
4. Net Tonnage (NT):
- Volume of cargo spaces only (excludes engine room, crew quarters)
- Usage: Port fees, canal tolls (based on revenue-generating space)
Modern practice: International shipping primarily uses metric tonnes for weight measurements, while US domestic shipping may use US short tons.
Conversion Table: Ton (US) to Ounce
| Ton (US) (ton) | Ounce (oz) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 16,000 |
| 1 | 32,000 |
| 1.5 | 48,000 |
| 2 | 64,000 |
| 5 | 160,000 |
| 10 | 320,000 |
| 25 | 800,000.001 |
| 50 | 1,600,000.001 |
| 100 | 3,200,000.003 |
| 250 | 8,000,000.007 |
| 500 | 16,000,000.014 |
| 1,000 | 32,000,000.028 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Ton (US) to Ounce?
To convert Ton (US) to Ounce, enter the value in Ton (US) 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 (US) to Ounce?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Ton (US) and Ounce. 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 Ounce back to Ton (US)?
Yes! You can easily convert Ounce back to Ton (US) by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Ounce to Ton (US) converter page. You can also explore other weight conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Ton (US) and Ounce?
Ton (US) and Ounce 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
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📚 How to Convert Units
Step-by-step guide to unit conversion with practical examples.
🔢 Conversion Formulas
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⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
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⚠️ Common Mistakes
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All Weight Conversions
Other Weight Units and Conversions
Explore other weight units and their conversion options:
- Kilogram (kg) • Ton (US) to Kilogram
- Gram (g) • Ton (US) to Gram
- Milligram (mg) • Ton (US) to Milligram
- Pound (lb) • Ton (US) to Pound
- Stone (st) • Ton (US) to Stone
- Ton (metric) (t) • Ton (US) to Ton (metric)
- Ton (UK) (long ton) • Ton (US) to Ton (UK)
- Microgram (µg) • Ton (US) to Microgram
- Carat (ct) • Ton (US) to Carat
- Slug (sl) • Ton (US) 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