Troy Ounce to Ton (metric) Converter
Convert troy ounces to tons with our free online weight converter.
Quick Answer
1 Troy Ounce = 0.0000311 tons
Formula: Troy Ounce × 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.
Troy Ounce to Ton (metric) Calculator
How to Use the Troy Ounce to Ton (metric) Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Troy Ounce).
- 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 Troy Ounce to Ton (metric): Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Troy Ounce to Ton (metric) involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Troy Ounce = 0.0000311035 tonsExample Calculation:
Convert 5 troy ounces: 5 × 0.0000311035 = 0.000155517 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.
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View all Weight conversions →What is a Troy Ounce and a Ton (metric)?
1 troy ounce = 31.1034768 grams (g) = 480 grains
The troy ounce (abbreviated "oz t", "ozt", or "t oz") is a unit of mass in the troy weight system, used exclusively for precious metals and gemstones. It differs significantly from the avoirdupois ounce used in everyday measurements.
Troy vs. Avoirdupois: Critical Distinction
| Unit | Grams | Use Cases | |----------|-----------|---------------| | Troy ounce | 31.1034768 g | Precious metals (gold, silver, platinum), gemstones, pharmaceuticals (historic) | | Avoirdupois ounce | 28.349523125 g | Food, body weight, general commerce | | Difference | +2.754 g (9.7% heavier) | Troy ounce is HEAVIER |
Critical for buyers: If someone sells you "1 ounce of gold" using avoirdupois ounces instead of troy ounces, you're getting 9.7% less metal than you paid for!
The Troy Weight System
Unlike the avoirdupois system (16 ounces = 1 pound), the troy system uses different ratios:
- 24 grains = 1 pennyweight (dwt)
- 20 pennyweights = 1 troy ounce (oz t)
- 12 troy ounces = 1 troy pound (lb t)
Paradox: The troy ounce is heavier than the avoirdupois ounce, BUT the troy pound (373.24 g) is lighter than the avoirdupois pound (453.59 g) because it contains only 12 ounces instead of 16!
Why Troy Ounces Persist
Despite global metrication, troy ounces remain dominant in precious metals for these reasons:
- Market convention: Centuries of gold/silver trading established price benchmarks in troy ounces
- Legal tender: U.S. Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, and others mint official coins in troy ounce denominations
- Futures contracts: COMEX gold contracts specify 100 troy ounces per contract
- LBMA standards: London Bullion Market Association requires troy ounce quotations
- Central banks: Gold reserves reported in troy ounces (e.g., Fort Knox holds 147.3 million oz t)
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 Troy Ounce 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 Troy Ounce and Ton (metric)
Ancient and Medieval Origins (Pre-1500)
The word "ounce" derives from the Latin "uncia" (one-twelfth), reflecting the Roman system where 1 uncia = 1/12 of a libra (pound). The troy system's specific origins trace to Troyes, France, a major European trade city.
12th-15th centuries - Champagne Fairs: Troyes hosted international trade fairs where merchants from Italy, Flanders, England, and German states exchanged goods. Precious metals, spices, and textiles required standardized weights. The "Troyes weight" system emerged as a trusted standard for valuable commodities, particularly gold, silver, and gemstones.
Why "troy" not "avoirdupois"? Two parallel weight systems developed:
- Troy weights: For precious metals, spices, medicines (high-value, small quantities)
- Avoirdupois weights: For bulk goods like wool, grain, iron (from French "avoir de pois" = goods of weight)
English Standardization (1500-1800)
1527 - King Henry VIII standardization: Henry VIII officially defined troy weights for the English realm, establishing:
- 1 troy pound = 5,760 grains
- 1 troy ounce = 480 grains
- 1 grain = 64.79891 milligrams (based on barley grain weight)
1758 - British assay offices: The Goldsmiths' Company and assay offices in London, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Edinburgh used troy ounces exclusively for hallmarking gold and silver items. This reinforced troy ounces as the legal standard for precious metals in British commerce.
The Tower Pound obsolescence: England previously used the "Tower pound" for minting coins (5,400 grains), but troy weights (5,760 grains per pound) eventually replaced it in 1527, creating unified standards for bullion and coinage.
American Adoption (1776-1900)
1776-1792 - Early United States: American colonies inherited British troy standards. The early U.S. used Spanish silver dollars and British gold sovereigns, all measured in troy ounces.
1828 - U.S. Coinage Act: Congress officially adopted troy weights for all U.S. coinage. The Act specified:
- Gold dollar = 25.8 grains (1.672 g) of 90% gold
- Silver dollar = 412.5 grains (26.73 g) of 90% silver
- All coins measured in troy grains
1849-1855 - California Gold Rush: The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill created massive demand for standardized weights. Assay offices in San Francisco weighed gold dust and nuggets in troy ounces, establishing the unit in the American West.
1873 - Coinage Act ("Crime of 1873"): This act demonetized silver, ending bimetallism. However, troy ounces remained the standard for measuring both gold and silver bullion.
Global Standardization (1900-Present)
1900-1971 - The Gold Standard era: Most nations tied currencies to gold reserves, measured in troy ounces:
- 1900: Gold Standard Act (U.S. fixed $20.67 per troy ounce)
- 1933: FDR revalued gold to $35 per troy ounce
- 1944: Bretton Woods Agreement ($35/oz t peg)
- 1971: Nixon ended gold convertibility, but troy ounce pricing persisted
1919 - London Bullion Market Association (LBMA): Founded to standardize London gold market practices. LBMA established:
- Good Delivery bars: 350-430 troy ounces (typically 400 oz t)
- Minimum purity: 995 parts per 1,000 (99.5% pure gold)
- Troy ounce quotations for spot prices
1974 - COMEX gold futures: The Commodity Exchange (COMEX) in New York launched gold futures contracts:
- Contract size: 100 troy ounces
- Delivery specifications: 1 kg bars (32.1507 oz t) or 100 oz bars
- Global price discovery mechanism
1975 - Gold ownership legalization: U.S. citizens regained the right to own gold bullion (banned since 1933). Investment coins like the Krugerrand (1 oz t), Canadian Maple Leaf (1 oz t), and American Gold Eagle (1 oz t) popularized troy ounce denominations for retail investors.
2000s-Present - Digital age: Despite metrication, troy ounces dominate:
- ETFs: SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) holds 900+ tons (28.9M oz t)
- Central banks: Reserve holdings reported in troy ounces (U.S. 261.5M oz t, Germany 108.9M oz t)
- Spot prices: Bloomberg, Reuters, Kitco quote gold/silver per troy ounce
- Refineries: Swiss refiners (PAMP, Valcambi) produce bars in troy ounce sizes
Cultural Significance
The troy ounce represents continuity in global finance—a medieval trade standard that survived the industrial revolution, world wars, and digital transformation. While most historical units vanished with metrication, the troy ounce persists because precious metals markets value tradition, legal precedent, and universal standardization over decimal convenience.
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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: troy ounces vs tons
Explore the typical applications for both Troy Ounce (imperial/US) and Ton (metric) (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for troy ounces
1. Precious Metals Trading
The troy ounce is the universal standard for global bullion markets:
Spot price quotations:
- Gold: $1,800-2,100 per troy ounce (fluctuates with markets)
- Silver: $20-30 per oz t
- Platinum: $900-1,200 per oz t
- Palladium: $1,000-1,600 per oz t
- Rhodium: $3,000-15,000 per oz t (highest volatility)
Major markets:
- London Bullion Market (LBMA): Sets gold/silver fix twice daily in troy ounces
- COMEX (New York): Futures contracts (100 oz t gold, 5,000 oz t silver)
- Shanghai Gold Exchange: Trades gold in grams but converts to oz t for international quotes
- Dubai Gold Souk: Retail sales in grams, wholesale in troy ounces
Why troy ounces persist: Centuries of price history, legal contracts, and central bank reserves create network effects—changing to grams would require recalibrating trillions in financial instruments.
2. Investment Coins & Bars
Government minted coins (1 oz troy):
- American Gold Eagle: Most popular U.S. bullion coin, 22K gold
- Canadian Maple Leaf: 24K gold (.9999 fine), iconic design
- South African Krugerrand: First modern bullion coin (1967)
- Austrian Philharmonic: European alternative, euro-denominated
- Chinese Gold Panda: Annual design changes, collector value
Fractional coins:
- 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz troy ounce denominations
- Higher premiums per ounce (manufacturing costs)
- Easier to liquidate small amounts
Private mint bars:
- 1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz troy ounce sizes (silver)
- 1 oz, 10 oz, 1 kg gold bars
- Lower premiums than coins (no numismatic value)
- Stackability for storage
3. Jewelry Manufacturing
Jewelers purchase gold in troy ounces but often work in grams or pennyweights (dwt):
Pricing structure:
- Spot price: Current troy ounce price (e.g., $2,000/oz)
- Karat adjustment: 14K = 58.3%, 18K = 75%, 22K = 91.67%
- Fabrication cost: Labor, design, gemstones
- Retail markup: 2-3× material cost
Example calculation (14K ring):
- Weight: 5 grams = 0.16075 oz t
- Pure gold: 0.16075 × 0.583 = 0.0938 oz t
- Gold value: 0.0938 × $2,000 = $187.60
- Retail price: $500-800 (includes labor, overhead, profit)
Scrap gold recycling: Jewelers sell scrap in troy ounces to refineries, receiving 90-95% of spot price (refining losses, processing fees).
4. Pharmaceutical & Apothecary (Historic)
Before metrication, pharmacists used troy weights for compounding:
Apothecaries' system:
- 20 grains = 1 scruple
- 3 scruples = 1 dram
- 8 drams = 1 troy ounce
Modern legacy:
- Grain measurements persist (aspirin: 5 grains = 325 mg)
- Troy ounces phased out in medicine by 1970s
- Replaced by milligrams and grams for precision
5. Mining & Geology
Gold production and ore grades measured in troy ounces:
Reserve reporting:
- Gold deposits: "10 million oz t at 2 g/t grade" (metric tons ore, troy ounces gold)
- Production rates: "500,000 oz t per year" (annual mine output)
Ore grades:
- High-grade: 10-20 g/t (0.32-0.64 oz t per metric ton ore)
- Low-grade: 1-5 g/t (0.032-0.16 oz t/t)
- Ultra-low-grade: 0.5 g/t (economical with modern extraction)
Example (Nevada Gold Mine):
- Reserves: 50 million metric tons
- Grade: 2 g/t (0.064 oz t/t)
- Contained gold: 3.2 million troy ounces
- Mine life: 15 years (213,000 oz t/year production)
6. Central Banking & Reserves
Countries hold gold reserves measured in troy ounces:
Reserve valuation: Most central banks value gold at historic cost ($42.22/oz t, a 1973 price), not market rates. However, market value uses current spot prices:
- U.S. reserves: 261.5M oz t × $2,000 = $523 billion market value
- Official books: 261.5M oz t × $42.22 = $11 billion (!)
Reserve diversification:
- Gold as % of reserves: U.S. (70%), Germany (67%), Italy (64%)
- Rationale: Inflation hedge, currency crisis protection, geopolitical insurance
7. Collectibles & Numismatics
Coin collectors distinguish between bullion value (troy ounces) and numismatic value (rarity, condition):
Example: 1933 Double Eagle
- Gold content: 0.9675 oz t (~$1,935 melt value)
- Auction price: $18.9 million (2021 Sotheby's)
- Numismatic premium: 9,700× bullion value!
Modern bullion vs. collectible:
- Bullion: Trades at spot + 3-10% premium (1 oz Gold Eagle)
- Collectible: Rare dates, low mintages command 2-100× premiums
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 Troy Ounce (oz t)
1. Is a troy ounce the same as a regular ounce?
No. The troy ounce (31.1035 g) is about 9.7% heavier than the avoirdupois ounce (28.3495 g) used for food and general items.
Visual comparison:
- 1 troy ounce gold = Size of a large grape (but very dense)
- 1 avoirdupois ounce flour = Same volume but less mass
When it matters: Precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) always use troy ounces. If someone offers you "1 ounce of gold" at a suspiciously low price, verify it's troy ounces—not avoirdupois!
2. How many grams are in a troy ounce?
Exactly 31.1034768 grams.
This precise definition comes from the 1959 international agreement on units. It's the same globally—LBMA (London), COMEX (New York), and Shanghai Gold Exchange all use this exact conversion.
For practical purposes:
- 1 troy oz ≈ 31.1 grams (rounded)
- 10 troy oz ≈ 311 grams
- 32.15 troy oz = 1 kilogram (exactly 1,000 g)
3. How many troy ounces are in a troy pound?
12 troy ounces = 1 troy pound (373.24 grams).
This differs from the avoirdupois system where 16 ounces = 1 pound. The troy system uses base-12 (duodecimal), a remnant of Roman and medieval counting systems.
Paradox explained:
- Troy ounce (31.10 g) > Avoirdupois ounce (28.35 g)
- BUT Troy pound (373.24 g) < Avoirdupois pound (453.59 g)
Why: 12 × 31.10 = 373.24, while 16 × 28.35 = 453.59.
4. Why do precious metals use troy ounces instead of grams?
Historical inertia and market convention.
Reasons troy ounces persist:
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Centuries of price data: Gold has been priced per troy ounce since the 1700s. Changing would break historical charts and analysis.
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Legal tender and contracts: U.S. Mint, Canadian Mint, and others legally define coins in troy ounces. Futures contracts, options, and derivatives are denominated in oz t.
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Central bank reserves: Fort Knox holds "147.3 million troy ounces," not "4,582.7 metric tons"—the legal records use troy ounces.
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Network effects: If London uses oz t, New York must too. Shanghai converts grams to oz t for international quotes.
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Cultural identity: "An ounce of gold" evokes tangibility. "31.1 grams of gold" lacks the same resonance.
Metrication attempts failed: France and other metric-first countries tried quoting gold in grams, but international traders kept converting back to oz t for comparison.
5. How much is 1 troy ounce of gold worth?
It fluctuates constantly. As of 2024, gold trades between $1,800 - $2,100 per troy ounce, depending on economic conditions.
Price drivers:
- Inflation fears: Gold rises when currency value erodes
- Interest rates: Low rates → gold attractive (no yield anyway)
- Geopolitical crises: Wars, sanctions boost safe-haven demand
- Central bank buying: China, Russia, Turkey accumulating reserves
- Jewelry demand: India, China seasonal festivals
Historical context:
- 1900: $20.67/oz (Gold Standard Act)
- 1971: $35/oz (Nixon Shock, end of Bretton Woods)
- 1980: $850/oz (Hunt Brothers silver crisis, inflation)
- 2011: $1,900/oz (Financial crisis aftermath)
- 2020: $2,067/oz (COVID-19 pandemic peak)
Real-time prices: Check Bloomberg, Reuters, Kitco, or bullion dealer sites.
6. What's the difference between "carat" and "karat"?
Completely different units—one measures weight, the other purity:
CARAT (ct) = Gemstone weight
- 1 carat = 200 milligrams = 0.00643 troy ounces
- Measures diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds
- "5-carat diamond" = 1 gram weight
KARAT (K or kt) = Gold purity
- 24K = 100% pure gold
- 18K = 75% gold (18/24)
- 14K = 58.3% gold (14/24)
- Measures alloy composition, not weight
Example: "18K gold ring weighing 0.2 troy ounces" means:
- Karat: 75% pure (18/24)
- Weight: 0.2 oz t = 6.22 g total
- Pure gold: 0.15 oz t = 4.67 g (6.22 × 0.75)
7. Can I buy fractional troy ounces?
Yes! Governments and private mints produce fractional coins:
Common sizes:
- 1/10 oz t (3.11 g) — Popular for small investors
- 1/4 oz t (7.78 g)
- 1/2 oz t (15.55 g)
- 1 oz t (31.10 g) — Most popular size
Trade-offs:
- Pros: Lower entry cost ($200 for 1/10 oz vs. $2,000 for 1 oz), easier to liquidate small amounts
- Cons: Higher premiums per ounce (1/10 oz costs ~15% premium vs. 3-5% for 1 oz)
Example:
- 1 oz Gold Eagle: $2,050 ($50 premium over $2,000 spot = 2.5%)
- 1/10 oz Gold Eagle: $240 ($40 premium over $200 spot = 20%!)
Why higher premiums? Minting costs don't scale linearly. Striking a 1/10 oz coin costs almost as much as a 1 oz coin, so the percentage premium is higher.
8. What is a "Good Delivery" gold bar?
The international standard for large-scale gold bullion, set by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA).
Specifications:
- Weight: 350-430 troy ounces (typically 400 oz t = 12.4 kg)
- Purity: Minimum 995 parts per 1,000 (99.5% pure gold)
- Fineness stamp: Refinery mark, serial number, purity, year
- Refiners: LBMA-approved list (~70 refineries: PAMP, Valcambi, Rand, Johnson Matthey)
Why "Good Delivery"? Before standardization, banks had to assay every bar (costly, time-consuming). LBMA Good Delivery certification means bars are universally accepted without re-assaying.
Where they're used:
- Central bank reserves (Fort Knox, Bank of England vaults)
- Commercial bank vaults (HSBC, JPMorgan)
- ETF backing (SPDR Gold Shares stores Good Delivery bars)
Retail availability: Most investors never see Good Delivery bars—they're institutional. Retail investors buy 1 oz coins or small bars (1 oz, 10 oz, 100 oz).
9. How do I convert troy ounces to kilograms?
Formula:
1 troy ounce = 0.0311034768 kilograms
OR
1 kilogram = 32.1507466 troy ounces
Quick method: Divide troy ounces by 32.15 to get kilograms:
400 oz t ÷ 32.15 ≈ 12.44 kg
Precise method: Multiply troy ounces by 0.0311034768:
400 oz t × 0.0311034768 = 12.44139072 kg (EXACT)
Common conversions:
- 1 oz t = 0.0311 kg
- 10 oz t = 0.311 kg
- 100 oz t = 3.11 kg
- 1,000 oz t = 31.1 kg
- 32.15 oz t = 1 kg (exactly 1,000 g)
10. What's the smallest amount of gold I can buy?
Technically, you can buy any amount, but practical minimums exist:
Physical gold:
- Smallest coins: 1/10 oz t (~$200-250)
- Gold jewelry: Varies, but 14K chains start around $100-200 (contains ~0.05 oz t pure gold)
- Gold leaf: Decorative, negligible weight (~0.001 oz t per sheet)
Paper gold (no physical delivery):
- Gold ETFs (GLD, IAU): 1 share ≈ 0.1 oz t (~$200)
- Fractional platforms (OneGold, Vaulted): Buy as little as $1 worth (0.0005 oz t)
- Futures contracts: 100 oz t minimum (~$200,000—professional traders only)
Recommendation for beginners: Start with 1/4 oz or 1/2 oz coins (balance between affordability and premiums). Avoid tiny fractions (1/20 oz) due to extremely high premiums.
11. How do jewelers measure gold?
Three units, depending on context:
- Troy ounces (oz t): Buying gold from refineries, calculating melt value
- Pennyweights (dwt): Traditional unit (1 oz t = 20 dwt, 1 dwt = 1.555 g)
- Grams (g): Modern standard, easier math
Example (jeweler selling 14K scrap):
- Weighs scrap: 25.5 grams
- Converts to troy ounces: 25.5 ÷ 31.1 = 0.82 oz t
- Calculates pure gold: 0.82 × 0.583 (14K) = 0.478 oz t
- Refinery pays: 0.478 × $2,000 × 0.95 = $908 (95% of spot, 5% refining fee)
Pennyweight legacy: Older jewelers still use "dwt" for historic reasons. Most modern shops use grams for precision.
12. Why are central banks buying more gold?
Diversification away from the U.S. dollar and geopolitical hedging.
Key drivers:
- De-dollarization: Russia, China, Turkey reducing USD reserves after sanctions
- Inflation hedge: 2020-2024 inflation spikes drove safe-haven demand
- Currency debasement fears: Massive money printing (COVID stimulus) erodes fiat value
- Geopolitical tensions: Ukraine war, Taiwan tensions increase reserve gold holdings
Recent trends (2020-2024):
- China: Added 300+ tons (9.6M oz t) in 2023 alone
- Russia: Doubled reserves to 2,300 tons (74M oz t) before Ukraine war
- Poland: Increased from 103 to 228 tons (7.3M oz t)
- Singapore: Tripled reserves to 230 tons (7.4M oz t)
Why troy ounces matter: Central bank transactions are reported in troy ounces (IMF, World Gold Council standards), even though storage is often measured in metric tons.
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: Troy Ounce to Ton (metric)
| Troy Ounce (oz t) | Ton (metric) (t) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0 |
| 1 | 0 |
| 1.5 | 0 |
| 2 | 0 |
| 5 | 0 |
| 10 | 0 |
| 25 | 0.001 |
| 50 | 0.002 |
| 100 | 0.003 |
| 250 | 0.008 |
| 500 | 0.016 |
| 1,000 | 0.031 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Troy Ounce to Ton (metric)?
To convert Troy Ounce to Ton (metric), enter the value in Troy Ounce 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 Troy Ounce to Ton (metric)?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Troy Ounce 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 Troy Ounce?
Yes! You can easily convert Ton (metric) back to Troy Ounce by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Ton (metric) to Troy Ounce converter page. You can also explore other weight conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Troy Ounce and Ton (metric)?
Troy Ounce 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) • Troy Ounce to Kilogram
- Gram (g) • Troy Ounce to Gram
- Milligram (mg) • Troy Ounce to Milligram
- Pound (lb) • Troy Ounce to Pound
- Ounce (oz) • Troy Ounce to Ounce
- Stone (st) • Troy Ounce to Stone
- Ton (US) (ton) • Troy Ounce to Ton (US)
- Ton (UK) (long ton) • Troy Ounce to Ton (UK)
- Microgram (µg) • Troy Ounce to Microgram
- Carat (ct) • Troy Ounce 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