UK Ton-force (LTf) - Unit Information & Conversion

Quick Answer

What is UK Ton-force? A UK ton-force (long ton-force, LTf) is the force exerted by a long ton (2,240 lb) mass in Earth's standard gravity. 1 LTf = 9,964.02 newtons = 9.96 kilonewtons = 2,240 pounds-force = 1.016 metric ton-force. Historically used in British and Commonwealth engineering for structural loads, crane capacities, and ship displacement before metrication. Use our force converter to convert UK ton-force to newtons, kilonewtons, and other units instantly.

Quick Comparison Table

Definition

UK ton-force (long ton-force) is the force exerted by one long ton (2,240 pounds) under standard gravity.

Formula: 1 LTf = 2,240 lbf

Conversions:

• 1 LTf = 9,964.02 N (newtons)
• 1 LTf = 9.96402 kN (kilonewtons)
• 1 LTf = 2,240 lbf (pounds-force)
• 1 LTf = 1,016.05 kgf (kilogram-force)
• 1 LTf = 1.01605 metric ton-force
• 1 LTf = 1.12 US ton-force (short ton-force)

History

The UK ton-force is based on the long ton, part of the British imperial system. The long ton of 2,240 pounds (20 hundredweight of 112 pounds each) was the standard ton in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries for centuries. It was used extensively in British engineering, particularly in shipping (where "displacement tonnage" used long tons), structural engineering, and heavy industry. When the UK began metrication in 1965, the long ton was gradually replaced by the metric tonne (1,000 kg), though legacy equipment, old drawings, and historical documents still reference long ton-force. The unit persists in some traditional industries and historical contexts.

Common Uses

Historical British Engineering: Pre-1970s structural calculations and specifications.

Shipping Industry: Older ship displacement measurements, cargo capacity.

Legacy Equipment: Crane ratings, press capacity from British manufacturers.

Commonwealth Countries: Historical engineering documents in former British territories.

Archival Research: Understanding older technical drawings and specifications.

Real-World Examples

Historical Ship Displacement:

• Destroyer (WWII era): 1,500-3,000 LTf
• Light cruiser: 5,000-10,000 LTf
• Battleship: 30,000-70,000 LTf
• Aircraft carrier: 20,000-60,000 LTf
• Merchant ship: 5,000-50,000 LTf displacement
• Supertanker: 100,000-500,000 LTf

Structural Engineering (Pre-1970s):

• Building column design load: 10-100 LTf
• Bridge pier capacity: 100-1,000 LTf
• Crane hook rating: 1-100 LTf
• Foundation bearing capacity: 50-500 LTf
• Dock bollard load: 10-100 LTf
• Railway bridge loading: 50-200 LTf

Industrial Equipment:

• Hydraulic press (British): 10-500 LTf capacity
• Forging hammer: 1-50 LTf impact
• Rolling mill: 100-1,000 LTf force
• Steam hammer: 5-100 LTf
• Industrial crane: 5-100 LTf capacity
• Lifting gear: 1-50 LTf safe working load

Weight Comparisons:

• 1 LTf = 2,240 lbf = 1.016 metric tonnes
• 1 LTf = 1.12 US tons (short tons)
• Small car: ~0.8-1.2 LTf
• Delivery truck: 3-8 LTf
• Railway locomotive: 50-150 LTf