Ton (metric) (t) - Unit Information & Conversion
What is a Ton (metric)?
Definition
The metric ton (or tonne) is a unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms (kg). It is part of the International System of Units (SI) although not technically an SI unit itself, it is accepted for use with SI. It is equivalent to approximately 2,204.6 pounds.
History
The term "tonne" derives from the "tun", an old English unit of volume for large casks. The metric tonne was defined as 1,000 kilograms to provide a larger metric unit for trade and industry, aligning with the decimal nature of the SI system.
Common Uses
- Transportation: Measuring the mass of vehicles like cars, trucks, and heavy machinery.
- Shipping & Logistics: Quantifying large amounts of bulk cargo in shipping (e.g., coal, grain, ore).
- Agriculture: Expressing crop yields and large-scale agricultural production.
- Heavy Industry: Standard unit for production outputs in steel manufacturing, mining, and construction.
- Waste Management: Used for calculating municipal solid waste volumes and recycling quantities.
Unit FAQs
How many kilograms are in a metric ton?
There are exactly 1,000 kilograms (kg) in 1 metric ton (t).
Is a metric ton the same as a US ton?
No. A metric ton (1,000 kg) is slightly heavier than a US ton (also called a short ton, 2,000 lbs or about 907.18 kg).
Why is it sometimes spelled "tonne"?
The spelling "tonne" is often used internationally to distinguish it clearly from the imperial/US tons (short ton and long ton).
Ton (metric) Conversion Formulas
To Kilogram:
To Gram:
To Milligram:
To Pound:
To Ounce:
To Stone:
To Ton (US):
To Ton (UK):
To Microgram:
To Carat:
To Slug:
To Troy Ounce:
To Pennyweight:
To Grain:
To Dram:
To Quintal:
To Atomic Mass Unit:
To Pavan (India):
To Kati (India):
To Masha (India):
To Dina (India):
To Pras (India):
To Lota (India):
Convert Ton (metric)
Need to convert Ton (metric) to other weight units? Use our conversion tool.