Ft vs. Mt — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
"Ft (foot) measures length in the imperial system, primarily used in the U.S. for everyday measurements, while Mt (metric ton) measures weight in the metric system, used globally for scientific and trade purposes."
Difference Between Ft and Mt
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ft (foot) is a unit of length in the imperial system, equivalent to 12 inches. It's commonly used in the United States for personal and professional measurements. In contrast, Mt (metric ton) measures weight in the metric system, used internationally and equivalent to 1,000 kilograms.
Ft is used to measure distances in construction, height, and everyday applications in countries still using the imperial system. Mt, on the other hand, measures heavier quantities, often in large-scale commerce like shipping, where accurate weight measurement is crucial.
In calculations, Ft is typically broken down into inches for finer precision, whereas Mt converts easily to kilograms and grams, making it more suitable for scientific and standardized weight measurements.
Ft remains relevant due to historical usage in various industries, while Mt is increasingly favored due to global adoption of the metric system, leading to uniformity and easier international trade.
Comparison Chart
Unit Type
Length
Weight
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Measurement System
Imperial
Metric
Symbol
Ft
T or Mt
Subdivisions
Inches (12 per foot)
Grams (1,000,000 per Mt)
Primary Usage
Everyday measurements
Heavy cargo, shipping
Compare with Definitions
Ft
A unit of length in the imperial system.
The ceiling is eight ft high.
Mt
Equivalent to 1,000 kilograms.
One Mt is significantly heavier than a regular ton.
Ft
Used to describe the height of structures or people.
She is five ft four inches tall.
Mt
A metric system unit of mass, also known as tonne.
The ship carries 50,000 Mt of cargo.
Ft
Often used in construction for measurements.
The building's foundation is 200 ft long.
Mt
Used for measuring heavy, bulk items.
The factory processes several Mt of steel daily.
Ft
Abbreviated symbol for "foot."
The table is 4 ft wide.
Mt
Common in international trade for standardized weight.
The contract stipulates delivery of 5,000 Mt of wheat.
Ft
Measurement equivalent to 12 inches.
The door measures 6 ft in height.
Mt
Abbreviated symbol for "metric ton."
The import quota is set at 10,000 Mt.
Ft
Abbreviation of foot
Mt
(biology) mitochondrial
Ft
A linear unit of length equal to 12 inches or a third of a yard;
He is six feet tall
Mt
(biology) mitochondrion or mitochondria
Mt
A metric ton, a unit of weight equivalent to 1000 kilograms.
Mt
A unit of weight equivalent to 1000 kilograms
Mt
A state in northwestern United States on the Canadian border
Mt
The use of computers to translate from one language to another
Common Curiosities
What is a foot in ft?
A foot is a unit of length in the imperial system, equivalent to 12 inches.
What is a metric ton (Mt)?
A metric ton is a unit of mass equivalent to 1,000 kilograms.
How many feet are in a mile?
There are 5,280 feet in a mile.
Is Mt standardized globally?
Yes, the metric ton is standardized worldwide in the metric system.
Is ft still widely used today?
Yes, ft is still used primarily in the U.S. and other countries that employ the imperial system.
What industries primarily use ft?
Ft is mainly used in construction, real estate, and everyday measurements.
How is Mt used in scientific research?
Mt is used to quantify large quantities of materials in environmental science, geology, and more.
How does Mt compare to a regular ton?
A metric ton (Mt) is heavier than a regular ton, which is 907.18 kilograms.
Can ft be converted to meters?
Yes, 1 ft equals approximately 0.3048 meters.
What is a good use case for ft measurements?
Ft is suitable for smaller distances, like room dimensions and personal height.
Where is the metric ton (Mt) most commonly used?
The Mt is common in international trade, agriculture, and shipping.
How do metric tons simplify international trade?
They provide a uniform weight standard, easing calculations and comparisons across borders.
Why is ft still used despite the metric system's popularity?
Ft remains culturally ingrained and is practical for everyday use where the imperial system persists.
How does the Mt compare with kilograms?
One Mt is equivalent to 1,000 kilograms.
Why should one be aware of both ft and Mt measurements?
Understanding both ft and Mt is crucial for international travel, business, and scientific communication.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
