Ton vs. Metric Ton — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on October 21, 2023
A ton, often called a short ton, is 2,000 pounds (907.185 kg), while a metric ton (or tonne) is 1,000 kilograms (2,204.62 pounds).
Difference Between Ton and Metric Ton
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The terms "ton" and "metric ton" both refer to units of weight, but they are used in different systems of measurement and represent different amounts.
The term "ton," often referred to as the short ton in the United States, is equivalent to 2,000 pounds or approximately 907.185 kilograms. This measure is rooted in the customary system of weights largely employed in the US. On the other hand, the "metric ton," also called a "tonne," is part of the metric system, which is employed universally across most of the world. A metric ton is precisely 1,000 kilograms or about 2,204.62 pounds.
The distinction between these two units is crucial, especially in fields like shipping, trading, or any area where precise weight measurements are paramount. Notably, the ton, or short ton, is more common in the US, whereas the metric ton is widely used in other parts of the world.
Comparison Chart
Weight Equivalent
2,000 pounds (907.185 kg)
1,000 kilograms (2,204.62 pounds)
System of Measurement
Customary System (U.S.)
Metric System
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Commonly Used In
United States
Most countries globally
Also Known As
Short Ton
Tonne
Symbol
T or tn
T
Compare with Definitions
Ton
Often referred to as a "short ton" in the US.
In the US, they used the short ton for weighing the cargo.
Metric Ton
Universally recognized in the metric system.
The metric ton is a standard weight measure in global trade.
Ton
Part of the customary system of weights.
The customary system includes measurements like the ton and pound.
Metric Ton
Roughly 10% heavier than the short ton.
When converting, remember that a metric ton is slightly heavier than a US ton.
Ton
Different from both the metric ton and the long ton.
It's essential to distinguish between a ton, a metric ton, and a long ton in international trade.
Metric Ton
Also known as a "tonne."
In Europe, they commonly use the term tonne instead of metric ton.
Ton
A unit of weight equal to 2,000 pounds.
The shipment weighed 15 tons.
Metric Ton
A unit of weight equal to 1,000 kilograms.
The elephant weighed around 5 metric tons.
Ton
A unit of weight equal to 2,000 pounds (0.907 metric ton or 907.18 kilograms). Also called net ton, short ton.
Metric Ton
Symbolized as "t."
The label indicated the package weighed 2t, referring to two metric tons.
Ton
A unit of weight equal to 2,240 pounds (1.016 metric tons or 1,016.05 kilograms). Also called long ton.
Ton
A metric ton. See Table at measurement.
Ton
A unit of capacity for cargo in maritime shipping, normally estimated at 40 cubic feet.
Ton
A unit of internal capacity of a ship equal to 100 cubic feet.
Ton
A unit for measuring the displacement of ships, equal to 35 cubic feet, and supposed to equal the volume taken by a long ton of seawater.
Ton
A large extent, amount, or number
Has a ton of work.
Gets tons of fan mail.
Ton
Used adverbially with a or in the plural to mean "to a great degree or extent" or "frequently"
Felt a ton better.
Has seen her tons lately.
Ton
A unit of weight (mass) equal to 2240 pounds (a long ton) or 2000 pounds (a short ton) or 1000 kilograms (a metric ton).
Ton
A unit of volume; register ton.
Ton
In refrigeration and air conditioning, a unit of thermal power defined as 12,000 BTU/h (about 3.514 kW or 3024 kcal/h), originally the rate of cooling provided by uniform isothermal melting of one short ton of ice per day at 32 °F (0 °C).
Ton
A large amount.
I’ve got a ton of work to do.
I've got tons of work to do.
Ton
(slang) A speed of 100 mph.
Ton
One hundred pounds sterling.
Ton
(cricket) One hundred runs.
Ton
One hundred points scored.
Ton
Fashion, the current style, the vogue.
Ton
Fashionable society; those in style.
Ton
The common tunny, or horse mackerel.
Ton
The prevailing fashion or mode; vogue; as, things of ton.
If our people of ton are selfish, at any rate they show they are selfish.
Ton
A measure of weight or quantity.
Ton
The weight of twenty hundredweight.
Ton
Forty cubic feet of space, being the unit of measurement of the burden, or carrying capacity, of a vessel; as a vessel of 300 tons burden.
Ton
A certain weight or quantity of merchandise, with reference to transportation as freight; as, six hundred weight of ship bread in casks, seven hundred weight in bags, eight hundred weight in bulk; ten bushels of potatoes; eight sacks, or ten barrels, of flour; forty cubic feet of rough, or fifty cubic feet of hewn, timber, etc.
Ton
A United States unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds
Ton
A British unit of weight equivalent to 2240 pounds
Ton
Predominantly used in the United States.
He was surprised to learn that a ton was different in Europe.
Common Curiosities
Is the ton used globally?
The ton (short ton) is mainly used in the US, while the metric ton is used globally.
Are the ton and metric ton the same?
No, a ton (short ton) is 2,000 pounds, and a metric ton is 1,000 kilograms.
Why is it called a "short ton"?
To distinguish it from the long ton, which is 2,240 pounds.
Which is heavier, a ton or a metric ton?
A metric ton is slightly heavier than a US ton.
Why is there a difference between the ton and metric ton?
The difference arises from the customary system used in the US and the metric system used globally.
In which industries is it vital to differentiate between these units?
Industries like shipping, trading, and manufacturing require precise weight measurements.
Is there another ton apart from the short ton and metric ton?
Yes, the long ton, used mainly in the UK, is 2,240 pounds.
Is "tonne" another name for the metric ton?
Yes, "tonne" and "metric ton" are interchangeable.
How many pounds are in a metric ton?
A metric ton contains 2,204.62 pounds.
How many short tons make a metric ton?
Approximately 0.907 short tons make a metric ton.
Do these measurements have specific symbols?
Yes, the ton can be symbolized as "T" or "tn," while the metric ton is "t."
How do I convert tons to metric tons?
To convert tons to metric tons, multiply the number of tons by 0.907.
Can the difference between these two units affect trade?
Absolutely, precise weight measurements are crucial in international trade, and errors can lead to significant discrepancies.
How do I convert metric tons to tons?
To convert metric tons to tons, multiply the number of metric tons by 1.102.
Are these the only units of large weight measurements?
No, there are other units like the long ton, kilogram, pound, and more, depending on the system of measurement.
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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.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
