What is a metric ton (or tonne)?
A metric ton, also known as a tonne, is a unit of mass in the metric system equal to 1,000 kilograms or approximately 2,204.62 pounds. It is commonly used in international trade and commerce as a standard unit for measuring large quantities of goods such as minerals, agricultural products, and industrial materials. The metric ton is preferred over the traditional ton (short ton) in most countries due to its simplicity and consistency with the metric system.
The metric ton is widely used in industries such as shipping, manufacturing, and agriculture for its ease of conversion and compatibility with other metric units. It is important to note that the metric ton should not be confused with the ton (short ton) used in the United States, which is equivalent to 2,000 pounds.
What is a long ton (imperial ton)?
A long ton, also known as an imperial ton, is a unit of weight commonly used in the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth countries.
It is equivalent to 2,240 pounds or 1,016 kilograms. The long ton is primarily used in the context of trading goods, particularly in industries such as shipping, agriculture, and mining.
In terms of metric conversions, a long ton is equal to approximately 1.016 metric tonnes. This means that one long ton is slightly heavier than one metric ton, which is equivalent to 1,000 kilograms. The long ton is not commonly used in countries that have adopted the metric system, but it is still relevant in certain industries and historical contexts where imperial units are preferred.
