How Many Pounds in a Ton

Dec 28, 2019 Dec 28, 2019

Converting pounds¹ to tons² can cause difficulties because there are several definitions of these units of weight, which are used in different systems of measure. So, if you ask about how many pounds in a ton, you should know exactly what units you mean. It is particularly important if you are an international trader. This article will help you to avoid confusion.

Pounds are found in several weight systems: Avoirdupois, Troy, Tower, London, Merchant, etc. In Great Britain and the United States the avoirdupois pound is used. This type equals to sixteen ounces³ and about 454 metric grams⁴.

Other kinds of pounds are rather rare in the modern world. We have collected some information about them in the table below.

Ounces

Grams

1 Avoirdupois pound

454

1 Troy pound

373

1 Tower pound

350

1 London pound

467

1 Merchant pound

437

Every person living in a country with the metric system knows that one metric ton consists of one thousand kilograms. If you ask him about how many pounds there are in a ton, he will think that you mean this ton. But there are also units of weight called long (gross) and short (net) tons. The first ones are used in the USA and Canada. The long ton is common for the United Kingdom and some other countries.

One metric ton (or tone) equals to about 2204.6 pounds
One long ton equals to 2240 pounds (the USA, Canada)
One short ton equals to 2000 pounds (UK)

It means that if someone asks you how many pounds there are in a ton, make sure that you understand what type of these units of weight he implies. The following table will help you to convert short tons to avoirdupois pounds without a calculator.

Ton

Pound

Ton

Pound

2000

40000

4000

60000

6000

80000

8000

100000

10000

120000

12000

140000

14000

160000

16000

180000

18000

100

200000

20000

999

1998000

The pound (abbr. lb) is a widespread unit of mass with many definitions. The most common of them is equal to sixteen ounces or 454 metric grams.
The ton is a unit of weight, found in various systems of measure (the metric ton, the short ton, and the long ton).
The ounce (abbr. oz) is a mass unit with a number of meanings. The avoirdupois ounce (about 28.3 grams) and the troy ounce (about 31.1 grams) are its most known definitions.
The gram (abbr. g) is a general unit of weight from the International System of Units. One kilogram contains 1000 grams.

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