In the system of measurement primarily used in the United States, known as the avoirdupois system, one ton (also known as a short ton) is equivalent to 2,000 pounds. This is different from the metric system, where a metric ton (also known as a tonne) is equivalent to 2,204.62 pounds.
Therefore, the conversion factor from tons to pounds will depend on which type of ton you’re referring to:
- If you’re converting short tons (US) to pounds, use the factor of 2,000.
- If you’re converting metric tons (tonnes) to pounds, use the factor of 2,204.62.
This difference stems from the diverse systems of measurements utilized across the world. The United States customary system uses the short ton, while the metric system, which is more commonly used globally, uses the metric ton or tonne.
Quick Reference Answer
- 1 short ton (US) = 2,000 pounds
- 1 long ton (UK) = 2,240 pounds
- 1 metric ton (tonne) = 2,204.62 pounds
Conversion Factors
In the metric system, a metric ton (also called a tonne) is equivalent to 2,204.62 pounds.
In the imperial system (historically used in the UK), a long ton is equivalent to 2,240 pounds.
If you’re converting:
- Short tons → pounds: multiply tons × 2,000
- Long tons → pounds: multiply tons × 2,240
- Metric tons (tonnes) → pounds: multiply tons × 2,204.62
For pounds back to tons, divide by the same factor.
Example Conversions
3 short tons = 3 × 2,000 = 6,000 pounds
- 5 metric tons = 5 × 2,204.62 ≈ 11,023 pounds
- 10 long tons = 10 × 2,240 = 22,400 pounds
Conversion Table
Tons ⇄ Pounds ⇄ Kilograms Conversion Calculator
Supports Short Ton (US), Long Ton (UK), and Metric Ton (tonne). Type in any box—results update automatically.
Factors: Short ton = 2,000 lb; Long ton = 2,240 lb; Metric ton (tonne) = 2,204.62262185 lb. 1 kg = 2.20462262185 lb.
Formulas
- Short tons to pounds:
lb = tons × 2000 - Long tons to pounds:
lb = tons × 2240 - Metric tons to pounds:
lb = tons × 2204.62 - Pounds to tons (reverse):
tons = lb ÷ conversion factor
| Tons | Short Ton (US) | Long Ton (UK) | Metric Ton (tonne) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1,000 lb | 1,120 lb | 1,102.31 lb |
| 1 | 2,000 lb | 2,240 lb | 2,204.62 lb |
| 5 | 10,000 lb | 11,200 lb | 11,023.11 lb |
| 10 | 20,000 lb | 22,400 lb | 22,046.23 lb |
US vs UK vs Metric Tons
- Short ton (US): standard in the United States, especially for freight and industry.
- Long ton (UK): used historically in Britain and some Commonwealth countries. Rarely used today except in specific industries (like naval shipping).
- Metric ton (tonne): 1,000 kg, used worldwide in science, trade, and most modern applications. Official SI unit.
How Many Pounds Are in a Ton? (US, UK, and Metric)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a ton the same as a tonne?
No. A “tonne” always refers to the metric ton (1,000 kg), which equals about 2,204.62 pounds. “Ton” can mean short ton (2,000 lb) or long ton (2,240 lb), depending on region.
Q: Which ton do businesses use internationally?
International trade uses the metric ton (tonne). The US still uses short tons in domestic contexts.
Q: Why are there multiple definitions?
Different systems of measurement evolved historically: the US kept the short ton, the UK used the long ton, and most of the world standardized on the metric tonne.
Related Conversions
- Stones to pounds: 1 stone = 14 lb
- Pounds to kilograms: 1 lb = 0.453592 kg
- Kilograms to pounds: 1 kg = 2.20462 lb
