What's the difference between a short ton and a metric tonne?

A US short ton = 2000 lbs = 907.185 kg. A metric tonne = 1000 kg = 2204.62 lbs. So a metric tonne is about 10% heavier. If you see 'ton' in an international context, assume metric unless specified as 'short' or 'long'. Need to convert back? Try [short tons to kg](/weight/short-tons-to-kg/).

A US shipping form asks for weight in tons — which one do I use?

In the US, 'ton' almost always means short ton (2000 lbs). In international shipping, 'ton' typically means metric tonne. Check the port or buyer's preference.

How do I convert 15 short tons to kg?

15 short tons × 907.185 = 13,607.8 kg. Multiply short tons by 907.185 to get kg. Or use [kg to short tons](/weight/kg-to-short-tons/) for the reverse conversion.

Why do some industries use short tons instead of metric tonnes?

Historical inertia — the US developed its own measurement system before international trade made metric the standard. US railroads, mining, and manufacturing have used short tons for over a century and haven't switched.

Kilograms (kg) to Short Tons (US ton) Converter

Enter a value to instantly convert between weight units.

From

Precision4 dp

1 Kilogram = 0.0011 Short Ton (US)

Key Formulas

Kilogram → Pound

lb = kg × 2.20462

Pound → Kilogram

kg = lb × 0.453592

Gram → Ounce

oz = g × 0.035274

Ounce → Gram

g = oz × 28.3495

Formula

ton = kg × 0.00110231

The US short ton (sometimes just called 'ton') equals 2000 pounds or 907.185 kilograms. It's the standard weight unit for US industry — you'll encounter it in shipping manifests, freight quotes, and manufacturing specs when working with American suppliers or ports. The metric tonne (1000 kg) is about 10% heavier, so confusion between them can cause serious miscalculations in trade.

Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

A metric shipment of 1000 kg needs to be declared in US short tons for a California port — 1.102 short tons.

1000 kg = 1.102 ton

A steel mill ships 5000 kg of steel to a US buyer — the commercial invoice shows 5.512 short tons.

5000 kg = 5.512 ton

A waste disposal company calculating landfill fees measures 500 kg of debris — 0.551 short tons.

500 kg = 0.551 ton

A mining company exporting 20,000 kg of coal to the US reports as 22.046 short tons for the customs declaration.

20000 kg = 22.046 ton

kg to lbs lbs to kg grams to ounces ounces to grams kg to grams stone to kg

Kilograms (kg) to Short Tons (US ton) Converter

Key Formulas

Formula

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

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