What Is Tons to Kg Conversion?

The US short ton (2000 lbs) differs from the metric ton (1000 kg). This converter helps translate American tonnage to kilograms for international shipping, industrial applications, and global trade.

When You Need This Conversion

International shipping — Cargo manifests require metric weights
Industrial materials — Ordering from international suppliers
Construction — Material specifications often in metric
Agriculture — Bulk commodities traded internationally
Logistics — Freight calculations for global routes
Mining and metals — Industry often uses both systems

The Conversion Factor

One US short ton equals exactly 907.185 kilograms. This is about 10% less than a metric ton (1000 kg).

Short Ton vs Metric Ton

Don't confuse them! A US short ton (2000 lbs) = 907 kg, while a metric ton (1000 kg) = 2205 lbs. A 10% difference can mean serious money in bulk shipping.

How to Convert Tons to Kg

Using This Converter

Enter weight in US short tons
See the kilogram equivalent instantly
Use swap to convert kg to tons
Copy the result for shipping documents

Quick Mental Math

Multiply by 907 — Accurate approximation
Multiply by 900 — Easier, slightly under
Remember: 1 ton ≈ 0.9 metric tons

Common Reference Points

1 ton = 907 kg (under a metric ton)
5 tons = 4,536 kg (about 4.5 metric tons)
10 tons = 9,072 kg (just over 9 metric tons)
20 tons = 18,144 kg (standard container limit)
100 tons = 90,718 kg

For Shipping Documents

International bills of lading, customs declarations, and freight quotes use kilograms or metric tons. Convert accurately to avoid disputes and delays.

Features & Use Cases

Instant Bidirectional Conversion

Convert US short tons to kilograms or kg to tons with one click. Essential for international logistics.

Common Use Cases

International Freight

Shipping containers, cargo manifests, and customs documents require metric weights. Convert tonnage accurately for compliance.

Bulk Commodities

Grain, coal, ore, and other bulk materials are traded internationally. Convert between US and metric ton pricing.

Construction Materials

Ordering concrete, steel, or aggregate from international suppliers? Convert weight specifications to avoid costly misunderstandings.

Vehicle Weights

Truck gross weights, axle limits, and cargo capacities may need conversion for international routes or documentation.

Industrial Manufacturing

Raw material orders, production outputs, and inventory tracking often span both measurement systems.

Reference Table

US ton values from 1 to 100 with their kilogram and metric ton equivalents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many kilograms in a US ton?

One US short ton equals 907.185 kilograms or about 0.907 metric tons.

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

A US short ton = 2000 lbs (907 kg). A metric ton = 1000 kg (2205 lbs). The metric ton is about 10% heavier.

Why are there different types of tons?

Historical differences: The US short ton (2000 lbs) and UK long ton (2240 lbs) were based on traditional measures. The metric ton (1000 kg) was created for decimal simplicity.

Which ton is used for shipping?

International shipping typically uses metric tons. US domestic freight may use short tons. Always clarify which is meant in contracts.

How do I convert tons to metric tons?

Multiply US short tons by 0.907 to get metric tons. Or convert to kg first (×907), then divide by 1000.

What's a container's weight limit in tons?

A standard 20-foot container holds about 18 metric tons (20 short tons) max payload. Always check specific container ratings.

Tons to Kilograms