A metric ton is 1,000 kilograms.
Metric tons to Short tons Converter — t to ton
Convert Metric ton (t) to Short ton (ton) using the exact conversion factor (1 metric ton = 1.102311311 short ton). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Metric tons to Short tons converter
Converter
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Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
A US short ton is 2,000 pounds.
Result = input x 1000 / 907.18474.
Mass uses the kilogram as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Metric tons to Short tons
Weight conversions between Metric ton and Short ton come up constantly in everyday commerce, shipping, and cooking, since US packaging is usually labeled in pounds while most of the rest of the world uses kilograms. Metric ton is most often used for international shipping and freight weight.
Formula
short tons = metric tons × 1.10231131092
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 metric ton equals 1000 base units, and 1 short ton equals 907.18474 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct metric ton-to-short ton factor of 1.10231131092.
Simple example
1 t × 1.102311311 = 1.102311311 ton
1 metric ton = 1.102311311 short tons.
Real-world example
50 t × 1.102311311 = 55.11556555 ton
50 metric tons = 55.11556555 short tons.
Conversion table
| Metric ton (t) | Short ton (ton) |
|---|---|
| 1 t | 1.102311311 ton |
| 5 t | 5.511556555 ton |
| 10 t | 11.02311311 ton |
| 25 t | 27.55778277 ton |
| 50 t | 55.11556555 ton |
| 100 t | 110.2311311 ton |
Reverse conversion: Short ton to Metric ton
1.102311311 ton × 0.90718474 = 1 t
1.102311311 short tons = 1 metric tons.
metric tons = short tons × 0.90718474
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Short ton to Metric ton.
Understanding the Metric ton
Metric ton (t) measures mass. A tonne is exactly 1,000 kilograms. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (also called metric ton).
Where it's used: Used worldwide except the US, which uses the short ton (2,000 lb)
Tonne vs. US (short) ton vs. UK (long) ton. The metric tonne (1,000 kg ≈ 2,204.6 lb) is different from both the US short ton (2,000 lb ≈ 907.2 kg) and the UK long ton (2,240 lb ≈ 1,016 kg) — all three are used in different shipping and industrial contexts and should not be assumed interchangeable.
Uses of the Metric ton today
- International shipping and freight weight
- Industrial and commodity trade (steel, grain, shipping) worldwide
- Vehicle and cargo weight ratings outside the US
History of the Metric ton
The tonne follows directly from the kilogram via the standard 'kilo-' scaling by 1,000, adopted as a convenient large-mass unit alongside the metric system's spread through international trade and industry from the 19th century onward.
Historical origin. Metric ton was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Short ton (ton)
A US short ton is 2,000 pounds.
Metric ton — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Non-SI units accepted for use with SI — Lists the tonne among accepted non-SI mass units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many short tons are in 1 metric ton?
1 metric ton equals 1.102311311 short tons, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert metric ton to short ton?
Multiply the metric ton value by 1.102311311. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert short ton back to metric ton?
Use the reverse factor: 1 short ton equals 0.90718474 metric tons. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a metric ton?
Metric ton (t) measures mass. A tonne is exactly 1,000 kilograms. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (also called metric ton).
What is a short ton?
Short ton (ton) is a unit of mass/weight.
Is the metric ton to short ton conversion exact?
Yes. A tonne is exactly 1,000 kilograms. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
What is the difference between tonne vs. us (short) ton vs. uk (long) ton?
The metric tonne (1,000 kg ≈ 2,204.6 lb) is different from both the US short ton (2,000 lb ≈ 907.2 kg) and the UK long ton (2,240 lb ≈ 1,016 kg) — all three are used in different shipping and industrial contexts and should not be assumed interchangeable.
Where is the metric ton still used today?
Used worldwide except the US, which uses the short ton (2,000 lb)