ImperialSI Ratio: 1016.0469088 kg

Long Ton (Imperial Ton) (ton (UK))

An Imperial long ton equals exactly 2,240 pounds (1,016.0469 kg).

Definition & Scientific Metrology

The long ton (or British ton) is traditional in the UK and Commonwealth. It is defined as 20 hundredweight of 112 lbs each (2,240 lbs).

SI Kilogram Base Factor
1 ton (UK) = 1016.0469088 kg

Origins & Historical Evolution

Originated in medieval England based on 160 stones (160 × 14 lbs = 2,240 lbs).

1 Long Ton (Imperial Ton) in Other Mass Units

Direct standard conversion equivalents for 1 ton (UK):

Target UnitEquivalent ValueMultiplier Equation
Pounds (lbs)2,2401 ton (UK) × 2240
Kilograms (kg)1,016.0471 ton (UK) × 1016.0469
Metric Tons (t)1.0161 ton (UK) × 1.016047
US Short Tons1.121 ton (UK) × 1.12

Common Real-World Applications

  • Historical naval displacement tonnage (e.g. Washington Naval Treaty)
  • Traditional British heavy commodities
Did You Know?

Interesting Metrology Facts

💡

The long ton is only 1.6% heavier than a modern metric ton (1,016 kg vs 1,000 kg).

💡

Battleship armor and warship sizes were historically rated in Imperial Long Tons.

Measurement Standards & Accuracy

Standard Multipliers

Factors based on the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement and NIST SP 811.

Sources
  • BIPM International Metrology Treaty
  • NIST Guide for SI Units
  • ISO 80000-4 Quantities and Units — Mass
Accuracy & Policy
Standard Exact Multipliers (e.g., 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg)
Reviewed: October 2026 • About our methodology →