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{{short description|Unit of mass or volume with different values}}
{{Distinguish|tonnage|tonne}}
{{about|the imperial and United States customary unit of mass|the metric unit|Tonne||Ton (disambiguation)}}
{{Other uses}}
{{redirect-distinguish|A ton|Aton (disambiguation){{!}}Aton}}
The '''ton''' is a [[units of measurement|unit of measure]]. It has a long history and has acquired a number of meanings and uses over the years. It is used principally as a unit of weight, and as a unit of volume. It can be used as a measure of energy, for truck classification, or as a colloquial term.
{{Infobox unit
| name = ton
| image = One-ton weight.svg
| caption =
| standard = {{ubl|[[imperial units|British imperial]]|[[US customary units|US customary]]}}
| quantity = [[Mass]]
| symbol =
| extralabel =
| extradata =
| units1 = SI derived unit
| inunits1 = {{cvt|2240|lb|sigfig=8|disp=out}} (long ton)
| units2 = SI derived unit
| inunits2 = {{cvt|2000|lb|sigfig=7|disp=out}} (short ton)
<!--...-->
| units6 =
| inunits6 =
| units_imp1 =
| inunits_imp1 =
<!--...-->
| units_imp6 =
| inunits_imp6 =
| units_us1 =
| inunits_us1 =
<!--...-->
| units_us6 =
| inunits_us6 =
}}


'''Ton''' is any of several [[unit of measurement|units of measure]] of mass, volume or [[Ton-force|force]]. It has a long history and has acquired several meanings and uses.
It is derived from the ''[[Tun (volume)|tun]]'', the term applied to a barrel of the largest size. This could contain a volume between 210 and 256 [[gallon]]s (800 to 1000 L), which could weigh around 2,000 [[pound (mass)|pounds]] (900&nbsp;kg) and occupy some {{convert|60|cuft|m3|lk=on}} of space.<ref name=BTS.GOV>{{cite web |url=http://ntl.bts.gov/DOCS/narmain/narmain.html |title=Naval Architecture for All |publisher=United States Bureau of Transportation Statistics |accessdate=October 13, 2008}}. "Historically, a very important and standard cargo for European sailing vessels was wine, stored and shipped in casks called tuns. These tuns of wine, because of their uniform size and their universal demand, became a standard by which a ship's capacity could be measured. A tun of wine weighed approximately 2,240 pounds, and occupied nearly 60 cubic feet." ([[Thomas C. Gillmer|Gillmer, Thomas]] (1975). ''Modern Ship Design''. United States Naval Institute.) "Today the ship designers standard of weight is the long ton which is equal to 2,240 pounds."</ref>


As a [[unit of mass]], ''ton'' can mean:
In the United Kingdom the ton is defined as {{convert|2240|lb|kg|0}} ([[avoirdupois]] [[avoirdupois pound|pound]]s).<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1985/pdf/ukpga_19850072_en.pdf
* the ''[[long ton]]'', which is {{convert|2,240|lb|kg|sigfig=5|abbr=off|lk=on}}
| title = Weights and Measures Act 1985| accessdate = 2010-02-03| date = 1985-10-30| publisher = Her Majesty's Stationery Office}}</ref> From 1965 the UK embarked upon a programme of [[Metrication in the United Kingdom|metrication]] and gradually introduced metric units, including the [[tonne]] (metric ton), a non-SI metric unit defined as 1000&nbsp;kg. The UK [[Weights and Measures Act 1985]] explicitly excluded from use for trade many units and terms, including the ton and the term "metric ton" for "tonne"<ref>A Dictionary of Weights, Measures, and Units, edited by Donald Fenna, Oxford University Press</ref>
* the ''[[tonne]]'', also called the ''metric ton'', which is {{convert|1000|kg|lb|sigfig=5|abbr=off|disp=x| (about }}) or 1 [[megagram]].
* the ''[[short ton]]'', which is {{convert|2,000|lb|kg|sigfig=4|abbr=off|lk=off}}


Its original use as a [[unit of volume]] has continued in the capacity of cargo ships and in units such as the ''[[freight ton]]'' and a number of other units, ranging from {{convert|35|to|100|cuft|m3|lk=on}} in size. Recent specialized uses include the ton as a means of [[truck classification]]. It can also be used as a unit of [[energy]], or in refrigeration as a unit of [[Power (physics)|power]], sometimes called a ''[[ton of refrigeration]]''.
In the United States and formerly Canada <ref name=Canada>{{cite web|url=http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/W-6/index.html|title=Weights and Measures Act: Canadian units of measure|publisher=Department of Justice|accessdate=2011-07-06}}</ref> a ton is defined to be {{convert|2000|lb|kg|0}}.


Because the ton (of any system of measuring weight) is usually the heaviest unit named in [[colloquialism|colloquial]] speech, its name also has figurative uses, singular and plural, informally meaning a large amount or quantity, or to a great degree, as in "There's a ton of bees in this hive," "We have tons of homework," and "I love you a ton."
Where confusion is possible, the 2240&nbsp;lb ton is called "[[long ton]]" and the 2000&nbsp;lb ton "[[short ton]]"; the tonne is distinguished by its spelling, but usually pronounced the same as ton, hence the US term "metric ton". In the UK the final "e" of "tonne" can also be pronounced (/ˈtʌnɪ/),<ref name="oedtonne">The Oxford English Dictionary 2nd ed. lists both /tʌn/ and /ˈtʌnɪ/ as pronunciations of "tonne"</ref> or "metric ton" when it is necessary to make the distinction.


==History==
Where accuracy is required the correct term must be used, but for many purposes this is not necessary: the metric and long tons differ by only 1.6%, and the short ton is within 11% of both. The ton is the heaviest unit of weight referred to in colloquial speech.
The ton is derived from the ''[[Tun (volume)|tun]]'', the term applied to a cask of the largest capacity. This could contain a volume between {{convert|175|and|213|impgal|USgal l|lk=on}}, which could weigh around {{convert|2,000|lb|kg|lk=on}} and occupy some {{convert|60|cuft|m3|lk=on}} of space.<ref name=BTS.GOV>{{cite web |url=http://ntl.bts.gov/DOCS/narmain/narmain.html |title=Naval Architecture for All |publisher=United States Bureau of Transportation Statistics |access-date=October 13, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010071508/http://ntl.bts.gov/DOCS/narmain/narmain.html |archive-date=October 10, 2008 }}. "Historically, a very important and standard cargo for European sailing vessels was wine, stored and shipped in casks called tuns. These tuns of wine, because of their uniform size and their universal demand, became a standard by which a ship's capacity could be measured. A tun of wine weighed approximately 2,240 pounds, and occupied nearly 60 cubic feet." ([[Thomas C. Gillmer|Gillmer, Thomas]] (1975). ''Modern Ship Design''. United States Naval Institute.) "Today the ship designers standard of weight is the long ton which is equal to 2,240 pounds." This is the weight of 35 cubic feet of Sea Water at a specific gravity of 1.025, compared to Fresh Water, specific gravity of 1.000 usually measured at 60 degrees F. Handy numbers: 35, 36, 37, number of Cubic Feet per Salt Water, Fresh Water and Lube Oil.</ref>

The term "ton" is also used to refer to a number of units of ''[[volume]]'', ranging from {{convert|35|to|100|cuft|m3|lk=on}} in capacity.

It can also be used as a unit of ''[[energy]]'', expressed as an equivalent of coal burnt or [[Trinitrotoluene|TNT]] detonated.

In refrigeration, a ton is a unit of ''[[Power (physics)|power]]''. It is the power required to melt or freeze one short ton of ice per day. The refrigeration ton·hour is a unit of ''[[energy]]'', the energy required to melt or freeze {{frac|1|24}} short ton of ice.

In Britain, ton is used in [[slang]] in several contexts to mean "100". As a cost or a speed, a ton is widely understood to be £100 or 100&nbsp;mph.<ref>The Oxford English Dictionary 2nd ed. lists colloquial use of "ton" from 1946 for £100, and later 100 mph, and for 100 in general.</ref>


==Units of mass/weight==
==Units of mass/weight==
There are several similar units of [[mass]] or volume called the '''ton''':
There are several similar units of [[mass]] or volume called the '''ton''':


{| class="wikitable" cellpadding="0" style="text-align:center; width:100%;"
{| class="wikitable"
!Full name(s)
!Common name
!Quantity{{efn|Conversions are exact unless otherwise stated.}}
!Symbol
!width=400|Notes
|-
|-
|[[long ton]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.msc.navy.mil/msfsc/glossary.htm |title=Definitions, Tonnages and Equivalents |website=Military Sealift Fleet Support Command |access-date=2012-12-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516154654/http://www.msc.navy.mil/msfsc/glossary.htm |archive-date=2013-05-16 }}</ref>
! | Full name(s)
|"ton" (United Kingdom)
! | Common name
|{{convert|2,240|lb|kg|sigfig=11|abbr=on|lk=on}}
! | Quantity
|LT
! | Notes
|Used in Ireland and [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries that formerly used, or still use the [[Imperial unit|Imperial system]]
|-
|-
|[[short ton]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ts.nist.gov/WeightsAndMeasures/Publications/appxc.cfm |title=General Tables of Units of Measurement |orig-date=November 11, 2000 |date=April 19, 2006 |website=NIST |access-date=2013-07-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210164956/http://ts.nist.gov/weightsandmeasures/publications/appxc.cfm |archive-date=2011-12-10 }}</ref>
|[[long ton]],<ref>http://www.msc.navy.mil/msfsc/glossary.htm</ref> weight ton, gross ton
|"ton" (United States)
|"ton" (UK){{#tag:ref|In the UK "ton" (2240&nbsp;lb) and "tonne" are usually pronounced the same, /tʌn/. As they only differ by 2%, ambiguity is not necessarily a problem; where accuracy is required in speech, "long ton" or exaggerated pronunciation of "tonne" emphasising the "e", /ˈtʌnɪ/, are used.<ref name="oedtonne"/>|name=uktonne|group=lower-alpha}}
|{{convert|2240|lb|kg|sigfig=7|abbr=on|lk=on}}
|{{convert|2,000|lb|kg|sigfig=8|abbr=on}}
|tn<ref name=NIST44-C>
|Used in countries such as the United Kingdom and [[Commonwealth of Nations]] that formerly used, or still use the [[Imperial unit|Imperial system]]
{{cite web
| url = https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2023/01/30/appc-23-HB44.pdf
| title = NIST Handbook 44 Specifications: Handbook 44 – 2023 Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement
| page = C-7
| date = November 18, 2022
| access-date = May 9, 2023
| quote = 20 hundredweights = 1 ton
}}</ref> or st<ref>
{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/short-ton |title=Meaning of short ton in English |website=Cambridge Dictionary |access-date=May 26, 2023}}</ref>
|Used in the United States and in some industries in Canada
|-
|-
|[[tonne]]<ref name="si2019">{{SIbrochure9th}}</ref><br>(equivalent to one [[megagram]])
|[[short ton]],<ref>http://ts.nist.gov/WeightsAndMeasures/Publications/appxc.cfm</ref> net ton
|"tonne";<br>"metric ton"
|"ton" (US)
|1,000&nbsp;kg (about 2,204.6226&nbsp;lb)
|{{convert|2000|lb|kg|sigfig=7|abbr=on}}
|t<ref name="si2019">{{SIbrochure9th}}</ref>
|Used in the U.S., and formerly in Canada
| Defined in the [[International System of Units]]. Used worldwide.
|-
|-
|shortweight ton{{refn|The longweight and shortweight tons were used as a means of making an allowance for wastage in an industrial process. The workman is provided with a longweight ton and is expected to return a shortweight ton of processed product. These measures were particularly used in the operation of hammering iron blooms into shape.<ref>Chris Evans, Göran Rydén, ''Baltic iron in the Atlantic world in the eighteenth century'', p.257, Brill 2007 {{ISBN|90-04-16153-8}}</ref>|name=longshortweight|group=lower-alpha}}
|[[tonne]]<ref>http://www.bipm.org/utils/common/pdf/si_brochure_8_en.pdf</ref>
|"tonne";<ref name="uktonne" group="lower-alpha"/> "metric ton"
(mainly US)
|{{convert|1000|kg|lb|sigfig=7|abbr=on}}
| Defined in the [[International System of Units]].<p>In the UK, Canada, Australia, and other areas that had used the Imperial system, the tonne is the form of ton legal in trade.<p>1.6% less than the long ton.
|-
|ton shortweight{{#tag:ref|The longweight and shortweight tons were used as a means of making an allowance for wastage in an industrial process. The workman is provided with a longweight ton and is expected to return a shortweight ton of processed product. These measures were particulary used in the operation of hammering iron blooms into shape.<ref>Chris Evans, Göran Rydén, ''Baltic iron in the Atlantic world in the eighteenth century'', p.257, Brill 2007 ISBN 90-04-16153-8</ref>|name=longshortweight|group=lower-alpha}}
|
|
|2240&nbsp;lb
|2,240&nbsp;lb
|
|Used in the iron industry in the 17th and 18th centuries.
|rowspan=2|Used in the iron industry in the 17th and 18th centuries.
|-
|-
|ton longweight<ref name="longshortweight" group="lower-alpha"/>
|longweight ton<ref name="longshortweight" group="lower-alpha"/>
|
|2,400&nbsp;lb{{refn|In other industries, a different longweight ton might be used. Coal miners delivered coal to the surface in longweight tons, but were paid only for a shortweight ton. This was supposedly to allow for "dirt" (non-coal rocks) in the output. Mine owners, however, were free to set the value of the longweight ton at a value of their own choosing, and in at least some cases, it was set to {{nowrap|25 [[Centum weight|cwt]]}} ({{nowrap|2,800 lb}}) compared to the {{nowrap|20 cwt}} shortweight ton. This was a source of discontent amongst the miners who saw the practice as unfair in favour of the mine owners.<ref>"Report of the select committee on mines", ''Reports from Committees 1866'', '''vol.9''', pp.134-136, London: House of Commons, 23 July 1866</ref>|name=altlongweight|group=lower-alpha}}
|
|
|2400&nbsp;lb{{#tag:ref|In other industries, a different longweight ton might be used. Coal miners delivered coal to the surface in longweight tons but were paid only for a shortweight ton. This was supposedly to allow for "dirt" (non-coal rocks) in the output. Mine owners, however, were free to set the value of the longweight ton at a value of their own choosing, and in at least some cases, it was set to {{nowrap|25 [[Centum weight|cwt]]}} ({{nowrap|2800 lb}}) compared to the {{nowrap|20 cwt}} shortweight ton. This was a source of discontent amongst the miners who saw the practice as unfair in favour of the mine owners.<ref>"Report of the select committee on mines", ''Reports from Committees 1866'', '''vol.9''', pp.134-136, London: House of Commons, 23 July 1866</ref>|name=altlongweight|group=lower-alpha}}
|Used in the iron industry in the 17th and 18th centuries.
|}
|}


{{notelist|}}
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}


The difference between the short ton and the other common forms ("long" and "metric") is about 10%, while the metric and long tons differ by less than 2%.
===Others===


The metric tonne is usually distinguished by its spelling when written, but in the United States and United Kingdom, it is pronounced the same as ton, hence is often spoken as "metric ton" when it is necessary to make the distinction. In the United Kingdom the final "e" of "tonne" can also be pronounced ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|ʌ|n|i}}).<ref name="oedtonne">{{cite OED|tonne}}</ref> In Australia, it is pronounced {{IPAc-en|t|ɒ|n}}.
*The long ton is used for petroleum products such as [[aviation fuel]].
*'''Deadweight ton''' (abbreviation 'DWT' or 'dwt') is a measure of a ship's carrying capacity, including bunker oil, fresh water, ballast water, crew and provisions. It is expressed in tonnes (1000&nbsp;kg) or long tons (2240 pounds, about 1016&nbsp;kg). This measurement is also used in the U.S. tonnage of naval ships.
* Increasingly, [[tonne]]s are being used rather than long tons in measuring the displacement of ships. ''See'' [[tonnage]].
*'''Harbour ton''' used in South Africa in the 20th century, 2000 pounds or one short ton.


In Ireland and most members of the Commonwealth of Nations, a ton is defined as {{convert|2,240|lb|kg|5}}.{{efn|The "pound" used in this article is the [[avoirdupois pound]]. Its mass [[International yard and pound|is defined]] as exactly 0.45359237 kg }}<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1985/pdf/ukpga_19850072_en.pdf| title = Weights and Measures Act 1985| access-date = 2010-02-03| date = 1985-10-30| publisher = Her Majesty's Stationery Office| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091208083258/http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1985/pdf/ukpga_19850072_en.pdf| archive-date = 2009-12-08}}</ref>
Both the long ton and the short ton are 20 [[hundredweight]], being 112 and 100 pounds respectively. Before the twentieth century there were several definitions. Prior to the 15th century in England, the ton was 20&nbsp;hundredweight, each of 108&nbsp;lb, giving a ton of {{convert|2160|lb|kg}}.{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}} In the nineteenth century in different parts of Britain, definitions of 2240, 2352, and 2400&nbsp;lb were used, with 2000&nbsp;lb for explosives; the legal ton was usually{{sic}} 2240&nbsp;lb.<ref>Definitions of 2000, 2240, 2352, and 2400&nbsp;lb are included in citations listed in the Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed. OED cites an 1858 dictionary of trade products "the legal ton by weight is usually 20 cwt".</ref>


In the United States and Canada,<ref name=Canada>{{cite web|url=http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/W-6/page-10.html#docCont|title=Weights and Measures Act: Canadian units of measure, Schedule II (Section 4)|publisher=Department of Justice|access-date=2011-07-06|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811094412/http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/W-6/page-10.html#docCont|archive-date=2011-08-11}}</ref> a ton is defined as {{convert|2000|lb|kg|5}}.
'''Assay ton''' (abbreviation 'AT') is not a unit of measurement, but a standard quantity used in [[assay]]ing ores of precious metals; it is {{frac|29|1|6}} grams (short assay ton) or {{frac|32|2|3}} grams (long assay ton), the amount which bears the same ratio to a milligram as a short or long ton bears to a [[troy ounce]]. In other words, the number of milligrams of a particular metal found in a sample of this size gives the number of troy ounces contained in a short or long ton of ore.


===Other units of mass/weight===
In documents that predate 1960 the word ''ton'' is sometimes spelled ''tonne'', but in more recent documents ''tonne'' refers exclusively to the [[metric ton]].
*'''[[Deadweight tonnage|Deadweight ton]]''' (abbreviation 'DWT' or 'dwt') is a measure of a ship's carrying capacity, including bunker oil, fresh water, ballast water, crew, and provisions. It is expressed in tonnes ({{convert|1,000|kg|lb|0}}) or long tons ({{convert|2,240|lb|kg|0}}). This measurement is also used in the U.S. tonnage of naval ships.
* Increasingly, '''[[tonne]]s''' are being used rather than long tons in measuring the [[Displacement (ship)|displacement of ships]].
*'''Harbour ton''', used in South Africa in the 20th century, was equivalent to ({{convert|2,000|lb|kg|0}}) or 1 short ton.

{{anchor|Assay ton}}
'''Assay ton''' (abbreviation 'AT') is not a unit of measurement but a standard quantity used in [[assay]]ing ores of precious metals. A '''short assay ton''' is approximately {{convert|29.16666|g|abbr=on|adj=ri2|3}} and a '''long assay ton''' is approximately {{convert|32.66666|g|abbr=on|adj=ri2|3}}.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Fenna |first=Donald |title=A Dictionary of Weights, Measures, and Units |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2002 |isbn=9780198605225 |location=Oxford |at=assay ton}}</ref>{{citation needed|reason=though the different US/UK values are attested, the terms "short" and "long" with "assay ton" seem only to be found in Wikipedia/Wiktionary and derivative online convertors|date=August 2023}} These amounts bear the same ratio to a milligram as a short or long ton bears to a [[troy ounce]]. Therefore, the number of milligrams of a particular metal found in a sample weighing one assay ton gives the number of troy ounces of metal contained in a ton of ore.

In documents that predate 1960 the word ''ton'' is sometimes spelled ''tonne'',{{citation needed|reason=No entry for tonne in SOED|date=June 2018}} but in more recent documents ''tonne'' refers exclusively to the [[metric ton]].


In [[nuclear power plant]]s '''tHM''' and '''MTHM''' mean tonnes of [[heavy metals]], and '''MTU''' means tonnes of [[uranium]]. In the [[steel]] industry, the abbreviation '''THM''' means 'tons/tonnes hot metal', which refers to the amount of liquid iron or steel that is produced, particularly in the context of [[blast furnace]] production or specific consumption.
In [[nuclear power plant]]s '''tHM''' and '''MTHM''' mean tonnes of [[heavy metals]], and '''MTU''' means tonnes of [[uranium]]. In the [[steel]] industry, the abbreviation '''THM''' means 'tons/tonnes hot metal', which refers to the amount of liquid iron or steel that is produced, particularly in the context of [[blast furnace]] production or specific consumption.


A '''dry ton''' or '''dry tonne''' has the same mass value, but the material ([[sludge]], slurries, [[compost]], and similar mixtures in which solid material is soaked with or suspended in [[water]]) has been dried to a relatively low, consistent [[moisture]] level ([[dry weight]]). If the material is in its natural, wet state, it is called a '''wet ton''' or '''wet tonne'''.
{{vanchor|Dry ton|Dry tonne|Wet ton|Wet tonne|text=A '''dry ton''' or '''dry tonne''' has the same mass value, but the material ([[sludge]], slurries, [[compost]], and similar mixtures in which solid material is soaked with or suspended in [[water]]) has been dried to a relatively low, consistent [[moisture]] level ([[dry weight]]). If the material is in its natural, wet state, it is called a '''wet ton''' or '''wet tonne'''.}}

===Subdivisions===
Both the UK definition of long ton and US definition of short ton have similar underlying bases. Each is equivalent to 20 hundredweight; however, they are [[long hundredweight|long]] {{convert|112|lb|kg|order=flip}} or [[short hundredweight]] {{convert|100|lb|kg|order=flip}}, respectively.

Before the 20th century there were several definitions. Prior to the 15th century in England, the ton was 20&nbsp;hundredweight, each of 108&nbsp;lb, giving a ton of {{convert|2160|lb|kg}}.{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}} In the 19th century in different parts of Britain, definitions of 2,240, or 2,352, or 2,400&nbsp;lb were used, with 2,000&nbsp;lb for explosives; the legal ton was usually 2,240&nbsp;lb.<ref>Definitions of 2,000, 2,240, 2,352, and 2,400 lb are included in citations listed in the Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed. OED cites an 1858 dictionary of trade products "the legal ton by weight is usually 20 cwt".</ref>

In the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other areas that had used the imperial system, the tonne is the form of ton legal in trade.


==Units of volume==
==Units of volume==
{{See also|Tonnage}}
{{See also|Tonnage}}
The [[Displacement (ship)|displacement]], essentially the weight, of a ship is traditionally expressed in [[long ton]]s. To simplify measurement it is determined by measuring the [[volume]], rather than weight, of water displaced, and calculating the weight from the volume and density.<ref>[http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=vylCkqTg7H0C&pg=PA249&dq=displacement+ton&hl=en&ei=MoFITLEmhZ7hBobZ5ekM&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=displacement%20ton&f=false Displacement ton] Dictionary of international trade retrieved 22July2010</ref>
The [[Displacement (ship)|displacement]], essentially the weight, of a ship is traditionally expressed in [[long ton]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|last=DesVergers|first=Jake|title=Rules of the Road: Tricky tonnage measurement not about weight|url=https://www.the-triton.com/2017/10/rules-of-the-road-tricky-tonnage-measurement-not-about-weight/|access-date=2021-04-23|website=The Triton|language=en-US}}</ref> To simplify measurement it is determined by measuring the [[volume]], rather than weight, of water displaced, and calculating the weight from the volume and density.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=vylCkqTg7H0C&pg=PA249 Displacement ton] Dictionary of international trade retrieved 22July2010</ref>
For practical purposes the '''displacement ton''' (DT) is a unit of volume, {{convert|35|cuft|sigfig=4}}, the approximate volume occupied by one ton of [[seawater]] (the actual volume varies with salinity and temperature).<ref>[http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?entry=t135.e351&srn=1&ssid=351170645#FIRSTHIT A Dictionary of Weights, Measures, and Units, Donald Fenna, 2002, ISBN 0-19-860522-6]</ref> It is slightly less than the 224 imperial gallons (1.018&nbsp;m<sup>3</sup>) of the '''water ton''' (based on [[distilled water]]).
For practical purposes the '''displacement ton''' (DT) is a unit of volume, {{convert|35|cuft|sigfig=4}}, the approximate volume occupied by one ton of [[seawater]] (the actual volume varies with salinity and temperature).<ref>[http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?entry=t135.e351&srn=1&ssid=351170645#FIRSTHIT A Dictionary of Weights, Measures, and Units, Donald Fenna, 2002] {{ISBN|0-19-860522-6}}</ref> It is slightly less than the 224 imperial gallons (1.018&nbsp;m<sup>3</sup>) of the '''water ton''' (based on [[distilled water]]).


One '''measurement ton''' or '''freight ton''' is equal to {{convert|40|cuft|sigfig=4}}, but historically it has had several informal definitions. It is sometimes abbreviated as "MTON".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msc.navy.mil/annualreport/2003/financial.htm |title=MSC 2003 in Review - Financial and Statistical Review |publisher=Msc.navy.mil |date=2003-09-30 |accessdate=2010-07-31}}</ref><ref>[http://www.sddc.army.mil/EXTRACONTENT/billingrates/FY09%20Liner%20Breakbulk%20Definitions.doc Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command], 2009
One '''[[Shipping ton|measurement ton]]''' or '''freight ton''' is equal to {{convert|40|cuft|sigfig=4}}, but historically it has had several different definitions. It is used to determine the amount of money to be charged in loading, unloading, or carrying different sorts of cargo. In general if a cargo is heavier than salt water, the actual weight is used. If it is lighter than salt water, e.g. feathers, freight is calculated in measurement tons of 40 cubic feet.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.msc.navy.mil/annualreport/2003/financial.htm |title=MSC 2003 in Review - Financial and Statistical Review |publisher=Msc.navy.mil |date=2003-09-30 |access-date=2010-07-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722195701/http://www.msc.navy.mil/annualreport/2003/financial.htm |archive-date=2011-07-22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.ustranscom.mil/dbw/docs/FY18_Liner_Breakbulk_and_Container_Rates_and_Guidance.pdf|publisher = Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command|title = Liner Ocean Transportation Program Stabilized Breakbulk/Dry Cargo and Container Billing Rates|date = 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://bulk.resource.org/courts.gov/c/F2/182/182.F2d.916.235.21638.html |title=182 F.2d 916 |publisher=Bulk.resource.org |access-date=2010-07-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727214911/http://bulk.resource.org/courts.gov/c/F2/182/182.F2d.916.235.21638.html |archive-date=2011-07-27 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stocktonport.com/TERMINAL%20TARIFF/POS%20DEFINITIONS%20GENERAL%20RULES%20AND%20REGULATIONS%20ttariffI.htm |title=Pos Ttariff General Definitions |publisher=Stocktonport.com |access-date=2010-07-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716144906/http://www.stocktonport.com/TERMINAL%20TARIFF/POS%20DEFINITIONS%20GENERAL%20RULES%20AND%20REGULATIONS%20ttariffI.htm |archive-date= 2011-07-16 }}</ref>
</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bulk.resource.org/courts.gov/c/F2/182/182.F2d.916.235.21638.html |title=182 F.2d 916 |publisher=Bulk.resource.org |date= |accessdate=2010-07-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stocktonport.com/TERMINAL%20TARIFF/POS%20DEFINITIONS%20GENERAL%20RULES%20AND%20REGULATIONS%20ttariffI.htm |title=Pos Ttariff General Definitions |publisher=Stocktonport.com |date= |accessdate=2010-07-31}}</ref> The freight ton represents the volume of a truck, train or other freight carrier. In the past it has been used for a cargo ship but the register ton is now preferred. It is correctly abbreviated as "FT"{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}} but some users are now using freight ton to represent a weight of {{convert|1|t|kg lb|0|lk=in}}, thus the more common abbreviations are now '''M/T''', '''MT''', or '''MTON''' (for measurement ton), which still cause it to be confused with the tonne, or even the [[megatonne]].


'''[[Gross tonnage]]''' and '''[[net tonnage]]''' are volumetric measures of the cargo-carrying capacity of a ship.
The '''register ton''' is a unit of volume used for the cargo capacity of a ship, defined as {{convert|100|cuft|m3|sigfig=4}}. It is often abbreviated '''RT''' or '''GRT''' for '''gross registered ton''' (The former providing confusion with the refrigeration ton). It is known as a ''tonneau de mer'' in Belgium, but, in France, a ''tonneau de mer'' is {{convert|1.44|m3|cuft|sigfig=4}}.


The '''Panama Canal/Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS)''' is based on [[net tonnage]], modified for Panama Canal billing purposes. PC/UMS is based on a mathematical formula to calculate a vessel's total volume; a '''PC/UMS net ton''' is equivalent to 100 cubic feet of capacity.<ref>[http://www.pancanal.com/eng/general/peajes-en-el-canal.html ''Panama Canal Tolls''], [[Panama Canal Authority]]. Retrieved 10 May 2006.</ref>
The '''Panama Canal/Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS)''' is based on [[net tonnage]], modified for Panama Canal billing purposes. PC/UMS is based on a mathematical formula to calculate a vessel's total volume; a '''PC/UMS net ton''' is equivalent to 100 cubic feet of capacity.<ref>[http://www.pancanal.com/eng/general/peajes-en-el-canal.html ''Panama Canal Tolls''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916113752/http://www.pancanal.com/eng/general/peajes-en-el-canal.html |date=2008-09-16 }}, [[Panama Canal Authority]]. Retrieved 10 May 2006.</ref>


The '''water ton''' is used chiefly in Great Britain, in statistics dealing with petroleum products, and is defined as {{convert|224|impgal|cuft m3|sigfig=4}},<ref>[http://www.nist.gov/pml/wmd/pubs/upload/AppB-12-hb44-final.docx NIST: Units and Systems of Measurement Their Origin, Development, and Present Status]</ref> the volume occupied by {{convert|1|long ton|lb kg|0}} of water under the conditions that define the [[imperial units|imperial]] [[gallon]].
The '''water ton''' is used chiefly in Great Britain, in statistics dealing with petroleum products, and is defined as {{convert|224|impgal|cuft m3|sigfig=4}},<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nist.gov/pml/wmd/pubs/upload/AppB-12-hb44-final.docx|title=NIST: Units and Systems of Measurement Their Origin, Development, and Present Status|website=nist.gov|access-date=1 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616205300/http://www.nist.gov/pml/wmd/pubs/upload/AppB-12-hb44-final.docx|archive-date=16 June 2016}}</ref> the volume occupied by {{convert|1|long ton|lb kg|0}} of water under the conditions that define the [[imperial units|imperial]] [[gallon]].


==Units of energy and power==
==Units of energy and power==
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*A '''ton of TNT''' or ''tonne of TNT'' is a unit of energy equal to 10<sup>9</sup> (thermochemical) [[calorie]]s, also known as a gigacalorie (Gcal), equal to 4.184 [[gigajoule]]s (GJ).
*A '''ton of TNT''' or ''tonne of TNT'' is a unit of energy equal to 10<sup>9</sup> (thermochemical) [[calorie]]s, also known as a gigacalorie (Gcal), equal to 4.184 [[gigajoule]]s (GJ).
*A '''kiloton of TNT''' or ''kilotonne of TNT'' is a unit of energy equal to 10<sup>12</sup> calories, also known as a teracalorie (Tcal), equal to 4.184 terajoules (TJ).
*A '''kiloton of TNT''' or ''kilotonne of TNT'' is a unit of energy equal to 10<sup>12</sup> calories, also known as a teracalorie (Tcal), equal to 4.184 terajoules (TJ).
*A '''megaton of TNT''' (1,000,000 metric tonnes) or ''megatonne of TNT'' is a unit of energy equal to 10<sup>15</sup> calories, also known (infrequently) as a petacalorie (Pcal), equal to 4.184 petajoules (PJ).
*A '''megaton of TNT''' (1,000,000 tonnes) or ''megatonne of TNT'' is a unit of energy equal to 10<sup>15</sup> calories, also known (infrequently) as a petacalorie (Pcal), equal to 4.184 petajoules (PJ).


Note that these are small calories (cal). The dietary calorie (Cal) is distinct and equal to one kilocalorie (Kcal), and is gradually being replaced by the latter correct term.
These are small calories (cal). The large or dietary calorie (Cal) is equal to one kilocalorie (kcal), and is gradually being replaced by the latter correct term.


Early values for the explosive energy released by [[trinitrotoluene]] (TNT) ranged from 900 to 1100 calories per gram. In order to standardise the use of the term ''TNT'' as a unit of energy, an arbitrary value was assigned based on 1000 calories ({{convert|1|kcal|3|abbr=on|disp=or|lk=out}}) per gram. Thus there is no longer a direct connection to the chemical TNT itself. It is now merely a unit of energy that happens to be expressed using words normally associated with mass (e.g., kilogram, tonne, pound).<ref>[http://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC42/Documents/gc42inf3.pdf GC(42)/INF/3 - Measures to Strengthen Co-operation in Nuclear, Radiation and Waste Safety<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Magazines/Bulletin/Bull404/article1.pdf Radioactive residues of the Cold War period]</ref> The definition applies for both spellings: ''ton of TNT'' and ''tonne of TNT''.
Early values for the explosive energy released by [[trinitrotoluene]] (TNT) ranged from 900 to 1100 calories per gram. In order to standardise the use of the term ''TNT'' as a unit of energy, an arbitrary value was assigned based on 1,000 calories ({{convert|1|kcal|3|abbr=on|disp=or|lk=out}}) per gram. Thus there is no longer a direct connection to the chemical TNT itself. It is now merely a unit of energy that happens to be expressed using words normally associated with mass (e.g., kilogram, tonne, pound).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC42/Documents/gc42inf3.pdf|title=GC(42)/INF/3 - Measures to Strengthen Co-operation in Nuclear, Radiation and Waste Safety|website=iaea.org|access-date=1 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711061722/https://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC42/Documents/gc42inf3.pdf|archive-date=11 July 2017}}</ref><ref>[http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Magazines/Bulletin/Bull404/article1.pdf Radioactive residues of the Cold War period] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051016232934/http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Magazines/Bulletin/Bull404/article1.pdf |date=2005-10-16 }}</ref> The definition applies for both spellings: ''ton of TNT'' and ''tonne of TNT''.


Measurements in tons of TNT have been used primarily to express [[nuclear weapon yield]]s, though they have also been used since in [[seismology]] as well.
Measurements in tons of TNT have been used primarily to express [[nuclear weapon yield]]s, though they have also been used since in [[seismology]] as well.


===Ton of oil equivalent===
==={{anchor|Ton#Ton of oil equivalent}} Tonne of oil equivalent===
A [[ton of oil equivalent]] (TOE) is a conventional value, based on the amount of energy released by burning one tonne of crude oil, of 41.868 GJ, 11.63 MWh, 1.28 TCE, 39.68 million BTU, or 6.6 - 8.0 actual barrels of oil (depending on actual specific gravity).<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=5NdfzLfs5mIC&pg=PA20 José Goldemberg and Oswaldo Lucon. 2010. London: Earthscan. pp20]</ref>
A [[tonne of oil equivalent]] (toe), sometimes ''ton of oil equivalent'', is a conventional value, based on the amount of energy released by burning one tonne of crude oil. The unit is used, for example, by the International Energy Agency (IEA), for the reported [[world energy consumption]] as [[TPES]] in millions of toe (Mtoe).<ref name="IEA-Report-keyworld-2014">
{{cite web
|url = http://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/KeyWorld2014.pdf
|title = 2014 Key World Energy Statistics
|publisher = IEA
|website = iea.org/publications/freepublications/
|page = 6
|date = 2014
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150405035039/http://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/keyworld2014.pdf
|archive-date = 5 April 2015
|url-status = live
}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
===Ton of coal equivalent===
|+Unit conversion factors for ''toe''
A [[ton of coal equivalent]] or ''tonne of coal equivalent'' (TCE) is a conventional value of 7&nbsp;Gcal (IT) = 29.3076&nbsp;GJ.
|-
! width=70 | toe !! width=70 | [[megawatt-hour|MWh]] !! width=70 | [[gigajoule|GJ]] !! width=70 | [[gigacalorie|Gcal]] !! [[British thermal unit|million Btu]] !! [[tonne of coal equivalent|tce]]
|-
| style="background-color: #f2f2f2;"| '''1''' || 11.63 || 41.868 || 10 || 39.6832072 || 1.42857143
|-
! colspan=6 style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 0.85em; text-align: left; padding: 6px 2px 4px 4px;" | ''Source'': conversion factors as used by the [[International Energy Agency|IEA]]<ref name="IEA-unitconverter">{{cite web |url=http://www.iea.org/statistics/resources/unitconverter/ |title=IEA – Unit Converter |publisher=International Energy Agency |access-date=5 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502095439/http://www.iea.org/statistics/resources/unitconverter/ |archive-date=2 May 2015 }}</ref>
|}

Other sources convert 1 toe into 1.28 [[tonne of coal equivalent]] (tce).<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5NdfzLfs5mIC&pg=PA20|title=Energy, Environment and Development|first1=José|last1=Goldemberg|first2=Oswaldo|last2=Lucon |date=1 May 2018|publisher=Earthscan|isbn=9781844077489|access-date=1 May 2018|via=Google Books}}</ref> 1 toe is also standardized as 7.33 [[barrel of oil equivalent]] (boe).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.opec.org/library/Annual%20Statistical%20Bulletin/interactive/current/FileZ/cfpage.htm |title=Conversion factors |work =OPEC Annual Statistical Bulletin 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161011063020/http://www.opec.org/library/Annual%20Statistical%20Bulletin/interactive/current/FileZ/cfpage.htm |archive-date=2016-10-11 }}</ref>

==={{anchor|Tonne of coal equivalent}} Tonne of coal equivalent===
A '''tonne of coal equivalent''' ('''tce'''), sometimes ''ton of coal equivalent'', is a conventional value, based on the amount of energy released by burning one tonne of coal. Plural name is ''tonnes of coal equivalent''.
* Per the [[World Coal Association]]: 1 tonne of coal equivalent (tce) corresponds to 0.697 [[tonne of oil equivalent]] (toe)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldcoal.org/resources/coal-statistics/coal-conversion-statistics/ |title=Coal Conversion Statistics |publisher=World Coal Association |access-date=5 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516125830/http://www.worldcoal.org/resources/coal-statistics/coal-conversion-statistics/ |archive-date=16 May 2015 }}</ref>
* Per the [[International Energy Agency]] 1 tonne of coal equivalent (tce) corresponds to 0.700 [[tonne of oil equivalent]] (toe)<ref name="IEA-unitconverter"/>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+Unit conversion factors for ''tce''
|-
! width=70 | tce !! width=70 | [[megawatt-hour|MWh]] !! width=70 | [[gigajoule|GJ]] !! width=70 | [[gigacalorie|Gcal]] !! width=90 | [[British thermal unit|million Btu]] !! width=70 | [[tonne of oil equivalent|toe]]
|-
| style="background-color: #f2f2f2;"| '''1''' || 8.141 || 29.3076 || 7 || 27.778245 || 0.7
|-
! colspan=6 style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 0.85em; text-align: left; padding: 6px 2px 4px 4px;" | ''Source'': conversion factors as used by the [[International Energy Agency|IEA]]<ref name="IEA-unitconverter"/>
|}


=== Refrigeration ===
=== Refrigeration ===
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The unit ''ton'' is used in [[refrigeration]] and [[Refrigeration ton|air conditioning]] to measure the rate of heat absorption. Prior to the introduction of mechanical refrigeration, cooling was accomplished by delivering ice. Installing one [[ton of refrigeration|ton of mechanical refrigeration]] capacity replaced the daily delivery of one ton of ice.
The unit ''ton'' is used in [[refrigeration]] and [[Refrigeration ton|air conditioning]] to measure the rate of heat absorption. Prior to the introduction of mechanical refrigeration, cooling was accomplished by delivering ice. Installing one [[ton of refrigeration|ton of mechanical refrigeration]] capacity replaced the daily delivery of one ton of ice.


* In North America, a '''standard ton of refrigeration''' is {{convert|12000|BTU/h|W|0|abbr=on|lk=on}}. "The [[heat absorption]] per day is approximately the [[heat of fusion]] of 1&nbsp;''ton'' of ice at {{convert|32|°F}}."<ref>Marks' Standard handbook for Mechanical Engineers, 8th Ed., McGraw Hill, p. 19–3</ref> This is approximately the power required to melt one short ton ({{convert|2000|lb|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}) of ice at {{convert|0|C|0|abbr=on}} in 24&nbsp;hours, thus representing the delivery of {{convert|1|ST|LT t|3}} of ice per day.
* In North America, a '''standard ton of refrigeration''' is {{convert|12,000|BTU/h|W|0|abbr=on|lk=on}}. "The [[heat absorption]] per day is approximately the [[heat of fusion]] of 1&nbsp;''ton'' of ice at {{convert|32|°F}}."<ref>Marks' Standard handbook for Mechanical Engineers, 8th Ed., McGraw Hill, p. 19–3</ref> This is approximately the power required to melt one short ton ({{convert|2,000|lb|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}) of ice at {{convert|0|C|0|abbr=on}} in 24&nbsp;hours, thus representing the delivery of {{convert|1|ST|LT t|3}} of ice per day.
* A less common usage is the power required to cool 1 long ton ({{convert|2240|lb|0|abbr=on|disp=or}} = {{convert|1|LT|ST t|3|abbr=on|disp=or}}) of water by {{convert|1|F-change}} every 10 minutes = {{convert|13,440|BTU/h|W|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web | title =ton (of refrigeration) | url=http://www.sizes.com/units/ton.htm | work = [http://www.sizes.com/ Sizes.com] | accessdate = 2006-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title =Measurements and Units| url=http://www.numericana.com/answer/units.htm#othertons | author=Gérard P. Michon | accessdate = 2006-09-01}}</ref>
* A less common usage is the power required to cool 1 long ton ({{convert|2240|lb|0|abbr=on|disp=or}} = {{convert|1|LT|ST t|3|abbr=on|disp=or}}) of water by {{convert|1|F-change}} every 10 minutes = {{convert|13,440|BTU/h|W|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web | title =ton (of refrigeration) | url =http://www.sizes.com/units/ton.htm | work =[http://www.sizes.com/ Sizes.com] | access-date =2006-09-01 | url-status =live | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20061020203121/http://www.sizes.com/units/ton.htm | archive-date =2006-10-20 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Measurements and Units | url=http://www.numericana.com/answer/units.htm#othertons | author=Gérard P. Michon | access-date=2006-09-01 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328085946/http://www.numericana.com/answer/units.htm#othertons | archive-date=2010-03-28 }}</ref>

A refrigeration ton should be regarded as power produced by a chiller when operating in standard [[Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute|AHRI]] conditions, which are typically {{convert|44|°F}} for chilled water unit, and {{convert|95|°F}} air entering the condenser. This is commonly referred to as "true ton". Manufacturers can also provide tables for chillers operating at other chilled water temperature conditions (as {{convert|65|°F|1|disp=or}}) which can show more favorable data, which are not valid when making performance comparisons among units unless conversion rates are applied.{{citation needed|date=January 2011}}


The refrigeration ton is commonly abbreviated as '''RT'''.
The refrigeration ton is commonly abbreviated as '''RT'''.


==Informal tons==
==Colloquial English==
*'''Ton''' is also used informally, often as [[slang]], to mean a large amount of something, material or not. For example, "I have a ton of homework to do this weekend."
*'''Ton''' is also used informally, often as [[slang]], to mean a large amount of something.<ref>Merriam-Webster's English Dictionary defines ton as: "a great quantity". [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ton]</ref>
*In [[United Kingdom|Britain]], a ton is colloquially used to refer to 100 of a given unit. Ton can thus refer to a speed of 100 miles per hour, and is prefixed by an indefinite article, e.g. "Lee was doing a ton down the motorway"; to money e.g. "How much did you pay for that?" "A ton" (£100); to 100 points in a game e.g. "Eric just threw a ton in our darts game" (in some games, e.g. [[cricket]], more commonly called a century); or to a hundred of pretty much anything else.<ref>Colin R. Chapman, ''Weights, Money and Other Measures Used by our Ancestors'', p.93, Genealogical Publishing Com, 1996 ISBN 0-8063-1501-6.</ref><ref>John MacRae-Hall, ''A Deniable Asset'', p.85, iUniverse, 2011 ISBN 1-4502-8078-1.</ref>
*In [[United Kingdom|Britain]], a ton is colloquially used to refer to 100 of a given unit. Ton can thus refer to a speed of 100 miles per hour, and is prefixed by an indefinite article, e.g. "Lee was doing a ton down the motorway"; to money e.g. "How much did you pay for that?" "A ton" (£100); to 100 points in a game e.g. "Eric just threw a ton in our darts game" (in some games, e.g. [[cricket]], more commonly called a century); or to a hundred of any other countable figure.<ref>Colin R. Chapman, ''Weights, Money and Other Measures Used by our Ancestors'', p.93, Genealogical Publishing Com, 1996 {{ISBN|0-8063-1501-6}}.</ref><ref>{{cite book|first = John|last = MacRae-Hall |title =A Deniable Asset|page = 85|publisher = iUniverse|date = 2011|isbn= 9781450280808|url =https://books.google.com/books?id=_MaEhEXt2W8C&pg=PA85}}</ref><ref>The Oxford English Dictionary 2nd ed. lists colloquial use of "ton" from 1946 for £100, and later 100 mph, and for 100 in general.</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Wiktionary|ton}}
{{Wiktionary|ton}}
{{colbegin|2}}
{{Div col}}
*[[Conversion of units]]
*[[Conversion of units]]
*[[Systems of measurement]]
*[[Systems of measurement]]
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==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Notelist}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Imperial units}}
{{United States Customary Units}}


[[Category:Units of mass]]
[[Category:Units of mass]]
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[[Category:Imperial units]]
[[Category:Imperial units]]


[[de:Tonne (Einheit)]] <!-- Cannot be connected through Wikidata since the German article already links to [[Tonne]]. -->
[[fa:تن (یکای جرم)]]
[[no:Megagram]]
[[no:Megagram]]
[[nn:Megagram]]
[[nn:Megagram]]

Latest revision as of 01:10, 11 November 2024

ton
General information
Unit system
Unit ofMass
Conversions
in ...... is equal to ...
   SI derived unit   1,016.0469 kg (long ton)
   SI derived unit   907.1847 kg (short ton)

Ton is any of several units of measure of mass, volume or force. It has a long history and has acquired several meanings and uses.

As a unit of mass, ton can mean:

Its original use as a unit of volume has continued in the capacity of cargo ships and in units such as the freight ton and a number of other units, ranging from 35 to 100 cubic feet (0.99 to 2.83 m3) in size. Recent specialized uses include the ton as a means of truck classification. It can also be used as a unit of energy, or in refrigeration as a unit of power, sometimes called a ton of refrigeration.

Because the ton (of any system of measuring weight) is usually the heaviest unit named in colloquial speech, its name also has figurative uses, singular and plural, informally meaning a large amount or quantity, or to a great degree, as in "There's a ton of bees in this hive," "We have tons of homework," and "I love you a ton."

History

[edit]

The ton is derived from the tun, the term applied to a cask of the largest capacity. This could contain a volume between 175 and 213 imperial gallons (210 and 256 US gal; 800 and 970 L), which could weigh around 2,000 pounds (910 kg) and occupy some 60 cubic feet (1.7 m3) of space.[1]

Units of mass/weight

[edit]

There are several similar units of mass or volume called the ton:

Full name(s) Common name Quantity[a] Symbol Notes
long ton[2] "ton" (United Kingdom) 2,240 lb (1,016.0469088 kg) LT Used in Ireland and Commonwealth countries that formerly used, or still use the Imperial system
short ton[3] "ton" (United States) 2,000 lb (907.18474 kg) tn[4] or st[5] Used in the United States and in some industries in Canada
tonne[6]
(equivalent to one megagram)
"tonne";
"metric ton"
1,000 kg (about 2,204.6226 lb) t[6] Defined in the International System of Units. Used worldwide.
shortweight ton[b] 2,240 lb Used in the iron industry in the 17th and 18th centuries.
longweight ton[b] 2,400 lb[c]
  1. ^ Conversions are exact unless otherwise stated.
  2. ^ a b The longweight and shortweight tons were used as a means of making an allowance for wastage in an industrial process. The workman is provided with a longweight ton and is expected to return a shortweight ton of processed product. These measures were particularly used in the operation of hammering iron blooms into shape.[7]
  3. ^ In other industries, a different longweight ton might be used. Coal miners delivered coal to the surface in longweight tons, but were paid only for a shortweight ton. This was supposedly to allow for "dirt" (non-coal rocks) in the output. Mine owners, however, were free to set the value of the longweight ton at a value of their own choosing, and in at least some cases, it was set to 25 cwt (2,800 lb) compared to the 20 cwt shortweight ton. This was a source of discontent amongst the miners who saw the practice as unfair in favour of the mine owners.[8]

The difference between the short ton and the other common forms ("long" and "metric") is about 10%, while the metric and long tons differ by less than 2%.

The metric tonne is usually distinguished by its spelling when written, but in the United States and United Kingdom, it is pronounced the same as ton, hence is often spoken as "metric ton" when it is necessary to make the distinction. In the United Kingdom the final "e" of "tonne" can also be pronounced (/ˈtʌni/).[9] In Australia, it is pronounced /tɒn/.

In Ireland and most members of the Commonwealth of Nations, a ton is defined as 2,240 pounds (1,016.04691 kg).[a][10]

In the United States and Canada,[11] a ton is defined as 2,000 pounds (907.18474 kg).

Other units of mass/weight

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  • Deadweight ton (abbreviation 'DWT' or 'dwt') is a measure of a ship's carrying capacity, including bunker oil, fresh water, ballast water, crew, and provisions. It is expressed in tonnes (1,000 kilograms (2,205 lb)) or long tons (2,240 pounds (1,016 kg)). This measurement is also used in the U.S. tonnage of naval ships.
  • Increasingly, tonnes are being used rather than long tons in measuring the displacement of ships.
  • Harbour ton, used in South Africa in the 20th century, was equivalent to (2,000 pounds (907 kg)) or 1 short ton.

Assay ton (abbreviation 'AT') is not a unit of measurement but a standard quantity used in assaying ores of precious metals. A short assay ton is approximately 29.17 g (1.029 oz) and a long assay ton is approximately 32.67 g (1.152 oz).[12][citation needed] These amounts bear the same ratio to a milligram as a short or long ton bears to a troy ounce. Therefore, the number of milligrams of a particular metal found in a sample weighing one assay ton gives the number of troy ounces of metal contained in a ton of ore.

In documents that predate 1960 the word ton is sometimes spelled tonne,[citation needed] but in more recent documents tonne refers exclusively to the metric ton.

In nuclear power plants tHM and MTHM mean tonnes of heavy metals, and MTU means tonnes of uranium. In the steel industry, the abbreviation THM means 'tons/tonnes hot metal', which refers to the amount of liquid iron or steel that is produced, particularly in the context of blast furnace production or specific consumption.

A dry ton or dry tonne has the same mass value, but the material (sludge, slurries, compost, and similar mixtures in which solid material is soaked with or suspended in water) has been dried to a relatively low, consistent moisture level (dry weight). If the material is in its natural, wet state, it is called a wet ton or wet tonne.

Subdivisions

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Both the UK definition of long ton and US definition of short ton have similar underlying bases. Each is equivalent to 20 hundredweight; however, they are long 51 kilograms (112 lb) or short hundredweight 45 kilograms (100 lb), respectively.

Before the 20th century there were several definitions. Prior to the 15th century in England, the ton was 20 hundredweight, each of 108 lb, giving a ton of 2,160 pounds (980 kg).[citation needed] In the 19th century in different parts of Britain, definitions of 2,240, or 2,352, or 2,400 lb were used, with 2,000 lb for explosives; the legal ton was usually 2,240 lb.[13]

In the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other areas that had used the imperial system, the tonne is the form of ton legal in trade.

Units of volume

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The displacement, essentially the weight, of a ship is traditionally expressed in long tons.[14] To simplify measurement it is determined by measuring the volume, rather than weight, of water displaced, and calculating the weight from the volume and density.[15] For practical purposes the displacement ton (DT) is a unit of volume, 35 cubic feet (0.9911 m3), the approximate volume occupied by one ton of seawater (the actual volume varies with salinity and temperature).[16] It is slightly less than the 224 imperial gallons (1.018 m3) of the water ton (based on distilled water).

One measurement ton or freight ton is equal to 40 cubic feet (1.133 m3), but historically it has had several different definitions. It is used to determine the amount of money to be charged in loading, unloading, or carrying different sorts of cargo. In general if a cargo is heavier than salt water, the actual weight is used. If it is lighter than salt water, e.g. feathers, freight is calculated in measurement tons of 40 cubic feet.[17][18][19][20]

Gross tonnage and net tonnage are volumetric measures of the cargo-carrying capacity of a ship.

The Panama Canal/Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) is based on net tonnage, modified for Panama Canal billing purposes. PC/UMS is based on a mathematical formula to calculate a vessel's total volume; a PC/UMS net ton is equivalent to 100 cubic feet of capacity.[21]

The water ton is used chiefly in Great Britain, in statistics dealing with petroleum products, and is defined as 224 imperial gallons (35.96 cu ft; 1.018 m3),[22] the volume occupied by 1 long ton (2,240 lb; 1,016 kg) of water under the conditions that define the imperial gallon.

Units of energy and power

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Ton of TNT

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  • A ton of TNT or tonne of TNT is a unit of energy equal to 109 (thermochemical) calories, also known as a gigacalorie (Gcal), equal to 4.184 gigajoules (GJ).
  • A kiloton of TNT or kilotonne of TNT is a unit of energy equal to 1012 calories, also known as a teracalorie (Tcal), equal to 4.184 terajoules (TJ).
  • A megaton of TNT (1,000,000 tonnes) or megatonne of TNT is a unit of energy equal to 1015 calories, also known (infrequently) as a petacalorie (Pcal), equal to 4.184 petajoules (PJ).

These are small calories (cal). The large or dietary calorie (Cal) is equal to one kilocalorie (kcal), and is gradually being replaced by the latter correct term.

Early values for the explosive energy released by trinitrotoluene (TNT) ranged from 900 to 1100 calories per gram. In order to standardise the use of the term TNT as a unit of energy, an arbitrary value was assigned based on 1,000 calories (1 kcal or 4.184 kJ) per gram. Thus there is no longer a direct connection to the chemical TNT itself. It is now merely a unit of energy that happens to be expressed using words normally associated with mass (e.g., kilogram, tonne, pound).[23][24] The definition applies for both spellings: ton of TNT and tonne of TNT.

Measurements in tons of TNT have been used primarily to express nuclear weapon yields, though they have also been used since in seismology as well.

Tonne of oil equivalent

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A tonne of oil equivalent (toe), sometimes ton of oil equivalent, is a conventional value, based on the amount of energy released by burning one tonne of crude oil. The unit is used, for example, by the International Energy Agency (IEA), for the reported world energy consumption as TPES in millions of toe (Mtoe).[25]

Unit conversion factors for toe
toe MWh GJ Gcal million Btu tce
1 11.63 41.868 10 39.6832072 1.42857143
Source: conversion factors as used by the IEA[26]

Other sources convert 1 toe into 1.28 tonne of coal equivalent (tce).[27] 1 toe is also standardized as 7.33 barrel of oil equivalent (boe).[28]

Tonne of coal equivalent

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A tonne of coal equivalent (tce), sometimes ton of coal equivalent, is a conventional value, based on the amount of energy released by burning one tonne of coal. Plural name is tonnes of coal equivalent.

Unit conversion factors for tce
tce MWh GJ Gcal million Btu toe
1 8.141 29.3076 7 27.778245 0.7
Source: conversion factors as used by the IEA[26]

Refrigeration

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The unit ton is used in refrigeration and air conditioning to measure the rate of heat absorption. Prior to the introduction of mechanical refrigeration, cooling was accomplished by delivering ice. Installing one ton of mechanical refrigeration capacity replaced the daily delivery of one ton of ice.

  • In North America, a standard ton of refrigeration is 12,000 BTU/h (3,517 W). "The heat absorption per day is approximately the heat of fusion of 1 ton of ice at 32 °F (0 °C)."[30] This is approximately the power required to melt one short ton (2,000 lb or 907 kg) of ice at 0 °C (32 °F) in 24 hours, thus representing the delivery of 1 short ton (0.893 long tons; 0.907 t) of ice per day.
  • A less common usage is the power required to cool 1 long ton (2,240 lb or 1,016 kg = 1 long ton or 1.120 short tons or 1.016 t) of water by 1 °F (0.56 °C) every 10 minutes = 13,440 BTU/h (3,939 W).[31][32]

The refrigeration ton is commonly abbreviated as RT.

Colloquial English

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  • Ton is also used informally, often as slang, to mean a large amount of something.[33]
  • In Britain, a ton is colloquially used to refer to 100 of a given unit. Ton can thus refer to a speed of 100 miles per hour, and is prefixed by an indefinite article, e.g. "Lee was doing a ton down the motorway"; to money e.g. "How much did you pay for that?" "A ton" (£100); to 100 points in a game e.g. "Eric just threw a ton in our darts game" (in some games, e.g. cricket, more commonly called a century); or to a hundred of any other countable figure.[34][35][36]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ The "pound" used in this article is the avoirdupois pound. Its mass is defined as exactly 0.45359237 kg
  1. ^ "Naval Architecture for All". United States Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Archived from the original on October 10, 2008. Retrieved October 13, 2008.. "Historically, a very important and standard cargo for European sailing vessels was wine, stored and shipped in casks called tuns. These tuns of wine, because of their uniform size and their universal demand, became a standard by which a ship's capacity could be measured. A tun of wine weighed approximately 2,240 pounds, and occupied nearly 60 cubic feet." (Gillmer, Thomas (1975). Modern Ship Design. United States Naval Institute.) "Today the ship designers standard of weight is the long ton which is equal to 2,240 pounds." This is the weight of 35 cubic feet of Sea Water at a specific gravity of 1.025, compared to Fresh Water, specific gravity of 1.000 usually measured at 60 degrees F. Handy numbers: 35, 36, 37, number of Cubic Feet per Salt Water, Fresh Water and Lube Oil.
  2. ^ "Definitions, Tonnages and Equivalents". Military Sealift Fleet Support Command. Archived from the original on 2013-05-16. Retrieved 2012-12-12.
  3. ^ "General Tables of Units of Measurement". NIST. April 19, 2006 [November 11, 2000]. Archived from the original on 2011-12-10. Retrieved 2013-07-01.
  4. ^ "NIST Handbook 44 Specifications: Handbook 44 – 2023 Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement" (PDF). November 18, 2022. p. C-7. Retrieved May 9, 2023. 20 hundredweights = 1 ton
  5. ^ "Meaning of short ton in English". Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  6. ^ a b The International System of Units (PDF) (9th ed.), International Bureau of Weights and Measures, Dec 2022, ISBN 978-92-822-2272-0
  7. ^ Chris Evans, Göran Rydén, Baltic iron in the Atlantic world in the eighteenth century, p.257, Brill 2007 ISBN 90-04-16153-8
  8. ^ "Report of the select committee on mines", Reports from Committees 1866, vol.9, pp.134-136, London: House of Commons, 23 July 1866
  9. ^ "tonne". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
  10. ^ "Weights and Measures Act 1985" (PDF). Her Majesty's Stationery Office. 1985-10-30. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2009-12-08. Retrieved 2010-02-03.
  11. ^ "Weights and Measures Act: Canadian units of measure, Schedule II (Section 4)". Department of Justice. Archived from the original on 2011-08-11. Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  12. ^ Fenna, Donald (2002). A Dictionary of Weights, Measures, and Units. Oxford: Oxford University Press. assay ton. ISBN 9780198605225.
  13. ^ Definitions of 2,000, 2,240, 2,352, and 2,400 lb are included in citations listed in the Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed. OED cites an 1858 dictionary of trade products "the legal ton by weight is usually 20 cwt".
  14. ^ DesVergers, Jake. "Rules of the Road: Tricky tonnage measurement not about weight". The Triton. Retrieved 2021-04-23.
  15. ^ Displacement ton Dictionary of international trade retrieved 22July2010
  16. ^ A Dictionary of Weights, Measures, and Units, Donald Fenna, 2002 ISBN 0-19-860522-6
  17. ^ "MSC 2003 in Review - Financial and Statistical Review". Msc.navy.mil. 2003-09-30. Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2010-07-31.
  18. ^ "Liner Ocean Transportation Program Stabilized Breakbulk/Dry Cargo and Container Billing Rates" (PDF). Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command. 2018.
  19. ^ "182 F.2d 916". Bulk.resource.org. Archived from the original on 2011-07-27. Retrieved 2010-07-31.
  20. ^ "Pos Ttariff General Definitions". Stocktonport.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2010-07-31.
  21. ^ Panama Canal Tolls Archived 2008-09-16 at the Wayback Machine, Panama Canal Authority. Retrieved 10 May 2006.
  22. ^ "NIST: Units and Systems of Measurement Their Origin, Development, and Present Status". nist.gov. Archived from the original on 16 June 2016. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
  23. ^ "GC(42)/INF/3 - Measures to Strengthen Co-operation in Nuclear, Radiation and Waste Safety" (PDF). iaea.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 July 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
  24. ^ Radioactive residues of the Cold War period Archived 2005-10-16 at the Wayback Machine
  25. ^ "2014 Key World Energy Statistics" (PDF). iea.org/publications/freepublications/. IEA. 2014. p. 6. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 April 2015.
  26. ^ a b c "IEA – Unit Converter". International Energy Agency. Archived from the original on 2 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  27. ^ Goldemberg, José; Lucon, Oswaldo (1 May 2018). Energy, Environment and Development. Earthscan. ISBN 9781844077489. Retrieved 1 May 2018 – via Google Books.
  28. ^ "Conversion factors". OPEC Annual Statistical Bulletin 2014. Archived from the original on 2016-10-11.
  29. ^ "Coal Conversion Statistics". World Coal Association. Archived from the original on 16 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  30. ^ Marks' Standard handbook for Mechanical Engineers, 8th Ed., McGraw Hill, p. 19–3
  31. ^ "ton (of refrigeration)". Sizes.com. Archived from the original on 2006-10-20. Retrieved 2006-09-01. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  32. ^ Gérard P. Michon. "Measurements and Units". Archived from the original on 2010-03-28. Retrieved 2006-09-01.
  33. ^ Merriam-Webster's English Dictionary defines ton as: "a great quantity". [1]
  34. ^ Colin R. Chapman, Weights, Money and Other Measures Used by our Ancestors, p.93, Genealogical Publishing Com, 1996 ISBN 0-8063-1501-6.
  35. ^ MacRae-Hall, John (2011). A Deniable Asset. iUniverse. p. 85. ISBN 9781450280808.
  36. ^ The Oxford English Dictionary 2nd ed. lists colloquial use of "ton" from 1946 for £100, and later 100 mph, and for 100 in general.