• Math tutors
• /
• Knowledge Base
• /
• What is a ton? Definition, Symbol & Examples

What is a ton? Definition, Symbol & Examples

Camille Ira B. Mendoza

reviewed by Jo-ann Caballes

Updated on November 15, 2024

A ton is a unit of measurement for determining the weight of objects. 

Here, we discuss the ton, give examples, practice questions, and recommend worksheets to help young learners know how to make the most of this measurement unit.

What Is a Ton?

A ton is a measurement unit used to estimate the weight of objects, particularly heavy objects such as a car.

1 ton is the equivalent of 2,000 pounds.

Ton abbreviation

We represent the ton used in the United States with a “tn” or “st”. The “tn”, however, doubles as an abbreviation and a symbol. 

Some other types of tons have other symbols such as the metric ton symbol which is a “t”.

Now let’s find out how much weight is a ton.

Math tutors

Improve your child’s math skill today with Brighterly

Let them be at the top of their class!

Book free lesson

How much does 1 ton weigh?

One ton weight is equal to 2,000 pounds (ibs) and 1 pound is as heavy as a pair of sneakers which means 1 ton is as heavy as 2,000 pairs of sneakers — that’s a lot of feet! (Not the measurement unit).

1 ton example

Here are some examples of a ton or objects that are a ton in weight:

• A small car can weigh exactly a  ton.
• Animals such as a fully grown male moose and a baby elephant.
• A large piano.

So if your question was “How heavy is a ton?” to know if you can carry it – the answer is no, you can’t. 

Types of Ton

There are many types of ton, however, let’s stick with the three main types:

• Short ton (the US ton): This type of ton is mainly used in the United States and is the key subject of our topic. It is equal to 2,000 pounds or 907.18 kilograms approx.
• Long ton: Also known as the imperial ton, this type of ton is mostly used by the United Kingdom and the countries it influenced. It is equal to 2,204 pounds or 1,016.05 kilograms approx.
• Metric ton: This is the most widely used type of ton as most countries using the metric system adopt it. It may be spelled as tonne and is equal to 2,204.62 pounds or 1,000 kilograms. 

A ton as a unit of volume

The ton is used to measure weight, but it can also be used as a unit of measurement for volume.

This ton type is known as a shipping ton or freight ton. It is used to measure the amount of space goods may occupy on a ship instead of measuring them by their weight. The shipping ton has a volume of 40 cubic feet.

Solved Math Tasks: Examples

Solved math problem 1

A caterpillar truck used for bulldozing weighs 206,000 pounds, how much does it weigh in tons?

Answer

Since 1 ton is equal to 2,000 pounds, 206,000 pounds will be: 

206,000 ÷ 2,000 = 103 US tons 

Solved math problem 2

A shipping container has a volume of 1,326 cubic feet, what is its volume when converted to tons as a unit of volume?

Answer

Remember that the shipping ton for volume is equal to 40 cubic feet.

Solved math problem 3

What are the following types of ton weight when changed to kilograms? 

• 432 long tons
• 336 US tons
• 506 metric tons

Answer

• 1 ton = 1,016.05 kilograms for long tons, which means 432 long tons is multiplied by 1,016.05.

• 1 US ton is 907.18 kilograms, and when multiplied by 907.18:

• 1 metric ton is 1,000 kilograms, so if we multiply 506 tons by 1,000, we get:

Solved math problem 4

Answer the following questions in true or false formats:

• A ton can be abbreviated to tn or st
• The US ton is the same as the metric ton and the long ton
• A ton can be used as a unit of volume.

Answer

A ton: Practice Math Problems

A ton: worksheets

Measurements are crucial for navigating daily life. This article covers the ton unit of measurement and explains how to calculate it. 

Brighterly’s free worksheets offer hands-on practices that make mastery of the ton and other measurement units easier for young learners:

• Measurement unit worksheets
• Metric conversion worksheets 
• Measurement worksheets for 2nd graders 

Camille Ira B. Mendoza

19 articles

I am a seasoned math tutor with over seven years of experience in the field. Holding a Master’s Degree in Education, I take great joy in nurturing young math enthusiasts, regardless of their age, grade, and skill level. Beyond teaching, I am passionate about spending time with my family, reading, and watching movies. My background also includes knowledge in child psychology, which aids in delivering personalized and effective teaching strategies.