Ton
A unit of mass, volume, or force with varied definitions.
A 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. Its original use as a unit of volume has continued in the capacity of cargo ships and in units such as the freight ton.
Lore & Background
The ton is derived from the tun, the term applied to a cask of the largest capacity.
Reader's Guide
The ton serves as a key unit in shipping, trade, and colloquial speech. The difference between the short ton and the other common forms is about 10%, while the metric and long tons differ by less than 2%. 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. The ton also persists as a unit of volume for ships, including the displacement ton (35 cubic feet) and freight ton (40 cubic feet).
Did You Know?
- A short assay ton is approximately 29.17 grams, used in assaying ores of precious metals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ton?
A ton is a versatile unit that can measure mass, volume, or force, depending on the context and system in use. Its exact value shifts across regional and industrial traditions, making it one of the most historically layered units in everyday measurement.
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