Convert pounds to tons
Please provide values below to convert pound [lb] to ton [ton], or vice versa.
Pound
Definition: A pound (symbol: lb) is a unit of mass used in the imperial and US customary systems of measurement. Since 1959, the international avoirdupois pound has been officially defined as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms.
History/origin: The pound originated from the Roman libra (hence the "lb" abbreviation), which was equivalent to 328.9 grams. Various definitions of the pound were used throughout Europe in the Middle Ages, differing from city to city and country to country.
The avoirdupois pound, which is the most commonly used pound today, was established in England during the 13th century and was used for weighing wool. The avoirdupois system introduced the concept of a 16-ounce pound, which eventually became the standard for most commodities.
Prior to the international agreement in 1959 that standardized the pound to exactly 0.45359237 kilograms, the pound was defined differently in various countries. The United States and countries of the Commonwealth of Nations agreed to this definition to ensure international consistency in trade and commerce.
Current use: The pound is primarily used in the United States and, to a varying extent, in other countries historically tied to the British Empire, such as the United Kingdom, where it remains in common use despite official adoption of the metric system. It's commonly used for personal weight, food measurements, and various commercial applications.
Ton
Definition: A ton is a unit of mass. The definition varies depending on the system of measurement:
- In the United States, the short ton is commonly used, and it is equal to 2,000 pounds.
- In the United Kingdom and other countries, the long ton (or imperial ton) is used, and it is equal to 2,240 pounds.
History/origin: The term "ton" derives from the Old English "tunne," referring to a large cask or barrel. Historically, it represented the weight of such a large container filled with liquid.
Current use: The ton is used in various industries for measuring large quantities of materials, goods, and commodities. In the US, it's frequently used in shipping, construction, and agriculture. The long ton is still used in some contexts in the UK and former British Commonwealth countries.