Convert Carat (car, ct) to US Ton (Short) (ton (US)) instantly.
About these units
Carat (car, ct)
The carat, equal to 200 milligrams, is the standard unit for measuring gemstones and pearls. Its origins trace to the seeds of the carob tree, which were historically thought to have remarkably uniform mass, making them convenient reference weights for early traders. In the modern gem trade, carats measure both weight and (informally) influence perceived value—though size and quality factors such as clarity and color also play major roles. High-precision digital scales capable of reading to 0.001 carat are common in gemology. The carat's persistence shows how specialized units evolve to meet the needs of niche industries. Though small, its economic impact is enormous due to the value of gemstones.
US Ton (Short) (ton (US))
The US short ton equals 2,000 pounds (907.18474 kilograms) and is widely used in American industry, shipping, mining, agriculture, and engineering. Its definition at 2,000 pounds makes calculations convenient within the imperial system but creates potential confusion internationally, where the metric ton is standard. In markets such as coal, steel, and chemicals, contracts often specify the unit explicitly to avoid ambiguity. The US ton's role in commercial regulation, freight classification, and manufacturing ensures that it remains deeply embedded in American economic activity despite the global rise of the metric system.