Convert Pound (lb) to Metric Ton (t) instantly.
About these units
Pound (lb)
The pound is a traditional unit of mass widely used in the United States and, to a lesser extent, in the United Kingdom. Defined as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms, the pound evolved from medieval English systems that themselves descended from Roman and Carolingian traditions. The pound is central to commerce, engineering, food measurement, and body weight scales in the US. Its widespread cultural presence makes it deeply familiar even in contexts where metric units dominate. Because the pound is part of a non-decimal system, subdivisions such as ounces (1/16 pound) introduce complexity, yet this structure persists due to tradition and embedded industrial standards. In engineering, the pound often appears alongside pound-force, making careful distinction between mass and force essential.
Metric Ton (t)
The metric ton, or tonne, equals 1,000 kilograms and is used for measuring large masses such as vehicles, industrial shipments, agricultural yields, waste disposal, and construction materials. Its convenient decimal relationship with kilograms makes it easy to use in logistics, industry, and environmental studies. Many countries express carbon emissions in tonnes of CO₂, linking the unit directly to global sustainability efforts. The metric ton contrasts with the US short ton and UK long ton—its exact definition prevents ambiguity in international trade. Its adoption worldwide demonstrates the advantages of standardized mass units in a global economy.