Short Tons to Long Tons Converter

short ton to long ton - How to convert US ton to UK ton

Need to convert short tons to long tons? Jetcalculator makes it simple. This guide explains the difference between the two units and shows exactly how to convert US tons to UK tons with confidence.

Short Ton and Long Ton

The short ton, also known as the US ton, is commonly used in the United States and equals 2,000 pounds (around 907.18 kilograms). It’s standard across American industries — from agriculture and mining to construction and logistics.

On the other hand, the long ton, or imperial ton, is used primarily in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries. It equals 2,240 pounds (about 1,016.05 kilograms) and has a historical legacy in maritime trade, engineering, and military logistics.

While both units share the “ton” label, the long ton is about 12% heavier than the short ton. This makes accurate conversion critical for shipping, billing, and regulatory documentation. You can explore more comparisons in our unit conversion, or head to our weight converter for instant results.

Conversion Formula: 

Here’s the exact conversion formula:
long tons = short tons × 0.892857

For example:

• 1 short ton = 0.89286 long tons

• 2.5 short tons = 2.23214 long tons

• 0.75 short ton = 0.66964 long tons

Avoid rounding errors with our conversion tools — ideal for engineers, freight handlers, and analysts working with mixed unit systems.

Did You Know?

• The US Army uses short tons as the primary weight unit for supplies, including food, fuel, and ammunition logistics across military bases.

•  The Titanic’s total displacement was estimated at over 52,000 long tons, a key metric used in British naval engineering at the time.

•  In 2022, U.S. coal production exceeded 580 million short tons, showing the scale of industrial use of this unit.

• The British Royal Navy historically used the long ton to calculate ship weights and fuel capacity for vessels during WWII.

• The steel frame of the Empire State Building is estimated to weigh 365,000 short tons, equivalent to over 325,000 long tons.

•  The long ton is still referenced in UK legal contracts involving bulk goods like aggregates, salt, and steel, despite metrication.

The Global Cargo Specialist

Meet Sophia Clarke, a global freight compliance officer for an international shipping company based in Liverpool. While reviewing documents for a steel shipment bound for New York, she noticed a critical mismatch in weight declarations — the supplier listed 500 tons, but didn’t specify the type.

Sophia verified that the shipment was calculated using short tons, but the customs paperwork in the UK required long tons. Using Jetcalculator’s short ton to long ton converter, she caught the discrepancy just in time. Her quick thinking avoided overage fees and helped the company avoid a customs delay that could have cost thousands in storage.

Her team now uses Jetcalculator to validate all intercontinental freight weights, saving time, stress, and money.

Conclusion

When dealing with international shipping, trade, or technical specs, understanding the difference between a short ton and a long ton can save you from costly mistakes. With 1 short ton equal to 0.892857 long tons, accurate conversions are essential for smooth operations.