How many pounds in a metric ton?

One metric ton (tonne) equals 2204.62 pounds. The exact value is 1,000,000 g ÷ 453.59237 g/lb = 2204.6226... lb, usually rounded to 2204.62 lb.

What is the difference between a metric ton, a short ton, and a long ton?

A metric ton (tonne) = 1000 kg = 2204.62 lb. A US short ton = 2000 lb = 907.18 kg. A UK long ton = 2240 lb = 1016.05 kg. The metric ton is the largest of the three. "Ton" without a qualifier means the short ton in the US and the long ton in the UK, so always clarify which you mean on international projects.

Is a metric ton bigger than a US ton?

Yes. A metric ton (2204.62 lb) is bigger than a US short ton (2000 lb) by about 10%. A metric ton is 2000 lb × 1.10231 = 2204.62 lb, or equivalently 0.90718 metric tons per short ton.

Metric Tons to Pounds Converter

1 metric ton (tonne) = 2204.62 pounds, so to convert metric tons to pounds multiply by 2204.62 (e.g. 3 metric tons = 6613.9 lb).

Open the metric tons to pounds calculator →

Worked example

A crane with a rated capacity of 5 metric tons can lift 5 × 2204.62 = 11,023 lb. A material spec listing 8000 lb of rebar is 8000 ÷ 2204.62 = 3.63 metric tons. The table below also shows the US short ton (2000 lb) and UK long ton (2240 lb) for contrast.

Conversion reference

From	To
1 t (metric)	2204.62 lb
2 t	4409.24 lb
5 t	11023.1 lb
10 t	22046.2 lb
1 US short ton	2000 lb
1 UK long ton	2240 lb

Metric tons, US short tons, and UK long tons all go by "ton" in everyday speech, but they differ by up to 10%. The metric ton is most common in international and structural engineering; the short ton dominates US construction; the long ton is found in older UK and maritime contexts. Arch Convert's Build-mode Weight tab shows tonnes, pounds, kilograms, and US/UK tons together so you can compare all three without mental arithmetic. Force units (kN, kip, tonne-force) are intentionally excluded — this tab is pure mass.

Frequently asked

How many pounds in a metric ton?: One metric ton (tonne) equals 2204.62 pounds. The exact value is 1,000,000 g ÷ 453.59237 g/lb = 2204.6226... lb, usually rounded to 2204.62 lb.
What is the difference between a metric ton, a short ton, and a long ton?: A metric ton (tonne) = 1000 kg = 2204.62 lb. A US short ton = 2000 lb = 907.18 kg. A UK long ton = 2240 lb = 1016.05 kg. The metric ton is the largest of the three. "Ton" without a qualifier means the short ton in the US and the long ton in the UK, so always clarify which you mean on international projects.
Is a metric ton bigger than a US ton?: Yes. A metric ton (2204.62 lb) is bigger than a US short ton (2000 lb) by about 10%. A metric ton is 2000 lb × 1.10231 = 2204.62 lb, or equivalently 0.90718 metric tons per short ton.