In 1 US tons there are 2,000 pounds. Meanwhile in 1 pounds there are 0.0005 US tons. Keep reading to learn more about each unit of measure and how they are calculated. Or just use the Pounds to US tons calculator above to convert any number.
* Values rounded to 6 decimal places for readability
A US ton (short ton) equals 2,000 pounds (lb). To convert US tons to pounds, multiply the number of tons by 2,000.
Formula:
Example conversions:
Use US ton (short ton) for most US weight conversions. Don’t mix it with a metric ton (tonne) or an imperial ton, since those use different pound values.
In the US, 1 ton equals 2,000 pounds (lb). This unit is called a short ton. Many people use "ton" to mean this size in everyday use.
A US ton (short ton) equals 2,000 pounds. A metric ton (tonne) equals 1,000 kilograms, or about 2,204.62 pounds. The metric ton is heavier than a US ton.
A long ton is used in some UK and maritime settings. 1 long ton equals 2,240 pounds. It’s heavier than both a short ton and many loads labeled as a "ton" in the US.
Use this basic rule for US short tons:
pounds = tons × 2,000
Example: 3 tons = 3 × 2,000 = 6,000 pounds.
Use this rule for metric tons:
pounds = metric tons × 2,204.6226218
Example: 2 metric tons = about 4,409.25 pounds.
Use this rule for long tons:
pounds = long tons × 2,240
Example: 1.5 long tons = 1.5 × 2,240 = 3,360 pounds.
"Ton" started as a way to measure large loads. Over time, regions adopted their own standards. That’s why the US, metric system, and some UK uses don’t match.
In the US, freight often uses short tons (2,000 lb). Many global shipments use metric tons (2,204.62 lb). Some marine and older UK sources may use long tons (2,240 lb). Always check the unit shown on the invoice or spec sheet.
Pound is often written as lb. Ton can appear as ton, tn, or ST (short ton). Metric ton may show as t, tonne, or MT. Long ton may appear as LT.
Not always. In many places, "tonne" means a metric ton, which is 1,000 kg. "Ton" often means a US short ton in the US, but it can also mean a long ton in some older UK contexts.
Yes, if you mean a US short ton. Half of 2,000 pounds is 1,000 pounds. For a metric ton, half is about 1,102.31 pounds.
For US short tons:
Write out the type of ton each time. Use “short ton,” “metric ton,” or “long ton.” If you’re working with forms or freight papers, match the unit shown in the document.
In most cases, yes. Some industries also use “ton” for volume or cooling capacity, like "ton of refrigeration." Those are not the same as weight. Check the context before converting.
The Calculate Box tool to convert US tons to pounds uses the open source script Convert.js to convert units of measurement. To use this tool, simply type a US tons value in the box and have it instantly converted to pounds.