What is a Metric Ton?
A metric ton is a unit of measurement based on the metric system, rather than the standard system used in the United States. A metric ton is equivalent to 1,000 kilograms, and is strictly speaking a megagram, being one million grams. The word most likely comes from the Latin word tunna, which is a word for a cask. Since a large cask full of something would weigh roughly a metric ton, this origin is commonly accepted. The word has been in use for quite some time, although previously the spelling was more often tunne. The metric ton is often spelled as tonne, and in the United States may also be called a tonneau. A metric ton is not to be confused with the short ton unit, known simply as a ton in the system used in the United States. This ton is equal to 2000 pounds, or roughly 907kg. It should also not be confused with a long ton, a unit no longer in common usage in the United States, which is equal to 2240 pounds. The official symbol for the metric ton in the International System of Un
