Ton vs Tonne
Published January 25, 2023. Updated January 25, 2023.
Ton and tonne are similar because they’re homophones (words with the same pronunciation) with similar spellings and similar meanings, but they have a few differences. They are both nouns. Ton is used for different measurements like weight, storage capacity on a ship, or thermal power; it can also mean a large amount of something. Tonne is specifically 1,000 kilograms.
Here are some definitions and examples to help make the use of these words clearer.
Ton (noun)
- Three different measurements of weight. A long ton is 2,240 pounds, a short ton is 2,000 pounds, and a metric ton is 1,000 kilograms or 2,204 pounds.
Examples:
The truck can carry two tons of weight.
A long ton and a metric ton are very close in weight.
- 12,000 British thermal units (BTU) an hour in thermal power.
Examples:
This air conditioner has a 3-ton cooling capability.
The higher the ton rating of your AC is, the more heat it can get rid of.
- A lot of something. Usually used in an exaggerated way.
Examples:
I have a ton of homework tonight.
I ate a ton of cheese last Tuesday and got stomach cramps.
Notes: Ton can also be used as an obsolete measurement for volume on ships or as an amount meaning 100 for British pounds, runs in Cricket, or points in a variety of games.
Tonne (noun)
A measurement of 1,000 kilograms (2,204 pounds); a metric ton.
Examples:
My van weighed a little over a tonne with all my furniture packed into it.
They sold a literal tonne of steel at work today.
Main Points
- Ton and tonne have the same pronunciation, but different spellings and slightly different meanings.
- Ton is used for a few different weight measurements, a thermal power measurement, an exaggerated way to say a lot of something, and a few other meanings.
- Tonne is specifically 1,000 kilograms.