In Europe, a "long" ton is equivalent to how many pounds?

A "long" ton, also known as a British ton, is precisely defined as 2240 pounds. This measurement originates from historical practices in the British shipping industry, where goods were commonly measured. The long ton is distinct from the short ton, which is widely used in the United States and is equivalent to 2000 pounds.

The context behind this distinction is important, as other ton measurements exist globally, including the metric ton (or tonne) that is equal to approximately 2204.62 pounds. Thus, understanding that a long ton equates to 2240 pounds is crucial when dealing with weights, especially in international contexts or when interpreting data that may come from different countries. The clarity in understanding these units helps in avoiding potential confusion when calculating weights in various applications, be it for shipping, manufacturing, or scientific measurement.