# How do I convert metric tons to kg?

Converts metric tons (t) to kilograms (kg) and back, with the exact unit definitions.

- Page: https://www.acalculator.org/convert/tonnes-to-kg
- JSON spec: https://www.acalculator.org/convert/tonnes-to-kg.json
- Version: 856c51014f2d

## Default answer

Example with the default inputs (Metric tons (t) 1): 1 t = 1,000 kg.

## Inputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| value | Metric tons (t) | The amount in metric tons to convert. |
| result | Kilograms (kg) | The same amount in kilograms. |

## Outputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| value | Metric tons (t) | The amount in metric tons to convert. |
| result | Kilograms (kg) | The amount in kilograms. |

## Method

kg = t × 1000 (the same as t ÷ 0.001)

## Assumptions

- 1 metric ton = 1000 kilograms, from the exact definitions in NIST SP 811.
- Exact on the typed decimals: at most 6 decimal places (6 significant digits below 0.0001), rounded half up.

## Worked examples

1. value = 1 gives result = 1,000. Source: Exact unit definitions in NIST SP 811 (2008), Appendix B.8.
2. value = 2.5 gives result = 2,500. Source: Exact unit definitions in NIST SP 811 (2008), Appendix B.8.
3. result = 2,500 gives value = 2.5. Source: Exact unit definitions in NIST SP 811 (2008), Appendix B.8.

## FAQ

### How many kilograms are in a metric ton?

1 metric ton is 1,000 kilograms, from the exact unit definitions (NIST SP 811).

### How do I convert tonnes to kg?

Multiply by 1,000: kg = t × 1000 (the same as t ÷ 0.001). For example, 1 t × 1,000 = 1,000 kg.

### How do I convert kg back to tonnes?

Multiply by 0.001, or type the kilograms into the second box and the converter works it out. 1 kilogram is 0.001 metric tons.

### Is a tonne the same as a metric ton?

Yes. A tonne (t) is the metric ton, exactly 1,000 kg (NIST SP 811). The US short ton is 2,000 lb (907.18474 kg), and the UK long ton is 2,240 lb (1,016.0469088 kg).

### Which ton does this page use?

The metric ton (tonne), 1,000 kg. The tons to kg converter uses the US short ton by default and also offers the metric and long tons.

### How many kg is 2.5 tonnes?

2.5 × 1,000 = 2,500 kg.

## Sources

- NIST SP 811 (2008), Guide for the Use of the International System of Units, Table 5 (SI prefixes) and Appendix B.8 (factors for units listed alphabetically), retrieved 2026-10-05. https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811