How to Convert Tonnes to Kilograms (t to kg)
Weight units matter at the wet market, where older stalls and Chinese medical halls still quote prices per kati or tael, and when following American recipes in ounces and pounds. This guide shows how to convert tonnes into kilograms by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert tonnes to kilograms, multiply the value by 1,000. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 0.001). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 1,000.
Kilograms = tonnes × 1,000
Worked examples
- 3 t = 3,000 kg
- 12.5 t = 12,500 kg
- 75 t = 75,000 kg
Tonnes to Kilograms table
| Tonnes | Kilograms |
|---|---|
| 1 t | 1,000 kg |
| 2 t | 2,000 kg |
| 5 t | 5,000 kg |
| 10 t | 10,000 kg |
| 20 t | 20,000 kg |
| 25 t | 25,000 kg |
| 50 t | 50,000 kg |
| 100 t | 100,000 kg |
| 250 t | 250,000 kg |
| 500 t | 500,000 kg |
| 1,000 t | 1,000,000 kg |
Common questions
Is t to kg exact?
The factors used here are the internationally defined values where they exist; results are rounded for display only.
How do I convert back?
Use the Kilograms to Tonnes converter.
Mistakes to avoid
Dropping the units
A bare number without a unit is easy to misread later. Always write the unit with the result.
Mixing similar-sounding units
US and imperial gallons, pints and tons are different sizes, and decimal kilobytes differ from binary kibibytes.
Rounding the factor too early
Using 3 instead of 3.28 for feet per metre introduces an error of almost 9% before you have started.
Background
Unit conversion is simply multiplication by a fixed ratio. The ratio between two units of the same quantity never changes, so once you know it you can convert any value in either direction.
A conversion table is handy for common values, but a calculator is faster and avoids interpolation errors for anything in between.
Many conversion factors are exact by definition. The inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimetres since 1959, and the pound as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms, so conversions involving them can be as precise as you need.
For any value, use the Tonnes to Kilograms Converter or browse all weight converters.
Run your own numbers: Tonnes to Kilograms Converter