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Single conversion
To convert from Kilogram (kg) to Metric Tonne (mt), use the following formula:
Let's convert 5 Kilogram (kg) to Metric Tonne (mt).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 Kilogram (kg) is equal to Metric Tonne (mt).
Here are some quick reference conversions from Kilogram (kg) to Metric Tonne (mt):
| Kilograms | Metric Tonnes |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 kg | mt |
| 0.001 kg | mt |
| 0.1 kg | mt |
| 1 kg | mt |
| 2 kg | mt |
| 3 kg | mt |
| 4 kg | mt |
| 5 kg | mt |
| 6 kg | mt |
| 7 kg | mt |
| 8 kg | mt |
| 9 kg | mt |
| 10 kg | mt |
| 20 kg | mt |
| 30 kg | mt |
| 40 kg | mt |
| 50 kg | mt |
| 100 kg | mt |
| 1000 kg | mt |
| 10000 kg | mt |
For all Weight converters, choose units using the From/To dropdowns above.
A kilogram (kg) is the base unit of mass in the metric system, used worldwide to measure everything from your body weight to the groceries you buy.
It's equal to 1,000 grams (g).
For a simple real-world comparison, the mass of a one-liter bottle of water is almost exactly one kilogram.
Key Takeaways
For more than 130 years, the kilogram was a physical object: a platinum-iridium cylinder called the International Prototype Kilogram (IPK), also known as "Le Grand K," which was kept under tight security near Paris.
Scientists eventually found the problem — the artifact was losing an imperceptible amount of mass over time — so it couldn't guarantee the long-term accuracy required by science and industry.
On May 20, 2019, the kilogram was redefined.
It's no longer tied to a single object but to a fundamental constant of nature: the Planck constant (h). That change makes the kilogram stable and reproducible with precision anywhere in the universe.
The kilogram's story begins during the French Revolution with the creation of the metric system. The original definition, established in 1795, was beautifully simple and practical.
The gram was first defined as the mass of one cubic centimeter of water at 4 °C (39.2 °F), the temperature at which it is most dense.
From there, the kilogram was defined as the mass of one liter (one cubic decimeter) of water under the same conditions. This practical, water-based definition was a revolutionary step toward a global standard of measurement.
The International System of Units (SI) is built on seven base units that serve as the foundation for all measurements. These include the meter for length, the second for time, and the ampere for electric current.
The kilogram is a historical oddity, as it's the only SI base unit with a prefix ("kilo").
Due to its origins, the kilogram, rather than the gram, became the fundamental unit of mass, making it a curious exception in the measurement system.
A metric tonne, often called simply a tonne (symbol: t), is a standard unit of mass in the metric system.
It's commonly used around the world to measure heavy objects, especially in trade and industry.
So, how heavy is it?
It's also equivalent to one million grams (106 g), which is why it's sometimes called a megagram (Mg).
A great way to visualize a metric tonne is to think of a cube of water.
Imagine a cube that's one meter on each side—one meter tall, one meter wide, and one meter long. If you were to fill that cube with pure water, its mass would be exactly one metric tonne (1,000 kilograms).
This simple and direct relationship between volume (1 m3) and mass (1 tonne) is a perfect example of what makes the metric system so logical and practical.
The term "ton" can be confusing, as it refers to different units of weight depending on the location.
Understanding this distinction is crucial, especially in the context of international shipping.
Key takeaway: A US short ton is roughly 10% lighter than a metric tonne, whereas a UK long ton is slightly heavier. Always specify the unit to prevent costly errors!