How Much Is a Half-Ton?

A half-ton equals 1,000 pounds (about 453.6 kg) in the U.S. short-ton system, 1,120 pounds (about 508.0 kg) in the U.K. long-ton system, and 500 kilograms (about 1,102.3 lb) in the metric system (half a tonne). In HVAC, a “half-ton” of cooling is 6,000 BTU per hour (about 1.76 kW). Which figure applies depends on the measurement standard or industry context.

Understanding the Different “Ton” Standards

The word “ton” can mean different things depending on geography and context. In the United States, it typically refers to a short ton; in older British and some maritime contexts, a long ton; and globally in scientific and most commercial contexts, a metric tonne. Consequently, “half‑ton” varies accordingly.

U.S. Short Ton

One short ton is 2,000 pounds. Therefore, half a short ton is 1,000 pounds, which is approximately 453.59 kilograms. This is the most common meaning in everyday U.S. usage.

Imperial (U.K.) Long Ton

One long ton is 2,240 pounds. Half a long ton is 1,120 pounds, or roughly 508.02 kilograms. This unit appears in older British specifications and certain maritime references.

Metric Tonne

One metric tonne is 1,000 kilograms. Half a tonne is 500 kilograms, which equals about 1,102.31 pounds. This standard is widely used internationally in science, trade, and logistics.

Other Contexts Where “Half-Ton” Appears

Pickup Trucks (“Half-Ton” Class)

In North America, “half-ton” informally labels light-duty full-size pickups such as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, and similar models. It is a legacy marketing term—not a literal payload rating. Modern payloads in this class commonly range from roughly 1,500 to 2,300 pounds (680–1,040 kg), varying by engine, cab, bed, drivetrain, and options.

HVAC Capacity (Ton of Refrigeration)

In heating and cooling, a ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU per hour (about 3.52 kW). A “half-ton” air-conditioning capacity is 6,000 BTU per hour, or approximately 1.76 kW. This usage is unrelated to weight and derives from the heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

Quick Reference

The following list summarizes the most common meanings of “half-ton” and their equivalents to help you pick the right number for your situation.

• Half of a U.S. short ton: 1,000 lb (≈453.59 kg)
• Half of a U.K. long ton: 1,120 lb (≈508.02 kg)
• Half of a metric tonne: 500 kg (≈1,102.31 lb)
• HVAC “half-ton” capacity: 6,000 BTU/h (≈1.76 kW)
• Pickup “half-ton” class: marketing term; typical payload roughly 1,500–2,300 lb (680–1,040 kg), depending on configuration

If you’re dealing with weight, confirm which ton standard is intended; if it’s about vehicles or HVAC, the term likely refers to a class or a cooling capacity rather than a mass.

Why the Confusion Happens

Multiple standards coexisted historically—imperial and U.S. customary units alongside the metric system—so “ton” acquired region-specific meanings. Industries then repurposed the term (as in HVAC and automotive marketing), creating contexts where “half-ton” doesn’t describe weight at all. Clarifying the domain—mass, vehicle class, or cooling capacity—resolves the ambiguity.

Summary

A “half-ton” can mean 1,000 lb (short ton), 1,120 lb (long ton), or 500 kg (half a metric tonne). In HVAC it means 6,000 BTU/h of cooling, and in pickup trucks it’s a legacy class label rather than an actual 1,000 lb payload. Always identify the measurement system or industry context before using the number.

Can a half ton truck carry 2000 lbs?

Yes, most modern half-ton trucks can carry 2,000 lbs because the “half-ton” designation is an outdated historical reference to a 1,000-lb payload, and current payload capacities for many half-ton trucks range from over 1,000 lbs to more than 2,000 lbs. However, payload capacity varies significantly by make, model, engine, and configuration, so you must always check the truck’s specific Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and payload sticker for the exact figure. 
Why the “Half-Ton” Name is Misleading

• Historical vs. Modern Capacity: The term “half-ton” historically referred to a truck’s approximate 1,000-pound payload capacity. 
• Increased Payload: Modern half-ton trucks have significantly increased payload capacities, with many exceeding the 2,000-pound mark. 

How to Find Your Truck’s Actual Payload Capacity

1. Check the GVWR Sticker: Locate the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb of your truck. 
2. Subtract Curb Weight: Subtract the truck’s curb weight (the weight of the empty truck) from its GVWR to find the maximum payload capacity. 
3. Account for Passengers and Accessories: The total weight of cargo, passengers, and any accessories must be less than the calculated payload capacity. 

Factors Influencing Payload

• Make and Model: Different manufacturers have different payload ratings for their half-ton models. 
• Configuration: Engine, cab size, drivetrain, and trim level all affect a truck’s payload capacity. 

Why is a 150 called a half ton?

Where Does The Half-Ton Designation Come From? The half-ton name comes from the payload capacity of this truck class. Half-ton trucks used to have payload capacities of 1,000 pounds, or half a ton. Modern half-ton trucks exceed this payload capacity.

How much weight is a half ton?

A half ton is 1,000 pounds (or about 454 kilograms). The term originated in the early days of trucks to refer to the amount of cargo a vehicle could haul safely. While a modern half-ton truck can carry more than 1,000 pounds in payload, the “half-ton” classification remains as a general indicator of its size and capability within the truck lineup. 
Understanding the term:

• Original meaning: Early trucks were described by how much payload they could carry, so a “half-ton” truck was designed to carry approximately 1,000 pounds of cargo. 
• Modern usage: The term is now a less precise classification, with modern trucks capable of carrying significantly more than their original counterparts. For example, a 2023 Ford F-150, considered a half-ton truck, can have a payload capacity of over 2,000 pounds. 
• Truck classifications: “Half-ton,” “three-quarter-ton,” and “one-ton” are now general classifications to describe different sizes and power levels of trucks, with half-ton trucks being the entry-level full-sized models. 

Key takeaway:
When you hear “half-ton,” think of the historical benchmark of 1,000 pounds, but understand that contemporary trucks of this classification have expanded capabilities far beyond that initial load.

Is a 1500 a half ton truck?

Yes, a “150” or “1500” series truck, such as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or Ford F-150, is considered a half-ton truck. The designation originally referred to a half-ton (1,000 lbs) payload capacity, though the term now refers to the truck’s category as a “light-duty” or “full-size” truck, which is the most common type of pickup. 
Understanding the 1500 designation

• Historical meaning: The number 1500, or 150, was once a direct indication of the truck’s payload capacity—around half a ton. 
• Modern classification: Today, the “1500” series is classified as a light-duty, full-size pickup truck. These are designed for general daily use and light-to-moderate hauling and towing needs. 
• Examples: The 1500 series includes best-selling models like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, and Ram 1500, all of which are often called “half-ton” trucks.