`, 10 July 2010 (UTC)  This cropped up in a very annoying thread on the convert template talk page, so let me sum things up for everyone. * Unbeknowst to many people, there are a number of different types of ``ton`` in use in the world.  * The 2240 pound ton was standard in the U.K and is known as the ``imperial ton``, or ``long ton``.  * The 2000 pound ton is standard in the U.S. and is commonly known as the ``short ton``.  * The 1000 kilogram ton is standard in the rest of the world, and is known as the ``tonne`` in the Commonwealth and the ``metric ton`` in the U.S.  * While the short ton is the most common one used in the U.S., Americans also commonly use the long ton in shipping and for measuring some commodities,  * Historically the Royal Navy used the ``imperial ton`` or ``long ton`` to measure the displacement of its ships, it called them ``tons`` because that is the size most commonly used in the U.K.  * The U.K. is at least nominally converted to metric after joining the EU, so the Royal Navy now measures the displacement of its ships in ``tonnes``.  * The difference is somewhat academic because the tonne is only 1.6% smaller than the long ton.  * The Hood increased substantially in displacement during its lifetime, so the difference is even  less consequential. Now Pete seems to think the use of the world ``ton`` is important, but I tend to believe that the real issue is accuracy and clarity. Hence, if you want to use the imperial ton, you should call it either ``imperial ton`` or ``long ton``, or Americans will confuse it with the short ton they are familiar with. Alternatively you can use ``tonne`` for everything and be done with it.  17:11`