Cubic Meter to Ton Register
Volume Conversion for Maritime & Shipping Logistics
Enter value in either field to get the other one
How to Use This Converter
This tool is designed for two-way conversions between Cubic Meters ($m^3$) and Register Tons (ton reg). Type your volume into the Cubic Meter field or the Ton Register field.
The Conversion Formula
The Register Ton is defined as exactly 100 cubic feet. Since one cubic foot is approximately 0.0283168 cubic meters, the relationship is as follows:
Equations
To convert Cubic Meters to Register Tons:
Register Tons = Cubic Meters x 0.353147To convert Register Tons to Cubic Meters:
Cubic Meters = Register Tons x 2.83168Practical Example
If a ship’s hold has a volume of 500 cubic meters, how many register tons is that?
500 m^3 x 0.353147 = 176.57 ton regWhat is a Ton Register (ton reg)?
The Register Ton is a unit of volume, not weight. It is historically used in the shipping industry to measure the cargo capacity or internal volume of a vessel.
- Definition: 1 Register Ton = 100 Cubic Feet (ft^3).
What is a Cubic Meter (m^3)?
The Cubic Meter is the standard SI (metric) unit of volume. It is used globally for science, engineering, and freight.
- Definition: The volume of a cube with edges that are exactly one meter in length.
“Ton” Confusion in Shipping: Weight vs. Volume
When dealing with shipping calculations, it is critical to know which “Ton” you are working with. Using the wrong one can lead to massive errors in load planning or billing.
| Unit Name | Type | Definition |
| Register Ton | Volume | 100 Cubic Feet (approx 2.83 $m^3$). Used for vessel capacity. |
| Measurement Ton (Freight Ton) | Volume | 40 Cubic Feet (approx 1.13 $m^3$). Used for cargo billing. |
| Metric Tonne | Weight | 1,000 Kilograms. Used for deadweight and cargo mass. |
| Displacement Ton | Weight | 35 Cubic Feet of seawater (approx 1 long ton). Used for naval vessel weight. |
Key Takeaway: If you are converting Cubic Meters, you are dealing with space. Ensure your target unit is Register Tons (for vessel internal space) or Freight Tons (for cargo billing), and not a weight-based ton.
FAQs
Q1. Is a Register Ton the same as a Metric Ton?
A: No. A Metric Ton measures weight (mass), whereas a Register Ton measures volume (space). You cannot directly convert them without knowing the density of the material, but for ship capacity, they are fundamentally different concepts.
Q2. Why is it called a “Register” Ton?
A: The name comes from the practice of registering a ship’s capacity with maritime authorities. Port dues and taxes were traditionally calculated based on the “Registered” volume of the ship, which was measured in these 100-cubic-foot units.
Q3. How many Cubic Meters are in 1 Register Ton?
A: There are approximately 2.83168 cubic meters in one Register Ton.
Q4. When should I use Gross Tonnage (GT) vs. Register Tons?
A: Gross Tonnage (GT) is a unitless index used for modern regulatory purposes (SOLAS conventions). Register Tons (GRT/NRT) are older physical volume measurements. While GT is the modern standard, you may need Register Tons when dealing with older ships, specific canal tolls, or historical maritime data conversion.
Sources: UnitConverters.net, Omni Calculator, Conversion.org, OneConverter, Convert-Me, Tradukka, SmartConversion.