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What Is a Hundredweight (CWT)?

A hundredweight (CWT) is a unit of mass that has different standard definitions in different parts of the world. It generally refers to a measure related to one hundred units of weight, but the precise amount varies. In the United States and Canada, the hundredweight is defined as 100 pounds. This is commonly referred to as the "short hundredweight." In the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, the traditional hundredweight is defined as 112 pounds, known as the "long hundredweight." This distinction is important when dealing with trade or measurements across these regions. The CWT is used in various industries, often for pricing or shipping commodities and freight, where it provides a convenient intermediate unit of measurement between a single pound and a ton.

Definitions of Hundredweight

The hundredweight has two primary definitions, differing by region:

Standard

Definition in Pounds (lb)

Common Abbreviation

Regions of Use

Short Hundredweight

100 pounds (lb)

cwt (US)

United States, Canada

Long Hundredweight

112 pounds (lb)

cwt (UK)

United Kingdom, some Commonwealth countries

Historical Background of Hundredweight

The concept of a hundredweight has historical origins rooted in medieval trade practices. The term "hundredweight" comes from the Old French "centner" and the Latin "centenarium," both referring to a hundred. Historically, the unit of weight varied across different regions within Europe, and even within the British Isles. The "long hundredweight" of 112 pounds evolved from the traditional British system, where 14 pounds made a stone, and 8 stone (8 x 14 = 112 pounds) constituted a hundredweight. This system was linked to the measurement of specific commodities, like wool. The "short hundredweight" of 100 pounds, on the other hand, became prevalent in North America, aligning with a more decimal-based approach to measurement. The existence of these two definitions reflects the independent development of measurement standards in different economic and trading spheres.

Common Uses of Hundredweight in Various Industries

The hundredweight (CWT) continues to be used in several industries, particularly where bulk goods are transported or priced.

  • Freight and Shipping:

In the United States and Canada, freight rates for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments are often quoted per hundredweight. This allows carriers to standardise pricing for shipments that are too large for parcel services but do not fill an entire truck.

  • Commodity Trading:

Agricultural commodities such as livestock, grains, and some produce are often priced in hundredweights in North American markets. For example, cattle may be quoted at a certain dollar amount per hundredweight.

  • Metal Industries:

    In some metal markets, especially those dealing with specific types of raw or semi-finished metals, pricing can be based on the hundredweight. This can apply to transactions involving larger quantities that are still below a full ton.

  • Recycling:

    Certain recyclable materials, particularly scrap metals, may be bought or sold by the hundredweight at recycling centres.

  • Feed and Grain Industry:

    In the agricultural sector, animal feed and grains are often measured and sold using the hundredweight unit for convenience in bulk transactions.

Calculating and Converting Hundredweight

Calculating and converting hundredweight involves understanding the specific definition in use (short or long hundredweight).

From Pounds to Hundredweight:

  • To convert pounds to short hundredweight (US/Canadian), divide the total pounds by 100.

    • Example: 500 pounds div 100 = 5 short CWT

  • To convert pounds to long hundredweight (UK), divide the total pounds by 112.

    • Example: 560 pounds div 112 = 5 long CWT

From Hundredweight to Pounds:

  • To convert short hundredweight (US/Canadian) to pounds, multiply the CWT value by 100.

    • Example: 3 short CWT times 100 = 300 pounds

  • To convert long hundredweight (UK) to pounds, multiply the CWT value by 112.

    • Example: 3 long CWT times 112 = 336 pounds

Conversion to Metric (Kilograms):

  • To convert a short hundredweight to kilograms: Since 1 pound approx 0.453592 kg, a short hundredweight is approximately 100 lb times 0.453592 kg/lb = 45.3592 kg.

  • To convert a long hundredweight to kilograms: A long hundredweight is approximately 112 lb times 0.453592 kg/lb = 50.8023 kg.

Conclusion

The hundredweight (CWT) serves as a unit of mass with distinct definitions in the United States and the United Kingdom, reflecting historical measurement traditions. While the short hundredweight equals 100 pounds and the long hundredweight equals 112 pounds, both are used in specific industries for pricing and measuring bulk commodities and freight. Understanding these definitions and their application is relevant for those involved in commerce and logistics across different regions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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