Long Hundredweights (UK)
Abbreviation/Symbol:
cwt
Worldwide use:
Long hundredweights (UK) are a unit of measurement that is primarily used in the United Kingdom. However, their use is not limited to this region alone. In fact, long hundredweights are still used in various parts of the world, particularly in countries that were once part of the British Empire or had historical ties to the UK.
Definition:
Also known as the "imperial hundredweight", Long hundredweights (UK) is denoted by the symbol "cwt." The long hundredweight is equivalent to 112 pounds or approximately 50.8023 kilograms. This unit is primarily used in industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation, where large quantities of goods need to be weighed.
Origin:
The origin of the long hundredweight, also known as the British hundredweight, can be traced back to medieval England. In the 14th century, King Edward III standardized the measurement of goods for trade purposes. At that time, the hundredweight was defined as 112 pounds, which was equivalent to eight stone or 56 pounds per stone. The long hundredweight was primarily used in the United Kingdom for measuring heavy goods such as coal, grain, and livestock. It was widely adopted in trade and commerce, particularly in industries like agriculture and mining. The long hundredweight remained in use in the UK until the country transitioned to the metric system in the 1970s.
Usage context:
Long hundredweights (UK) are a unit of measurement primarily used in the United Kingdom for trade and commerce purposes. This unit is commonly employed in industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. Long hundredweights are particularly useful when dealing with heavy goods or bulk materials, as they provide a standardized way to quantify and compare weights.
In the agricultural sector, long hundredweights are often used to measure crops, livestock, and other agricultural products. Farmers and traders rely on this unit to determine the weight of grains, fruits, vegetables, and animal feed. Similarly, in the manufacturing industry, long hundredweights are utilized to measure raw materials, such as metals, chemicals, and textiles. This allows manufacturers to accurately calculate production costs and manage inventory.