Coil Price per kg vs per Tonne vs per lb — How to Compare Quotes Correctly

One supplier quotes:

$0.82 per lb

Another quotes:

$1,800 per metric tonne

A third quotes:

$1.75 per kg delivered

Which one is cheaper?

Without converting to the same unit and the same delivery basis, you cannot compare correctly.

This page explains:

• How to convert price units

• How to normalize quotes

• Hidden differences in trade terms

• How freight changes real cost

• Common buyer mistakes

Incorrect unit comparison can wipe out your profit margin.

1. The Three Common Pricing Units

Globally, steel coil is priced as:

• Per kilogram (kg)

• Per metric tonne (1,000 kg)

• Per pound (lb)

Each region prefers different unit systems.

To compare quotes, everything must be converted to the same base.

2. Conversion Factors You Must Know

Weight Conversions

• 1 metric tonne = 1,000 kg
• 1 kg = 2.20462 lb
• 1 lb = 0.453592 kg

1 US short ton = 2,000 lb
1 UK long ton = 2,240 lb

Never compare “per ton” without defining which ton.

3. Convert Everything to One Base Unit

Professional buyers convert all quotes to:

Price per kg

Why?

Because kg is globally standardized.

Once everything is per kg, comparisons are clear.

4. Example Comparison

Supplier A:
$0.82 per lb

Convert to kg:

0.82 ÷ 0.453592 ≈ $1.81 per kg

Supplier B:
$1,800 per metric tonne

Convert to kg:

1,800 ÷ 1,000 = $1.80 per kg

Supplier C:
$1.75 per kg

Now you can compare:

• A ≈ $1.81/kg
• B = $1.80/kg
• C = $1.75/kg

Supplier C is cheapest — before freight comparison.

5. The Ton Trap

If a quote says:

$1,800 per ton

You must clarify:

• Metric tonne?
• US short ton?
• UK long ton?

If it’s US short ton:

1,800 ÷ 907 kg ≈ $1.98 per kg

If metric tonne:

1,800 ÷ 1,000 = $1.80 per kg

That’s a major difference.

Never assume.

6. Trade Terms Matter More Than Unit

Price comparison must also consider:

• EXW
• FOB
• CIF
• DDP

Example:

Supplier A:
$1.75/kg EXW

Supplier B:
$1.82/kg CIF

Freight difference may change real cost.

Always compare delivered price to your factory.

7. Coating & Grade Must Match

You cannot compare:

• Z100 vs Z275
• Commercial grade vs structural grade
• Bare steel vs prepainted

Even if unit price appears lower.

Specification must be identical before price comparison.

8. Hidden Add-Ons in Coil Quotes

Some quotes include:

• Zinc surcharge

• Paint surcharge

• Slitting fee

• Packaging fee

• Pallet fee

• Export documentation

Others do not.

You must ask:

Is this all-inclusive?

Hidden charges distort comparison.

9. Currency Conversion Risk

If one quote is:

€1.65/kg

And another is:

$1.75/kg

Exchange rate movement may affect final cost.

Convert to your operating currency before comparing.

10. Freight Per Tonne vs Per Container

Freight may be quoted:

• Per tonne
• Per container
• Flat rate

A cheaper per-tonne coil may become more expensive after freight.

Calculate:

Total landed cost per kg.

11. Example Full Comparison

Supplier A:
$1,800 per metric tonne FOB

Supplier B:
$0.82 per lb EXW

Freight from Supplier B location:
$120 per tonne

Convert Supplier B:

• $0.82/lb → $1.81/kg
• Add freight: $0.12/kg
• Total: $1.93/kg

• Supplier A:
• $1.80/kg FOB
• Freight to port: $0.08/kg
• Total: $1.88/kg

Supplier A cheaper in real terms.

This is why normalization matters.

12. Large Volume Negotiation Strategy

If buying:

100 tonnes/month

Even $0.02/kg difference equals:

$2,000 per month.

Small unit errors compound quickly.

Unit precision protects profit.

13. Spot vs Contract Comparison

Contract price may look slightly higher.

But if spot market spikes:

Contract may be cheaper long term.

Price per kg comparison must include:

Price stability value.

14. Slitting & Processing Considerations

If buying master coil and slitting yourself:

Lower base price may justify processing cost.

If buying slit coil:

Processing already included.

Price per kg may appear higher — but total cost may be lower.

Always compare full process cost.

15. Common Buyer Mistakes

1. Comparing per lb to per tonne without conversion

2. Not clarifying ton type

3. Ignoring freight

4. Ignoring coating difference

5. Comparing different grades

6. Not converting currency

7. Forgetting zinc surcharge

Most price comparison errors are unit-based.

16. Professional Comparison Checklist

When comparing quotes:

• Convert all to price per kg
• Confirm ton definition
• Match specification
• Confirm trade term
• Add freight
• Add duty
• Add inland transport
• Convert currency
• Calculate total landed cost

Only then compare.

17. FAQ Section

Should I always convert to kg?

Yes, safest global unit.

Is tonne the same as ton?

Not necessarily.

Can small price differences matter?

Yes, at scale.

Should I compare EXW vs CIF directly?

No.

Is coating mass included in price?

Depends — confirm.

Does currency matter?

Absolutely.

Should freight be included in comparison?

Yes.

Is lb pricing common?

Mostly in USA.

Is per tonne pricing common?

Yes, globally.

What’s safest contract language?

Price per metric tonne (1,000 kg).

18. Conclusion

Comparing coil quotes without unit normalization is dangerous.

Always:

• Convert to kg
• Confirm ton definition
• Match specification
• Include freight
• Calculate landed cost

The cheapest unit price is not always the cheapest real price.

Professional buyers compare apples to apples — not numbers on paper.