hundredweight definition

A hundredweight (cwt) is a traditional unit of weight used primarily in the United Kingdom and the United States. In the UK, one hundredweight equals 112 pounds (approximately 50.8 kg), while in the US, it is defined as 100 pounds (about 45.36 kg). This measurement is commonly used in industries such as agriculture and shipping to quantify bulk goods and commodities. Understanding the hundredweight is essential for interpreting historical weights and modern trade practices where this unit is still in use.