Conversions
Converting American to Metric Units (and vice versa):
Because we measure devices using different units than the rest of the world, it is sometimes necessary to transfer our numbers into metric units. In addition, it may be necessary to transfer a metric unit into an American unit. In order to do this, we will need conversion factors.
Common Conversion Factors (American and Metric)
Because we measure devices using different units than the rest of the world, it is sometimes necessary to transfer our numbers into metric units. In addition, it may be necessary to transfer a metric unit into an American unit. In order to do this, we will need conversion factors.
Common Conversion Factors (American and Metric)
American Unit
1 mile 1.09 yards 1 inch 2.2 pounds 1 gallon 1 cubic centimeter |
= = = = = = |
Metric Equivalent
1.61 kilometer 1 meter 2.54 centimeter 1 kilogram 3.78 liter 1 milliliter |
As you can see, there is no pattern between the American unit and its closest Metric unit counterpart. In some cases, the American unit measures a greater amount than the Metric unit (a mile is longer than a kilometer), but in other cases it is opposite (a kilogram weighs more than a pound). For our purposes, we need a method to change from one unit to another. Commonly called dimensional analysis, the following procedure allows a person to change from one measurement unit to another.
Example: What is the metric mass equivalent to 152 lb?
To change from one unit to another, follow the following steps:
1) Write down what you start with. (newest step in red) 152 lb
Example: What is the metric mass equivalent to 152 lb?
To change from one unit to another, follow the following steps:
1) Write down what you start with. (newest step in red) 152 lb
For some problems, the conversions above are not completely sufficient. There are many more units than those above, and you may be expected to perform conversions that are more intensive. For this, it will be necessary to have a few more conversions to interchange in:
Mass:
1 ton = 2000 lb = 907.2 kg 1 lb = 16 oz = 0.454 kg 1 oz = 28.35 g Length: 1 mile = 8 furlong = 1.61 km 1 furlong = 10 chain 1 chain = 22 yd 1 yd = 3 ft = 0.914 m 1 ft = 12 in 1 in = 2.54 cm |
Volume:
1 barrel = 5.2 bushel 1 bushel = 8 gal 1 gal = 4 qt = 3.78 L 1 qt = 2 pt = 0.946 L 1 pt = 2 cup 1 cup = 8 fl.oz. 1 fl.oz. = 29.57 mL 1 ml = 1 cm3 |