Calculate and convert between units of measure

​​In a nutshell

By converting between units of measures, measurements can be presented in their most simple forms. These conversions will often involve handling decimals and units of length, mass and volume. 

Conversion rates

The conversion rates you will have to know are listed below.

​$$1km = 1000m$$​​

​$$1m = 100cm$$​

$$1cm = 10mm$$​​​

​$$1 l = 1000ml$$​​

​$$1kg=1000g$$​​

Converting between units of measures

Use conversion rates to calculate and simplify measurements into a more presentable format. 

Example 1

What is $$0.654kg$$​ in grams?

Identify the conversion rate between kilograms and grams. 

​$$1kg = 1000g$$​​

To convert kilograms to grams, multiply by $$1000$$.

$$0.654 \times 1000 = 654$$​​

Therfore,

​$$\underline{ 0.654kg = 654 \ grams.}$$

Example 2

Rewrite $$8000mm$$ in metres. ​

First, convert millimetres to centimetres using the conversion rate: 

​$$1cm =10mm$$

To convert millimetres to centimetres, divide by $$10$$.

$$8000 \div 10 = 800cm$$

​

Next, use the conversion rate for centimetres to metres.

​$$1m = 100cm$$

To convert centimetres to metres, divide by $$100$$​. 

$$800 \div 100 = 8m$$​

Therefore,

$$\underline{8000mm = 8 \ metres. }$$

Note: To convert directly from millimetres to metres, divide by $$1000$$.