Measurements
Systems of Measurement
Most of the world now uses the metric system of measurement. In the UK metric measurements have been taught in schools since the early 1970’s; however imperial measurements are still used in some cases. We therefore have to know how to convert between metric and imperial measurements.
The Metric system
The metric system has almost universally been adopted as it is much easier to calculate accurately as all metric measurements are based on units of 10.
Milli – means one thousandth (or 1/1000)
Centi means one hundredth (or 1/100)
Kilo means one thousand (1,000)
Metric Measurements
Length is typically measured in:
Centimetre (cm) = 10mm
Metre (m) = 100cm
Kilometre (km) = 1,000m
Mass is measured in:
Kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams
Tonne = 1,000kg
Volume is measured in:
Litre = 1,000ml
1,000 litres = 1m3
Imperial Measurements
Length is measured in:
1 foot = 12inches
1 yard = 3 feet
1 mile = 1760 yards
Mass is measured in:
1 pound = 16 ounces
1 stone = 14 pounds
1 ton = 160 stones
Volume is measured in:
1 gallon = 8 pints
Converting Metric and Imperial Units
As some imperial units are still in use today you do need to know how to convert them to metric and vice versa. The conversion rates below have been rounded to 2 decimal points.
Kilometres and Miles:
Miles to km - Multiply by 1.61
km to Miles - Multiply by 0.62
Kilograms and Pounds:
kg to Pounds - Multiply by 2.20
Pounds to kg - Multiply by 0.45
Litres and Gallons:
Litres to Gallons - Multiply by 0.22
Gallons to Litres - Multiply by 4.55
Metres and Centimetres to feet and inches:
Inch to cm - Multiply by 2.54
cm to Inch - Multiply by 0.39
