Metric Conversion Chart
REFLength
Mass (Weight)
Volume
Metric System Prefixes
The metric system uses prefixes to denote multiples of base units. kilo- (k) = 1000, hecto- (h) = 100, deka- (da) = 10, deci- (d) = 0.1, centi- (c) = 0.01, milli- (m) = 0.001. To convert between units, multiply or divide by powers of 10. The metric system is used worldwide and is the standard in science. To cross into imperial units: 1 km ≈ 0.621 miles, 1 kg ≈ 2.205 lb, and 1 L ≈ 0.264 US gallons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many miles is one kilometer?
A: One kilometer is about 0.621 miles, so a 5 km run is roughly 3.1 miles.
Q: How many pounds is one kilogram?
A: One kilogram is about 2.205 pounds, and a metric ton (1,000 kg) is about 2,205 pounds.
Q: Is one liter the same as one US gallon?
A: No. One US gallon is about 3.785 liters, so one liter is roughly 0.264 US gallons.