Convert Metric Unit Measurement
Related Pages
Metric Unit Measurements
More Lessons for Grade 6 Math
Math Worksheets
These lessons, with videos, examples, solutions and worksheets, help Grade 6 students learn about metric unit measurement and conversion.
Metric System
The metric system is a decimal system of measurement based on powers of 10, which makes conversions between units straightforward.
Metric Prefixes
Metric prefixes are used to denote multiples or submultiples of these base units by powers of 10.
The following diagram shows the metric unit prefixes and the mnemonics to help you remember them. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions on the metric system units.
Measurement Worksheets
Practice your skills with the following worksheets:
Printable & Online Measurement Worksheets
| Free Measurement Games Online | |
|---|---|
| Metric Conversion | Customary Measurement Conversion |
Conversion Rules
To convert between metric units, you either multiply or divide by powers of 10.
- Larger to Smaller Unit: Multiply by the appropriate power of 10. (Move the decimal point to the right).
- Smaller to Larger Unit: Divide by the appropriate power of 10. (Move the decimal point to the left).
Example Conversions:
- Convert 5 meters to centimeters:
Meters to centimeters is larger to smaller, and the factor is 102 (100).
5m × 100 = 500cm - Convert 2500 grams to kilograms:
Grams to kilograms is smaller to larger, and the factor is 103 (1000).
2500g ÷ 1000 = 2.5kg - Convert 0.75 liters to milliliters:
Liters to milliliters is larger to smaller, and the factor is 103 (1000).
0.75L × 1000 = 750mL - Convert 35 millimeters to meters:
Millimeters to meters is smaller to larger, and the factor is 103 (1000).
35mm ÷ 1000 = 0.035m
Understanding the prefixes and their corresponding powers of 10 is crucial for accurate metric conversions. You can often visualize a “metric staircase” or a table to help you move between units. Remember the mnemonic “King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk” (Kilo, Hecto, Deca, Base, Deci, Centi, Milli) to recall the order of some common prefixes.
The Metric System & Conversions
Introduction to the Metric System
Easy Metric Conversions
Help with your metric conversions
Metric Conversions - King Henry Method
Metric conversions - shortcut method
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