Metric Unit Measurement

What is the metric system?
The metric system is a decimal system of measurement based on powers of 10, which makes conversions between units very straightforward. It’s designed to be logical and easy to use.

The metric system (International System of Units, SI) uses a set of prefixes to denote multiples and submultiples of its base units (like meter, gram, liter, second, etc.). These prefixes are powers of 10, meaning each prefix is 10 times larger or smaller than the next.

The following diagram shows the prefixes used for the metric system and how to remember them. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions on how to convert between the metric units.

 

Measurement Worksheets
Practice your skills with the following worksheets:
Printable & Online Measurement Worksheets

Conversion Shortcut: The Ladder Method
Imagine these as steps on a ladder or a number line.
Kilo (10³)
Hecto (10²)
Deka (10¹)
Base unit (meter, gram, liter) (10⁰ or 1)
Deci (10⁻¹)
Centi (10⁻²)
Milli (10⁻³)

How to Convert:

1. Identify your starting unit and your target unit.
2. Locate both units on your “ladder” or list of prefixes.
3. Count the number of “steps” (or decimal places) between the two units.
4. Determine the direction:
   Moving to a smaller unit: Multiply by powers of 10 (move the decimal point to the right).
   Moving to a larger unit: Divide by powers of 10 (move the decimal point to the left).
   

Examples:

1. Converting from a Larger Unit to a Smaller Unit (Multiply / Move Decimal Right)
   a) Convert 2.5 meters (m) to centimeters (cm):
   From “meter” (Base) to “centimeter” is 2 steps to the right.
   So, move the decimal 2 places to the right.
   2.5 m = 250 cm
   
   b) Convert 0.4 kilograms (kg) to grams (g):
   From “kilo” to “gram” (Base) is 3 steps to the right.
   So, move the decimal 3 places to the right.
   0.4 kg = 400 g
   
   c) Convert 1.2 kilometers (km) to millimeters (mm):
   From “kilo” to “milli” is 6 steps to the right (3 to base, then 3 more to milli).
   So, move the decimal 6 places to the right.
   1.2 km = 1,200,000 mm
   

2. Converting from a Smaller Unit to a Larger Unit (Divide / Move Decimal Left)
   a) Convert 750 milliliters (ml) to liters (L):
   From “milli” to “liter” (Base) is 3 steps to the left.
   So, move the decimal 3 places to the left.
   750 ml = 0.750 L
   
   b) Convert 34.5 centimeters (cm) to meters (m):
   From “centi” to “meter” (Base) is 2 steps to the left.
   So, move the decimal 2 places to the left.
   34.5 cm = 0.345 m
   
   c) Convert 89,000 grams (g) to metric tons (t):
   This one uses “tonne” (metric ton), which is equal to 1000 kg.
   First, convert grams to kilograms: From “gram” (Base) to “kilo” is 3 steps to the left.
   89,000 g = 89.000 kg = 89 kg
   Now, convert kilograms to metric tons: 1 metric ton = 1000 kg. So, divide by 1000 (move decimal 3 places left).
   89 kg = 0.089 t
   

Videos

Introduction to the Metric System This video gives and introduction to the Metric System.

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Converting distance measurements
mm, cm, m, km.
How to convert between these.

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The process used to convert between the various metric units of measure.
It includes two examples.

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Converting Between Metric Units
This video covers the process for converting between metric units of measure. It includes 4 examples.

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Metric Unit Conversions
Students learn that in the metric system, all measures of length are based on meters.

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