Master unit conversions with step-by-step guides, practice problems, and study aids. Perfect for physics, chemistry, and math students at all levels.
Everything you need to master unit conversions for your science and math classes
The foundation of unit conversion
Learn the systematic approach to converting units using conversion factors and unit cancellation.
Master the international standard
Understand metric prefixes, base units, and how to convert within the metric system.
Essential conversions for students
Focus on the most important conversions you'll encounter in science classes.
Test your understanding
Work through guided practice problems with step-by-step solutions.
The systematic approach to unit conversion that works every time
Write down what you have and what you want
Look up the relationship between units
Arrange so unwanted units cancel
Do the math and verify your answer
Given: 5 meters
Want: feet
Conversion factor: 1 meter = 3.28084 feet
Answer: 16.4042 feet
Learn the logical system used by scientists worldwide
"King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk"
| Prefix | Symbol | Value | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| kilo | k | 1,000 (10³) | 1 km = 1,000 m |
| hecto | h | 100 (10²) | 1 hm = 100 m |
| deka | da | 10 (10¹) | 1 dam = 10 m |
| base unit | - | 1 (10⁰) | 1 m = 1 m |
| deci | d | 0.1 (10⁻¹) | 1 dm = 0.1 m |
| centi | c | 0.01 (10⁻²) | 1 cm = 0.01 m |
| milli | m | 0.001 (10⁻³) | 1 mm = 0.001 m |
The most important conversions you'll need for science classes
| 1 meter | = 3.28084 feet |
| 1 meter | = 39.3701 inches |
| 1 kilometer | = 0.621371 miles |
| 1 inch | = 2.54 cm (exact) |
| 1 foot | = 30.48 cm (exact) |
| 1 kilogram | = 2.20462 pounds |
| 1 gram | = 0.035274 ounces |
| 1 pound | = 453.592 grams |
| 1 ounce | = 28.3495 grams |
| 1 pound | = 16 ounces (exact) |
| °C to °F | = (°C × 9/5) + 32 |
| °F to °C | = (°F - 32) × 5/9 |
| °C to K | = °C + 273.15 |
| Water freezes | = 0°C = 32°F |
| Water boils | = 100°C = 212°F |
| 1 liter | = 0.264172 gallons |
| 1 liter | = 4.22675 cups |
| 1 gallon | = 3.78541 liters |
| 1 cup | = 236.588 mL |
| 1 tablespoon | = 14.7868 mL |
Test your skills with these guided practice problems
Problem: Convert 150 centimeters to meters.
Given: 150 cm
Find: meters
Answer: 1.5 meters
Problem: Convert 25°C to Fahrenheit.
Given: 25°C
Find: °F
Answer: 77°F
Problem: A car travels 60 miles per hour. What is this speed in meters per second?
Given: 60 mph
Find: m/s
Answer: 26.82 m/s
Problem: A recipe calls for 2 cups of flour. How many grams is this? (1 cup flour ≈ 120 grams)
Given: 2 cups flour
Find: grams
Answer: 240 grams
Proven strategies to master unit conversions
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