Ctrl+k

Convert metric length units

Metric length conversion involves interpreting millimeters, centimeters, meters, and kilometers as equivalent units related by powers of ten, and using those relationships to express a given length in a different unit. Quantities may be represented with whole numbers, decimals, or simple fractions; converting to a smaller unit increases the numerical value, while converting to a larger unit decreases it, preserving the measured length. More complex unit systems and advanced dimensional analysis are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Convert metric length units

Metric length units are related by powers of (10)(10):

1 m=100 cm,1 cm=10 mm,1 km=1,000 m1\text{ m}=100\text{ cm}, \qquad 1\text{ cm}=10\text{ mm}, \qquad 1\text{ km}=1{,}000\text{ m}

When converting to a smaller unit, multiply, so the number gets larger. When converting to a larger unit, divide, so the number gets smaller.

Example: Convert (2.4)(2.4) meters to centimeters.

  1. Meters are larger than centimeters, so the number will increase.
  2. Since (1 m=100 cm)(1\text{ m}=100\text{ cm}), multiply by (100)(100):
2.4 m×100=240 cm2.4\text{ m}\times 100=240\text{ cm}
  1. Therefore,
2.4 m=240 cm\boxed{2.4\text{ m}=240\text{ cm}}

Moving from meters to centimeters shifts the decimal point two places to the right because there are (100)(100) centimeters in one meter.

Learn by doing: Convert metric length units

Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill

    Practice with unlimited practice problems

    Measurement Conversion - Metric Length Units (Common) with Decimals

      ?