Unit Converter
Convert between units of length, weight, temperature, volume, and more. Fast, accurate, and free.
Common Length Conversions
Quick Answer
Select a category, enter your value, and choose the units to convert between. The conversion happens instantly. Use the swap button to reverse the conversion direction. Supports 10 categories with over 80 different units.
Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian
15+ years experience
PhD from Yale University. Published mathematical historian ensuring precision in all calculations.
Education
PhD in Mathematical History - Yale University
Table of Contents
How to Use the Unit Converter
Our unit converter makes it easy to convert between different units of measurement:
- Select Category: Choose the type of measurement (length, weight, etc.)
- Enter Value: Type the number you want to convert
- Choose From Unit: Select the unit you're converting from
- Choose To Unit: Select the unit you want to convert to
- View Result: The converted value appears automatically
Use the swap button to quickly reverse the conversion direction.
Metric vs Imperial Systems
Metric System (SI)
The International System of Units, used by most countries worldwide. Based on powers of 10, making conversions simple.
- Length: meter (m)
- Mass: kilogram (kg)
- Temperature: Celsius (°C)
- Volume: liter (L)
Imperial/US System
Used primarily in the United States and for some applications in the UK. Based on historical measurements.
- Length: foot, inch, mile
- Mass: pound, ounce
- Temperature: Fahrenheit (°F)
- Volume: gallon, quart, pint
Common Conversion Formulas
Length
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm
- 1 foot = 0.3048 m
- 1 mile = 1.609 km
- 1 meter = 3.281 feet
Weight
- 1 pound = 0.454 kg
- 1 ounce = 28.35 g
- 1 kg = 2.205 pounds
- 1 stone = 6.35 kg
Temperature
- °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
- °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9
- K = °C + 273.15
Unit Conversion Tips
- Memorize key conversions: 1 inch ≈ 2.5 cm, 1 kg ≈ 2.2 lbs, 1 mile ≈ 1.6 km
- Use benchmarks: Know that 0°C = 32°F and 100°C = 212°F for temperature
- Check reasonableness: Verify your conversion makes sense (e.g., kg should be less than lbs for the same mass)
- Round appropriately: Don't report more precision than your original measurement
- Watch prefixes: Metric prefixes like kilo (1000), centi (0.01), milli (0.001) are consistent
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert meters to feet?
To convert meters to feet, multiply the number of meters by 3.28084. For example, 10 meters = 10 × 3.28084 = 32.8084 feet. Our converter does this calculation automatically.
What is the difference between metric and imperial units?
Metric units (meters, kilograms, liters) are based on powers of 10 and used worldwide. Imperial units (feet, pounds, gallons) are used primarily in the US and UK. Our converter supports both systems.
How do I convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 9/5 and add 32. The formula is: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32. For example, 20°C = (20 × 9/5) + 32 = 68°F.
What is a kilogram in pounds?
One kilogram equals approximately 2.20462 pounds. To convert kilograms to pounds, multiply the number of kilograms by 2.20462.
Why are there different gallon sizes?
The US gallon (3.785 liters) and Imperial gallon (4.546 liters) are different sizes. This converter uses US gallons by default. Always check which system is being used when working with international recipes or fuel economy.
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Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian | PhD from Yale
Dr. Lawrence is a published mathematical historian with a PhD from Yale University. She ensures mathematical precision and accuracy in all our calculations, conversions, and academic score calculators. Her expertise spans computational mathematics and educational assessment.
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