As a science student, you might know that physical quantities are often measured in metric units. However, in many problems, you have to convert between these units to get the right answer. But it is also a fact that many learners struggle to perform conversions, leading them to do wrong calculations.
Taking students' problems into account, we have crafted this guide that encompasses the 10 most common unit conversions. So, if you also need help converting units, make sure you read this article until the end. Ready to get started? Let’s roll.
While solving math problems related to length or distance, you often have to convert between inches and centimeters. It is a simple conversion that uses the following formula:
1 inch = 2.54cm
1 cm = 0.3937 inches
Converting inch to cm requires you to multiply the number of inches by 2.54. The same rule applies to cm-to-inch conversion.
The square feet and square meters are both units of area that are denoted as f2 and m2 respectively. The conversion between these units demands you apply the formulas mentioned below.
1f2 = 0.092903 m2
1m2 = 10.7639f2
By performing basic division and multiplication, you can convert square feet to square meters and vice versa.
Celcius and Kelvin are usually used in physics and chemistry to measure temperature. The value of Celsius can be changed to Kelvin by putting the values into the following formula.
Celsius = Kelvin - 273.15
It is one of the simplest conversions, but it is still a challenge for many students.
Another conversion that learners usually have to perform is pound (lb) to kilogram (kg). To convert between Kg and lb, you must remember the relation between them, which is written below.
1 lb = 0.453592 kg
The formula clearly shows that a pound is even less than half of a kilogram.
Since the distance can be given in both miles and meters, students often have to convert between these units. Again, a simple formula is involved in this conversion, that is:
1 mile = 1609.34 meters
It indicates that you have to multiply the miles by 1609.34 to get the value in meters.
Grams and ounces are often used in different science problems where weight is involved. To convert from grams to ounces, it is necessary to comprehend the relation between both units. Here is how they relate to each other:
1 gram = 0.035274 ounces
This relation states that you can easily get the value of ounces by multiplying the given grams by 0.035274.
The metric unit for temperature Celcius is sometimes required in Fahrenheit. Mostly, you need to convert it into chemistry’s numerical. Just like Celcius to Kelvin, Fahrenheit to Celcius is also dependent on a mathematical expression.
Fahrenheit = (Celsius - 32) × 5/9
So, just put the temperature value in Celsius in the above formula.
One of the simplest conversions between the metric units of weight is kilograms to grams. Since,
1 kg = 1000 grams
You just have to multiply the number in kg by 1000 to get the gram value. On the other hand, dividing the kg value by 1000 provides you with the weight in grams. These conversions may become complicated when large numbers are involved.
When you deal with the measurement of fluids, the conversion between liter and mililter is common. To convert one of these units to another, you have to first understand how both relate to each other. The following expression clearly states their relationship:
1 Liter = 1000 Mililters
By inputting the given values in the above formula, you can convert liter to milliliter.
Another commonly used conversion used to solve problems related to short length is meter to centimeter. Just like Kg-to-grams and L-to-Ml, the relation between m and cm is simple, as shown below.
1 m = 100 cm
Let's say you have a 2-meter-long rod; then its length in centimeters will be 200.
Memorizing the metric conversion chart is crucial to easily convert between different metric units. These charts help you remember the relationship between various units of the same physical quantity. With all the formulas at your fingertips, you can quickly perform all metric conversions.
So, you must try to memorize metric conversion charts. You can find them in the relevant chapters in your books and also on the Internet. Once you have a chart in your hands, start memorizing basic conversions and gradually expanding your knowledge to complex ones.
Practice brings perfection to your unit conversions. When you dedicate sufficient time to learning and practicing conversions daily, converting between units becomes fun for you. When you practically apply the conversion formulas regularly, it enables you to recall those relationships quickly when solving problems.
Therefore, you must set aside a particular time each day to practice a variety of conversions. Just like memorizing metric charts, you should focus on mastering simpler conversions first, and then you can go for complex ones.
One of the quickest and easiest ways to convert between metric units is to use an online conversion calculator. They not only eliminate the need for manual calculations but also bring accuracy to your conversions, leading to precise results.
A diverse metric conversion calculator covers a wide range of categories, from length and weight to volume and temperature. You just have to select the respective units and enter the given values. The calculator itself applies the relevant formula and instantly converts the units.
After going through this article, we hope that you have become familiar with the 10 most common conversions. Also, we expect that you have learned the methods to solve these conversions easily. If you implement your suggestions, we believe that converting between units will not remain a problem for you.
