Why Unit Conversion Matters

In our interconnected world, understanding unit conversions is essential for:

• International travel
• Cooking with foreign recipes
• Scientific research
• International trade
• DIY projects with imported materials

Common Conversion Systems

Metric System

Used worldwide, based on multiples of 10:

• Length: millimeter, centimeter, meter, kilometer
• Weight: gram, kilogram, ton
• Volume: milliliter, liter

Imperial System

Primarily used in the United States:

• Length: inch, foot, yard, mile
• Weight: ounce, pound, stone
• Volume: teaspoon, tablespoon, cup, pint, quart, gallon

Essential Conversions to Know

Length Conversions

• 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
• 1 foot = 30.48 centimeters
• 1 mile = 1.609 kilometers

Weight Conversions

• 1 ounce = 28.35 grams
• 1 pound = 453.59 grams
• 1 kilogram = 2.205 pounds

Volume Conversions

• 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters
• 1 tablespoon = 15 milliliters
• 1 cup = 240 milliliters
• 1 gallon = 3.785 liters

Temperature Conversions

Fahrenheit to Celsius:

°C = (°F - 32) × 5/9

Celsius to Fahrenheit:

°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32

Conversion Tips and Tricks

• For rough conversions, remember that 1 mile is about 1.6 km
• A meter is slightly longer than a yard (about 10% longer)
• A liter is slightly more than a quart (about 5% more)
• 30°C is approximately 86°F (a hot day)
• 0°C is 32°F (freezing point of water)