About Measurement Conversion

While there are many different systems of measurement throughout the world, the two most common are the metric system and the United States system. As a result, when switching between the two systems, conversions must be made to account for the different units. These conversions primarily affect measurements of length, volume, weight and speed.

Why do measurements need to be converted?

Throughout the world, there are a wide variety of different measurement systems. The most commonly used system of measurement, worldwide, is the metric system. The metric system is based on certain scientific constants and usually works by breaking things into units of 10. For example, there are 10 millimeters in a centimeter, 10 centimeters in a decimeter and 10 decimeters in a meter. The United States commonly uses its own set of measuring units, called U.S. custom units, which are derived in part from the units used in Britain. In addition, there are other systems of measurement that, while less common, are used throughout the world.

Length

One of the more common areas where different units are used is in measuring length. One yard, which is a measurement from the American system, is equal to about 0.9144 meters, which is the metric unit. One mile is equal to approximately 1600 meters. One inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters, which is 0.0254 meters.

Volume

In metric units, the basic measurement of volume (used, for example, to measure liquids) is the liter. One gallon (the American unit) is equal to approximately 3.8 liters. One quart is equal to a quarter of a gallon, which makes it just less than a liter, and a pint is half of a quart. Two cups makes up a pint.

Mass

The basic measurement of mass (also known as weight) for the metric system is the gram, which can also be represented as a kilogram (1000 grams). One kilogram is also equal to 2.2 pounds, which is the American unit. The American system also has the ounce, which is 1/16 of a pound, and the ton, which is 2000 pounds.

Speed

Speed (otherwise known as velocity) measures distance traveled over a period of time. Because, in general, time is measured the same throughout the world, measurements of speed only vary based on what system one is using to measure distance. One mile per hour (also knows as mph) is roughly equal to 0.44 meters per second.