How to Convert Imperial to Metric With a Calculator

There are two prevailing units of measurement in the world, and they are the Imperial system and the metric system. The Imperial system measures in inches, feet and yards, while the metric system works in millimeters, centimeters and meters. If you need to convert something from the Imperial system to the metric system, using a calculator helps substantially in the process. The key is to know the conversion rates between the two systems, then the task is as straightforward as multiplication.

Instructions

Inches to Centimeters

1. Enter the number on the calculator for your Imperial unit of measure. For example, 20 inches.

2. Press the "X" key for multiplication.

3. Enter 2.54, which is how many centimeters are in an inch, and then press the "=" sign. For example, 20 inches X 2.54 centimeters = 50.8 centimeters.

Feet to Meters

1. Enter the number on the calculator for your Imperial unit of measure. For example, 20 feet.

2. Press the "X" key for multiplication.

3. Enter 0.3048, which is how many meters are in a foot, and then press the "=" sign. For example, 20 feet X 0.3048 meters = 6.096 meters.

Yards to Meters

1. Enter the number on the calculator for your Imperial unit of measure. For example, 20 yards.

2. Press the "X" key for multiplication.

3. Enter 0.9144, which is how many meters are in a yard, and then press the "=" sign. For example, 20 feet X 0.9144 meters = 18.288 meters.

Miles to Kilometers

1. Enter the number on the calculator for your Imperial unit of measure. For example, 20 miles.

2. Press the "X" key for multiplication.

3. Enter 1.6093, which is how many kilometers are in a mile, and then press the "=" sign. For example, 20 feet X 1.6093 kilometers = 32.186 kilometers.

References

• Math is Fun: How to Convert Imperial to Metric
• The Tips Bank: Conversion Factors -- Metric to Imperial -- and Imperial to Metric