Metric and Imperial Conversion Formula Tables
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2017/12/20 - Updated: 2024/10/21
Publication Type: Conversion, Calculation
Topic: Medical Calculators and Charts - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Handy conversion tables show you the formulas to convert from metric system measurements to the imperial system and visa versa allowing you to do your own calculations for the conversion you need. The metric system is a decimalised system of measurement in the sense that all multiples and sub-multiples of the base units are factors of powers of ten of the unit.
Introduction
Our handy conversion tables show you the formulas to convert from metric system measurements to the imperial system and visa versa allowing you to do your own calculations for the conversion you need.
Main Item
Metric System
The metric system is a decimalised system of measurement in the sense that all multiples and sub-multiples of the base units are factors of powers of ten of the unit. Fractions of a decimal unit are rarely used.
The metric system, and metre was first fully described by Englishman John Wilkins in 1668 in a treatise presented to the Royal Society some 120 years before the French adopted the system. It is believed that the system was transmitted to France from England via the likes of Benjamin Franklin. In the U.S. Americans frequently spell 'metre' as 'meter', and 'litre' as 'liter'; however 'metre' and 'litre' are the official BIPM names for these units.
Imperial System
Imperial units are the measurement units that were historically used in the British Commonwealth countries. They were very similar, but not identical, to the units that are still predominantly used in the United States. Some of the differences are:
- 1 U.S. fluid ounce = 1.041 British fluid ounces
- 1 British fluid ounce = 0.961 U.S. fluid ounce
- 1 U.S. gallon = 0.833 British Imperial gallon
- 1 British Imperial gallon = 1.201 U.S. gallons
Our handy conversion tables below show you the formulas to convert from metric system measurements to the imperial system and visa versa allowing you to do your own calculations for the conversion you need. Measurement conversions include weight, mass, length, volume, and temperature.
| Metric to Imperial Conversion Chart | ||
|---|---|---|
| Convert | To | Multiply by |
| Kilometers | Miles | 0.62 |
| Kilometers | Feet | 3280.8 |
| Meters | Feet | 3.28 |
| Centimeters | Inches | 0.39 |
| Millimeters | Inches | 0.039 |
| Liters | Quarts | 1.057 |
| Liters | Gallons | 0.264 |
| Milliliters | Cups | 0.0042 |
| Milliliters | Ounces | 0.0338 |
| Celsius | Fahrenheit | °C x 9/5 + 32 = °F |
| Kilogram | Tons | 0.0011 |
| Kilogram | Pounds | 2.2046 |
| Grams | Ounces | 0.035 |
| Grams | Pounds | 0.002205 |
| Milligrams | Ounces | 0.000035 |
| Imperial to Metric Conversion Chart | ||
|---|---|---|
| Convert | To | Multiply by |
| Fahrenheit | Celsius | (°F - 32) x 5/9 = °C |
| Inches | Meters | 0.0254 |
| Inches | Centimeters | 2.54 |
| Inches | Millimeters | 25.40 |
| Feet | Meters | 0.30 |
| Yards | Meters | 0.91 |
| Yards | Kilometers | 0.00091 |
| Miles | Kilometers | 1.61 |
| Ounces | Milliliters | 29.57 |
| Cups | Milliliters | 236.6 |
| Quarts | Liters | 0.95 |
| Gallons | Liters | 3.785 |
| Ounces | Milligrams | 28350 |
| Ounces | Grams | 28.35 |
| Pounds | Kilograms | 0.454 |
| Tons | Kilograms | 907.18 |
| Convert Length: Inch, Foot, Yard |
|---|
|
| Convert Imperial to Metric Area: Inches, Feet, Acres |
|
| Distance: Miles |
|
| Volume: Liter |
|
| Convert Imperial to Metric Speed: MPH |
|
| Temperature: Fahrenheit |
|
| Volume: Cup, Pint, Quart, Gallon |
|
| Weight: Gram, Dram, Kilogram |
|
| Weight: Ounces, Pounds, Tons |
|
| Distance: Kilometers |
|
| Length: Centimeter, Meter |
|
| Convert Metric to Imperial Speed: KPH |
|
| Temperature: Celsius |
|
| Convert Metric to Imperial Area: Centimeters, Hectares |
|
Hard and Soft Measurement Conversions
Hard Conversions
A hard conversion (adaptive conversion) may not be exactly equivalent. A hard conversion changes the measurement to numbers and units in the new system that are easier to work with. Nominal values are sometimes allowed and used, and a hard conversion sometimes involves a slightly different substitution configuration, or measurement, of the item in question.
Soft Conversions
Some conversion measurements from a system of units to another needs to be exact - this means there is no increasing - or decreasing - the precision of the first measurement unit. This is called soft conversion. Soft conversion does not involve changing the actual physical configuration of the thing that is being measured.
Related Information
- Grams and Ounces to Teaspoon Conversion Chart: Conversion chart provides a quick reference for converting between grams, teaspoons, and ounces for various common ingredients.
- Imperial Measurements : Imperial measurement charts and definitions of measuring terms used in the Imperial system.
- Metric Measurements : Handy metric measurement tables and conversions including area length and weight mass.
- Convert Pounds - Kilograms - Stones Calculator and Conversion Chart : Convert between all combinations of Pounds, Kilograms, and Stones.
- Cooking Measurement Charts and Tables : Handy cooking measurements conversion references in chart form including bar drink measurements and oven temperature gas mark numbers.
Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.