Metric conversion
01 // Why metric is easy to convert
The metric system is built entirely around powers of ten, so converting between units is a matter of moving a decimal point rather than multiplying by an odd number like 12 or 5,280. Every prefix — kilo, centi, milli — means a fixed power of ten relative to the base unit (meter, gram, or liter).
The order of the common prefixes, from largest to smallest, is: kilo (1,000×), base unit, centi (1/100), milli (1/1,000). Each step between neighboring prefixes on that scale moves the decimal point the same number of places.
02 // Common prefixes
| Prefix | Symbol | Multiplier | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kilo | k | × 1,000 | 1 km = 1,000 m |
| (base unit) | m / g / L | × 1 | 1 m, 1 g, 1 L |
| Centi | c | × 0.01 | 1 m = 100 cm |
| Milli | m | × 0.001 | 1 L = 1,000 mL |
03 // Worked example
Convert 2,450 milliliters to liters.
| Starting value | 2,450 mL |
| Conversion factor | 1,000 mL = 1 L |
Formula value in mL ÷ 1,000 = value in L
04 // Questions people ask
How do you convert from a smaller metric unit to a larger one?
Divide by the conversion factor between the two units (for example, divide by 1,000 to go from milliliters to liters), which is the same as moving the decimal point to the left.
How do you convert from a larger metric unit to a smaller one?
Multiply by the conversion factor (for example, multiply by 1,000 to go from liters to milliliters), which is the same as moving the decimal point to the right.
Are milliliters and cubic centimeters the same?
Yes. 1 milliliter (mL) is defined as exactly the same volume as 1 cubic centimeter (cm³), so the two units can be used interchangeably in a density calculation.