Unit Converter: Convert Between Metric and Imperial Units

Our Unit Converter provides accurate conversions between metric and imperial units for length, weight, and volume. Whether you're working on international projects, cooking with recipes from different countries, studying science, or simply need to convert measurements, this tool delivers precise results instantly.

What This Calculator Does

The Unit Converter handles conversions across three main categories:

• Length: Convert between meters, kilometers, centimeters, millimeters, feet, inches, yards, and miles.
• Weight: Convert between kilograms, grams, pounds, ounces, tons, and metric tons.
• Volume: Convert between liters, milliliters, gallons, quarts, pints, cups, fluid ounces, and cubic meters.

Simply select a category, enter your value, choose the source and target units, and get instant, accurate conversions.

How to Use It

1. Select category: Choose Length, Weight, or Volume from the dropdown menu.
2. Enter value: Type the numerical value you want to convert.
3. Choose source unit: Select the unit your value is currently in (e.g., meters, pounds, gallons).
4. Choose target unit: Select the unit you want to convert to (e.g., feet, kilograms, liters).
5. Click "Calculate" to see the converted value.

The calculator updates results automatically, showing precise conversions with appropriate decimal precision based on the magnitude of the result.

Interpreting Your Results

Results are displayed with precision appropriate to the value's magnitude:

• Small values (< 0.000001): Shown in scientific notation for clarity
• Large values (> 1,000,000): Shown in scientific notation for readability
• Standard values: Displayed with 2-6 decimal places as needed

All conversions use standard conversion factors:

• Length: Based on NIST definitions (1 meter = 3.28084 feet)
• Weight: Using avoirdupois pound definition (1 lb = 0.45359237 kg)
• Volume: Using US liquid measurements (1 gallon = 3.78541 liters)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mixing unit systems: Ensure you're converting within compatible unit types (e.g., don't mix length and weight).
• Confusing US and metric tons: US tons (2,000 lbs) differ from metric tons (1,000 kg).
• Volume unit confusion: US liquid measurements differ from UK imperial measurements—this calculator uses US standards.
• Precision errors: Very large or small numbers may have limited precision; use scientific notation results when shown.
• Category selection: Double-check you've selected the correct category (length vs. weight vs. volume).

Common Conversion Examples

Length:

• 1 meter = 3.28084 feet
• 1 kilometer = 0.621371 miles
• 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters

Weight:

• 1 kilogram = 2.20462 pounds
• 1 pound = 0.453592 kilograms
• 1 ounce = 28.3495 grams

Volume:

• 1 liter = 0.264172 gallons
• 1 gallon = 3.78541 liters
• 1 cup = 236.588 milliliters

Keep Learning

Explore these guides to master unit conversions:

• Understanding Metric vs. Imperial Systems
• Unit Conversion Formulas: How They Work
• Practical Applications of Unit Conversion
• Common Unit Conversion Mistakes to Avoid
• Choosing the Right Units for Your Needs

Sources

• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – Unit conversion standards and definitions
• International Bureau of Weights and Measures – SI unit system specifications
• US Department of Commerce – Measurement standards and conversion factors