How to Convert Length Units: Step-by-Step Methods and Examples
In the conversion of measuring length, we will figure out how to change metres into centimetres, kilometres into metres, and centimetres into endless metres into kilometres.
As we know the standard unit of length is a metre. Smaller lengths are measured in centimetres which are composed of centimetres. The kilometre is the greater unit of length.
1 metre = 100 centimetres
1 kilometre = 1000 metres
Measuring Length
Thus, to change a metre into centimetres, we multiply by 100, and for centimetres into metres, we divide by 100. To change kilometres into metres, we multiply by 1000, and for metres into kilometres, we divide by 1000.
Measurements Conversion
To change metres into centimetres, multiply the number of metres by 100.
1 metre = 100 centimetres
2 metre = 2 × 100 centimetres = 200 centimetres
3 metre = 3 × 100 centimetres = 300 centimetres
5 metre = 5 × 100 centimetres = 500 centimetres
To convert kilometres into metres, multiply the number of kilometres by 1000.
1 kilometres = 1000 m
2 kilometres = 2 × 1000 m = 2000 metres
3 kilometres = 3 × 1000 m = 3000 metres
7 kilometres = 7 × 1000 m = 7000 metres
To convert into metres, divide the number of centimetres by 100 or put a dot (.) after 2 digits from right.
100 centimetres = 1.00 metres or 1 metres
200 centimetres = 2.00 metres or 2 metres
800 centimetres = 8.00 metres or 8 metres
1100 centimetres = 11.00 metres or 11 metres
100 centimetres = 100 ÷ 100 = 1 metre
200 centimetres = 200 ÷ 100 = 2 metres
800 centimetres = 800 ÷ 100 = 8 metres
1100 centimetres = 1100 ÷ 100 = 11 metres
To convert metres into kilometres, divide the number of metres by 1000 or put a dot (.) after 3 digits from right.
1000 metres = 1000 ÷ 100 = 1 kilometres or 1.000 kilometres
2000 metres = 2000 ÷ 100 = 2 kilometres or 2.000 kilometres
3000 metres = 3000 ÷ 100 = 3 kilometres or 3.000 kilometres
9000 metres = 9000 ÷ 100 = 9 kilometres or 9.000 kilometres
To convert miles and kilometres:
Km to Mile
1 km = 0.621 mile
Mile to Km
1 mile = 1.609 km
Tools to Measure Length
There are various tools for the measurement of the length of various things. The list of most commonly used tools for measuring length is given below:
Tapes
Measuring sticks
Metre sticks
Feet/foot scale
Some Important Measurement Conversions
Length
1 mile = 1760 yards
1 yard = 3 feet
1 foot = 12 inches
Mass
1 ton = 2000 pounds
1 pound = 16 ounces
Volume
1 gallon = 4 quarts
1 quart = 32 liquid ounces
Currency
1 dollar = 100 cents
Time
1 day = 24 hours
1 hour = 60 minutes
1 minute = 60 seconds
Solved Examples
Example 1. 5 metre = ____ decimetre
Ans: 1 metre = 10 decimetre
5 metre = 5 × 10 = 50 decimetre
Example 2. 45 decimetre = ___ m
Ans: 1 decimetre = 0.1 m
45 decimetre = 45 × 0.1
= 4.5 m
Example 3. 10 m = _____cm
Ans: 1 metre = 100 centimetre
10 metre = 10 × 100
= 1000 cm
Example 4. 500 cm = ______ m
Ans: 1 centimetre = 0.01 metre
500 cm = 500 × 0.01
= 5 m
Example 5. 16 m = _____mm
Ans: 1 metre = 1000 millimetre
16 metre = 16 × 1000
= 16000 mm
Example 6. 68 millimetre = _____m
Ans: 1 millimetre = 0.001 metre
68 millimetre = 68 × 0.001
= 0.068 m
Practice Problems
1. 20 m = _____decametre ?
Ans: 2 decametre
2. 35 decametre = ___ metre ?
Ans: 250 metres
3. 35 m = _____hectometre ?
Ans: 0.35 hectometre
4. 1 hectometre = ___ metre ?
Ans: 100 metres
5. 50 m = _____kilometre ?
Ans: 0.05 kilometre
6. 500 kilometre = ____m ?
Ans: 500000m metre
Conclusion
The fundamental rule of conversion is that if you want to convert from a larger unit to a smaller unit, then multiply. If you want to convert from a smaller unit to a larger unit, then divide. Knowing the various units used in the metric system is significant; the purpose behind learning the metric system for measuring is for you to have the option to use these measurement units to calculate the size, mass, or volume of various articles.
FAQs on Master Length Conversion: Definitions, Tips & Practice
1. What is length conversion and why is it important?
Length conversion is the process of changing the measurement of an object's length from one unit to another, for example, from metres to centimetres. This is important because different situations require different units for practical reasons. Using a smaller unit like millimetres is better for measuring a tiny insect, while a larger unit like kilometres is more suitable for measuring the distance between two cities. Conversion allows us to express the same length in a more convenient and understandable way.
2. What are the common units of length in the metric system?
The metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement used widely across the world. The common units of length, from largest to smallest, are:
- Kilometre (km): Used for long distances. 1 km = 1,000 metres.
- Metre (m): The base unit of length. Used for measuring rooms, cloth, etc.
- Centimetre (cm): Used for smaller objects. 1 m = 100 cm.
- Millimetre (mm): Used for very small measurements. 1 cm = 10 mm.
3. How do you convert a larger unit of length to a smaller one, for example, metres to centimetres?
To convert a larger unit of length to a smaller one, you need to multiply. The number you multiply by is called the conversion factor. For instance, we know that 1 metre = 100 centimetres. So, to convert metres to centimetres, you multiply the number of metres by 100. For example, to convert 5 metres to centimetres, you calculate: 5 m x 100 = 500 cm.
4. How do you convert a smaller unit of length to a larger one, such as millimetres to metres?
To convert a smaller unit of length to a larger one, you need to divide. First, you need to know the relationship: 1 metre = 1000 millimetres. To convert millimetres to metres, you divide the number of millimetres by 1000. For example, to convert 2500 millimetres to metres, you would calculate: 2500 mm ÷ 1000 = 2.5 m.
5. Why do we need different units like centimetres, metres, and kilometres to measure length instead of just one?
Using different units makes measurement more practical and numbers easier to handle. Imagine trying to measure the length of your pencil in kilometres; the number would be extremely small (like 0.00015 km), making it hard to understand. Conversely, measuring the distance to the next town in centimetres would result in a huge, unmanageable number. Having a range of units allows us to choose the most appropriate one for the object's scale, keeping the numbers simple and meaningful.
6. How is length conversion used in everyday life outside of school?
Length conversion is used constantly in many real-world situations. For example:
- A carpenter might measure a piece of wood in metres but need to cut it with precision in centimetres or millimetres.
- When following a map or GPS, the distance might be shown in kilometres, but as you get closer, it might switch to metres.
- A tailor buys cloth in metres but takes body measurements in inches or centimetres to stitch clothes that fit perfectly.
- An architect designs a building plan in metres but needs to convert to centimetres for detailed drawings.
7. What is a common mistake to avoid when converting between different units of length?
A very common mistake is confusing when to multiply and when to divide. A simple rule to remember is: when you go from a BIGGER unit to a SMALLER unit (like metres to centimetres), the number should get bigger, so you multiply. When you go from a SMALLER unit to a BIGGER unit (like centimetres to metres), the number should get smaller, so you divide. Always double-check the direction of conversion to avoid this error.
8. Can you explain how a length conversion chart works?
A length conversion chart is a table that shows the relationship between different units. To use it, you find the unit you are starting with in one column and the unit you want to convert to in another. The chart provides the conversion factor. For example, a chart would show '1 m = 100 cm'. If you need to convert 7 metres, you look up this relationship and know you must multiply 7 by 100. It acts as a quick reference to find the correct multiplication or division factor without having to memorise them all.
