a. “Kilo-” (1000) is the most common increasing prefix.
(1) Example: 1 kilogram (kg) = 1000 g
a. “Milli-” (1/1000)
(1) Example: 1 milligram (mg) = 0.001 g (1/1000 g)
(2) Example: 1 g = 1000 mg
(2) Example: 1 g = 1000 mg
b. “Micro-” (1/1,000,000)
(1) Example: 1 microgram (mcg) = 0.000001 g
(2) Example: 1 g = 1,000,000 mcg
(2) Example: 1 g = 1,000,000 mcg
II. Common Conversions Between Systems
A. “Rounded-off” conversion factors
- Weight
a. 1 gram (g) = 15.4 grains (gr.)
b. 1 grain (gr.) = 65 milligrams (mg)
c. 1 pound (lb.) = 454 grams (g)
d. 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 pounds (lb.)
e. 1 ounce (oz.) = 28.4 grams (g)
f. 1 ounce (oz.) = 437.5 grains (gr.)
g. 1 pound (lb.) = 16 ounces (oz.)
- Volume
a. 1 fluid ounce = 30 milliliters (mL)
b. 1 pint = 16 fluid ounces = 480 milliliters
(Note: Sometimes the label on a pint bottle will read 473 mL instead of 480 mL. A fluid ounce actually contains 29.57 mL but is frequently rounded to 30 mL.)
c. 1 gallon = 4 quarts = 8 pints = 128 fluid ounces = 3840 milliliters
- Length
a. 1 inch = 2.54 cm
III. Temperature Conversions
A. Converting degrees centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit
- °F = 32 + 9/5 °C
a. Example: 25°C
32 + 9/5 (25) = 77°F
B. Converting degrees Fahrenheit to degrees centigrade
- °C = 5/9 (°F – 32)
a. Example: 32°F
5/9 (32 – 32) = 0°C
IV. Sample Questions
1. Convert the following metric system units:
a. 225 kilometers = _________ m
b. 525 g = _________ kg
c. 5 g = _________ mg = _________ mcg
d. 350 mL = _________ L
2. Calculate the following conversions:
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