# Converting between units

The table shows some of the most common units and their equivalents. Make sure you know these conversions.

Converting measurements
Length${1}~{km} = {1,000}~{m}$${1}~{m} = {100}~{cm}$${1}~{cm} = {10}~{mm}$
Weight${1~tonne} = {1,000}~{kg}$${1}~{kg} = {1,000}~{g}$${1}~{g} = {1,000}~{mg}$
Capacity${1}~{l} = {100}~{cl}$${1}~{cl} = {10}~{ml}$${1}~{l} = {1,000}~{ml}$

## Converting larger units to smaller units

To convert a larger unit to a smaller unit (eg $${m}$$ to $${cm}$$), first check the number of smaller units needed to make $${1}$$ larger unit. Then, multiply that number by the number of larger units.

## Converting smaller units to larger units

To convert a smaller unit to a larger unit (eg $${cm}$$ to $${m}$$), divide it by the number of smaller units which are needed to make $${1}$$ larger unit.

To convert from a larger unit to a smaller one, multiply. To convert from a smaller unit to a larger one, divide.

### Example

$1~m = 100~cm$

So, to convert from $${m}$$ to $${cm}$$ multiply by $$100$$, and to convert from $${cm}$$ to $${m}$$ divide by $$100$$.

For example:

$3.2~m = 320~cm~(3.2 \times 100 = 320)$

$400~cm = 4~m~(400 \div 100 = 4)$

Question

Convert the following to the units given in brackets:

a) $$5,120~g~(kg)$$

b) $$15~cl~(ml)$$

c) $$245~mm~(m)$$

a) $$5.12~kg$$

Remember that $$1~kg = 1,000~g$$.

To convert from $${g}$$ to $${kg}$$, divide by $$1,000$$.

b) $$150~ml$$

Remember that $$1~cl = 10~ml$$.

To convert from $${cl}$$ to $${ml}$$, multiply by $$10$$.

c) $$0.245~m$$

Remember that $$1~m = 1,000~mm$$.

To convert from $${mm}$$ to $${m}$$, divide by $$1,000$$.