Metric Unit/Standard (English) Conversion Charts
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In the United States, we are arguably the only major nation in the world not using the metric system. Even the British themselves, largely due to European Union (EU) regulations, are slowly but surely abandoning what is known as the Imperial or “Standard” System and adopting the of World of metric weights and measurements.
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One of the interesting things about the Imperial System is that it is based largely on common sense, but, unfortunately, it is common sense of several hundred years ago. For example, the Imperial unit of area, the acre, is the amount of land a strong man and a team of oxen could plow in a day. There are instinctive measurements in the metric system, too. Water freezes at 0 degrees and boil at 100 degrees in the metric measurement, which is degrees Centigrade.
Even here in the U.S., scientists and engineers use the metric system. Its measurements, based on decimals rather than fractions, are much easier to use and streamline both measurements and documentation.
What makes things easier in the metric system is that is based on number 10, 100 or 1000. For example, 100 centimeters is the same as one meter, so to convert from meters to centimeters, you multiply by 100. To multiply by 100, all you have to do is add two zero’s to the end of a number. Going the other way, converting from centimeters to meters, you do the exact opposite; you remove two zero’s from the end of the number, or move the decimal point back two places.
In the Imperial system, 16 ounces is a pound. You have to multiply or divide by 16; there are no shortcuts here.
Because everything is based on a power of ten in the metric system, the conceptualizing of problems is made so much simpler, and quick, accurate ballpark estimates can be quickly and accurately derived.
Most people in the US have little concept at all of metric measurements. Even technical personnel, who use the metric system on a daily basis in their professional lives, have to use a Metric Conversion Chart or a mathematical formula if a foreign friend asks them how many milliliters are in that eight ounce can of soft drink.
Metric Conversion Charts can deal with weight, with kilograms and grams being converted back and forth to pounds and ounces. There is also volume, where gallons and liters must be equivocated, and temperature, where degrees Fahrenheit are compared to degrees Centigrade.
Formula
The concept of a Metric Conversion Chart is really quite simple and it is all based on the appropriate conversion formula. As an example, the formula to get from inches to centimeters is Inches = 2.54 X Centimeters. The most prominent feature of our chart will be a vertical line. A small horizontal line will cross the top of that line. On the left there will be written “0 Inches”, on the right, “0 Centimeters”. Below that on the left will be written, in turn, “1 Inch”, “2 Inch”, “3 Inch” and so on for the length of the page. On the right will be written the Centimeter equivalent, as derived by the formula.
Other Metric Conversion Charts can be built using the appropriate formula for the conversion being charted.
Sources
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