Convert Units
Lesson preview: the Mini Lesson and Vocabulary are open to everyone. Guided practice, exercises, the parent checklist and the printable PDF worksheet come with full access (free 7-day trial or membership).
What you will learn
- 1Convert centimeters to meters and meters to centimeters using the relationship 1 m = 100 cm
- 2Convert grams to kilograms and kilograms to grams using the relationship 1 kg = 1,000 g
- 3Solve simple unit-conversion problems in real-life contexts
Mini Lesson
Converting between units of the metric system means changing from one unit to another while keeping the same value. The key is knowing the conversion factor — the number that links the two units.
Length: cm and m
- 1 meter (m) is equivalent to 100 centimeters (cm).
- To convert m to cm: multiply by 100 (3 m × 100 = 300 cm).
- To convert cm to m: divide by 100 (250 cm ÷ 100 = 2.5 m).
Mass: g and kg
- 1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams (g).
- To convert kg to g: multiply by 1,000.
- To convert g to kg: divide by 1,000.
Capacity: mL and L
- 1 liter (L) = 1,000 milliliters (mL).
- To convert L to mL: multiply by 1,000.
- To convert mL to L: divide by 1,000.
Words to know
Convert
To change a measurement from one unit to another
e.g. I convert 2 meters to 200 centimeters.
Unit
A standard amount used to measure
e.g. Centimeters and meters are units of length.
Metric system
A measuring system based on units of 10, 100, and 1,000
e.g. The metric system uses meters and grams.
Equivalent
Equal in value
e.g. 100 cm is equivalent to 1 m.
Multiply
To find the total of equal groups
e.g. I multiply by 100 to convert m to cm.
Going to a smaller unit? Multiply. Going to a larger unit? Divide.
Unlock the full HSEA system for 7 days.
Add your first kid profile and your 7 days start: every lesson in every grade, saved progress for each child. Nothing to set up, no card required, nothing to cancel.
- ✓ All 1,880 lessons, Grades 1–6, every subject
- ✓ Profiles + saved progress for every kid
- ✓ Printable lessons with answer key