How to Convert Metric Measures by Moving the Decimal

The metric system is the international system of measurement used in most of the world, including Europe and Canada, but not in the United States. The metric system basic units for mass and length are a kilogram and a meter, respectively. The metric system adopts standard prefixes to measure smaller or larger values. For example, the prefix "kilo" means the magnitude of 1,000. Therefore, 1 km is 1,000 m. You can achieve conversions between quantities expressed using such prefixes with a move of the decimal point.

Instructions

1

Move the decimal point three positions to the right to convert from kilometers to meters or kilograms to grams. For example, 4.1273 kg is equal to 4,127.3 g.

2

Move the decimal point three positions to the left to convert meters to kilometers or grams to kilograms. For example, 16,834 m is equal to 16.834 km.

3

Move the decimal point two positions to the right to convert meters to centimeters; for example, 2.75 m equals 275 cm.