Unit Converter
Convert between different measurement units including length, weight, temperature, volume, area, and more with our comprehensive conversion tool.
Unit Conversion
Conversion Result
Scale Comparison
Temperature Visualization
Weight Comparison
Conversion History
Measurement Systems Explained
Metric System
The standard system of measurement used worldwide based on powers of 10. Includes meters, grams, liters, and Celsius.
Imperial System
Primarily used in the United States based on historical English units. Includes inches, pounds, gallons, and Fahrenheit.
Conversion Tips
- Remember metric prefixes: kilo (1000), centi (0.01), milli (0.001), etc.
- For temperature, Fahrenheit and Celsius scales intersect at -40°.
- 1 US gallon is smaller than 1 imperial gallon (UK).
- 1 nautical mile equals 1.852 kilometers.
- 1 acre equals 43,560 square feet.
Common Conversion Formulas
- Length: 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
- Weight: 1 pound ≈ 0.453592 kilograms
- Temperature: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
- Volume: 1 liter ≈ 0.264172 gallons
- Area: 1 square meter ≈ 10.7639 square feet
- Speed: 1 mph ≈ 1.60934 km/h
Unit Conversion FAQs
Why does the US use different measurement units?
The United States primarily uses the customary system (similar to imperial units) due to historical reasons and resistance to metric system adoption. While most other countries transitioned to the metric system in the 19th-20th centuries, the US maintained its traditional units. However, metric units are used in science, medicine, the military, and many industries.
How accurate are conversion factors?
Most conversion factors are precise to at least 6 significant digits, and many are exact definitions (like 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly). However, some conversions may have slight variations based on context (like fluid ounces in US vs UK measurements). Our converter uses the most widely accepted conversion standards.
What's the difference between mass and weight?
Mass is a fundamental property of matter (measured in grams or kilograms), while weight is the force exerted by gravity on that mass (measured in newtons or pounds). On Earth, we often use them interchangeably, but they're technically different. Our converter handles this distinction appropriately when converting between units.
How do I convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit?
To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit: Multiply by 9/5, then add 32. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius: Subtract 32, then multiply by 5/9. Remember that water freezes at 32°F (0°C) and boils at 212°F (100°C) at sea level. Our temperature converter handles these calculations automatically.