1. How to convert within the metric system
Metric System Notes
How to convert within the metric system

2. Prefix definition
Remember that a prefix by definition means a word bit that goes in front of a base word to alter its meaning.
Ex. anti-war
Anti means “against”
Therefore anti-war means “against war”
Ex. Prolife
Pro means “for”…

3. Metric Base Units Base units are the standard unit of measurement
Length = meter (m)
Mass = gram (g)
Volume = Liter (L)

4. Prefix Sequence Kilo (k) Hecto (h) Deca (da or D) Base units Deci (d)
Centi (c)
Milli (m)
King
Hector
Died by
Drinking
Chocolate
Milk

5. Any time you see a letter by itself, it is a base unit!
Sequence Chart
k h D b d c m
km hm Dm m dm cm mm
kg hg Dg g dg cg mg
kL hL DL L dL cL mL
Any time you see a letter by itself, it is a base unit!

6. Using the Chart k h D b d c m
When given a number, such as 3 meters, you must put the decimal at the end.
3 m = 3.0 m
*Each letter represents a decimal place.

7. Using the Chart cont’d k h D b d c m
When asked to convert 3 meters (3.0 m), find your starting point on the chart.
Meter, m, is a base unit.

8. Using the Chart cont’d k h D b d * c m
Convert 3 meters (3.0 m) to centimeters.
Remember that centimeters is cm.
Locate where you are headed on the chart.
Count the letters between the two areas.

9. Using the Chart cont’d k h D b d c m
There are two letters between the two areas.
Each letter represents a decimal place.
We are moving two decimal places.
We are moving from meters (b) to centimeters (c), which is left to right.

10. Our answer is… Convert 3 meters to centimeters. 3.0 m = ___ cm
Move the decimal to the right two places
3.0 m = = 300. cm
The final answer is 3 m = 300 cm

11. Now try a few others 25 g = ___ kg 47 cm = ___ mm 1,030 mm = ___ m
67 kg = ___ g
455 mL = ___ L
25 g = .025 kg
47 cm = 470 mm
1,030 mm = 1.03 m
67 kg = 67,000 g
455 mL = .455 L