Metric system conversions

Being based on units of ten, the metric system makes it convenient to convert from one scale to another. This is why the sciences generally use the metric system. Divers, however, tend to use the system their culture uses, so it’s useful to be able to convert from the metric system to the imperial system. Here are some common equivalents that you may find handy.


Length

1 centimetre = 0.3937 inches
1 metre = 3.28 feet
1 kilometre = 0.62 miles
1 inch = 2.54 centimetres
1 foot = 0.3038 metres
1 mile = 1.61 kilometres

Weight

1 gram = 0.035 ounces
1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds
1 metric ton = 2204.6 pounds
1 ounce = 28.3 grams
1 pound = 0.45 kilograms
1 ton = 907.2 kilograms

Volume

1 litre = 0.22 gallons
1 litre = 0.9 quarts
1 quart = 1.1 litres
1 gallon = 4.4 litres
1 gallon = 0.15 cubic feet
1 cubic foot = 28.3 litres
1 cubic foot = 6.4 gallons

Temperature

To convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit:
(C° × 1.8) + 32
To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius
(F° − 32) × .555

Heat

1 calorie = the amount of heat needed to raise 1 gram of water 1°C
1 BTU (British Thermal Unit) = the amount of heat required to raise 1 pint (1 pound) of water 1°F
1 BTU = 252 calories.