The Metric System
The metric system of measurement is used by scientists throughout the world. It is based on units of ten. Each unit is ten times larger or ten times smaller than the next unit. The most commonly used units of the metric system are given below. After you have finished reading about the metric system, try to put it to use. How tall are you in meters? What is your mass? What is your normal body temperature in degrees Celsius?
Commonly Used Metric Units
Length The distance from one point to another
meter (m)
A meter is slightly longer than a yard.
1 meter = 1000 millimeters (mm)
1 meter = 100 centimeters (cm)
1000 meters = 1 kilometer (km)
Volume The amount of space an object takes up
liter (L)
A liter is slightly more than a quart.
1 liter = 1000 milliliters (mL)
Mass The amount of matter in an object
gram (g)
A paper clip has a mass equal to about one gram.
1000 grams = 1 kilogram (kg)
Temperature The measure of hotness or coldness
degrees Celsius (°C)
0°C = freezing point of water
100°C = boiling point of water
Metric—English Equivalents
2.54 centimeters (cm) = 1 inch (in.)
1 meter (m) = 39.37 inches (in.)
1 kilometer (km) = 0.62 miles (mi)
1 liter (L) = 1.06 quarts (qt)
236 milliliters (mL) = 1 cup (c)
1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 pounds (lb)
28.3 grams (g) = 1 ounce (oz)
°C = 5/9 × (°F−32)