Complete Guide to Unit Conversions: Metric (SI) & Imperial Systems
Calculate precise unit relationships across length, mass, temperature, volume, area, and speed. Learn the underlying mathematical equations and standard International System conversion coefficients.
Essential Mathematical Conversion Formulas
Temperature Equations
°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
°C = (°F - 32) × 5/9
K = °C + 273.15
Length & Distance
1 Inch (in) = 2.54 cm
1 Foot (ft) = 0.3048 m
1 Mile (mi) = 1.60934 km
Mass & Weight
1 Kilogram (kg) = 2.20462 lb
1 Pound (lb) = 453.592 grams
1 Ounce (oz) = 28.3495 grams
Volume & Capacity
1 US Gallon (gal) = 3.78541 Liters
1 Liter (L) = 1.05669 US Quarts
1 Cubic Meter (m³) = 1,000 Liters
Quick Reference Conversion Multipliers Table
| Dimension | Base Unit | Target Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | Meters (m) | Feet (ft) | × 3.28084 |
| Mass | Pounds (lb) | Kilograms (kg) | × 0.453592 |
| Speed | Miles/hour (mph) | Km/hour (km/h) | × 1.60934 |
| Area | Square Meters (m²) | Square Feet (ft²) | × 10.7639 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How accurate are the conversion algorithms?
- All calculations utilize 64-bit IEEE 754 floating point arithmetic complying strictly with NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) standards.
- Why do Celsius and Fahrenheit have different baseline scales?
- Water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C in the decimal metric system, whereas Fahrenheit sets the freezing mark at 32°F and boiling at 212°F at sea level.