Measurements 101

Following directions or a recipe can be difficult when the units of measurement used are not ones you are completely familiar with. As different regions and industries tend to use different units, it is helpful to have an easy to follow tutorial to help you along. Here is a quick overview of some of the most common measurements and their conversions.

Weight

The main issue that most people have with weight is converting from metric to US units. All the numbers certainly can run rampant in your head, but don't panic-here it is in a nutshell. Remember that you are most likely going to be converting the closest units. In other words, it is unlikely that you will need to convert a ton (metric) to an ounce (US).

• 1 gram = .035 ounce / 1 ounce = 28.35 gram

• 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds / 1 pound = .45 kilograms

For large weights, it can get confusing, in that there is a slight difference between the three types of tons: metric, US ("short"), and British ("long").

• 1 US ton = .892 British ton = .907 metric ton

Length

For the time being we'll set aside issues of nautical length and astronomical length, and just concentrate on common everyday uses.

• 1 centimeter = 39 inch / 1 inch = 2.54 centimeter

• 1 meter = 1.09 yard / 1 yard = .91 meter

• 1 yard = 3 feet / 1 foot = .33 yard

• 1 kilometer = .62 mile / 1 mile = 1.6 kilometer

Liquid Volume

• 1 liter = 1.05 quart / 1 quart = .95 liter

• 1 liter = 2.1 pint / 1 pint = .47 liter

• 1 gallon = 4 quart = 8 pint = 3.79 liter< /ul > < p >  

  Remember that the metric system works only in 10's; therefore, when converting on size metric unit to another, it is only a matter of moving the decimal point to the right or left.< /p > < p >  

  More information on measuring cups< /EM > < /A >