Converting between measuring units

Converting between units of measurement

Earlier in the unit, we looked at converting between different mass units.

Converting something means changing it from one thing to another.

× 1 000 × 1 000

ton (t) kilogram (kg) gram (g)

÷ 1 000 ÷ 1 000

But wait, there is an easier way to convert between units without using a calculator. Can you still remember how, from Grade 5?

• When we convert from kilogram to gram, we multiply by 1 000. The comma moves three place values to the right (because there are three zeros in 1 000).

• When we convert from gram to kilogram, we divide by 1 000. The comma moves three place values to the left (because there are three zeros in 1 000).

1 kg = 1 000 g

Let us look at some examples.

kg × 1 000

÷ 1 000 g

Example 1

Convert 2,75 kg to gram.

• From which unit to which unit am I converting? I am converting from kg to g.

• Must I multiply or divide?

• Where does the comma move to? I must convert from a larger unit to a smaller unit, so I must multiply.

The comma moves to the right.