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The metric system is a standardised system of measurement used around the world in science, maths, and everyday life. It’s based on units of 10, which makes it easy to convert between different scales by simply multiplying or dividing by powers of 10. Whether you're measuring length, mass, capacity, area, or volume, the metric system uses consistent prefixes such as kilo, centi, and milli to indicate size.
Below are tables that break down the different metric units used in various types of measurements. These are perfect for revision, reference, or to use in class activities.
🔍 Why Learn the Metric System?
The metric system is used in almost every country around the world and is the standard for science, medicine, and engineering. Unlike older systems of measurement (like inches, feet, or pounds), the metric system is decimal-based—which means converting between units is as simple as moving the decimal point. This makes calculations quicker and easier, especially when you're doing scientific work or solving maths problems.
Each type of measurement—length, mass, capacity, area, and volume—has a base unit (like metres, grams, or litres), and you can measure larger or smaller amounts by adding prefixes like:
- kilo- = 1,000 times bigger
- centi- = 100 times smaller
- milli- = 1,000 times smaller
For example:
- 1 kilometre (km) = 1,000 metres
- 1 centimetre (cm) = 0.01 metres
- 1 milligram (mg) = 0.001 grams
Below are tables that break down the different metric units used in various types of measurements. These are perfect for revision, reference, or to use in class activities.
Units of Length
These units measure how long or far something is. The metre (m) is the base unit, and larger or smaller units are created by adding standard prefixes.
| Name | Abbreviation | Equivalent in metres |
|---|---|---|
| kilometer | km | 1000 |
| hectometer | hm | 100 |
| decameter | dam | 10 |
| meter | m | 1 |
| decimeter | dm | 0.1 |
| centimeter | cm | 0.01 |
| millimeter | mm | 0.001 |
Units of Mass
Mass refers to how much matter is in an object. The gram (g) is the base unit, and you can use the prefixes to go from milligrams (mg) to kilograms (kg) and beyond.
| Name | Abbreviation | Equivalent in grams |
|---|---|---|
| kilogram | kg | 1000 |
| hectogram | hg | 100 |
| decagram | dag | 10 |
| gram | g | 1 |
| decigram | dg | 0.1 |
| centigram | cg | 0.01 |
| milligram | mg | 0.001 |
Metric Ton & Quintal
For heavier measurements often used in agriculture or industry, these larger units come in handy. One metric ton is equal to 1000 kg.
| Unit | Abbreviation | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Metric ton (tonne) | t | 1000 kg |
| Quintal | q | 100 kg |
Units of Capacity
Capacity refers to how much liquid a container can hold. The litre (l) is the standard unit, with variations from millilitres (ml) for small volumes to kilolitres (kl) for large quantities.
| Name | Abbreviation | Equivalent in litres |
|---|---|---|
| kiloliter | kl | 1000 |
| hectoliter | hl | 100 |
| decaliter | dal | 10 |
| liter | l | 1 |
| deciliter | dl | 0.1 |
| centiliter | cl | 0.01 |
| milliliter | ml | 0.001 |
Units of Area
These are used to measure the size of a surface. The square metre (m²) is the base unit, but we also use square centimetres (cm²), hectares, and more.
| Name | Abbreviation | Equivalent in square metres |
|---|---|---|
| square kilometer | km² | 1000000 |
| square hectometer | hm² | 10000 |
| square decameter | dam² | 100 |
| square meter | m² | 1 |
| square decimeter | dm² | 0.01 |
| square centimeter | cm² | 0.0001 |
| square millimeter | mm² | 0.000001 |
Land Area Measurements
These units are often used when measuring land, especially in agriculture or real estate. The hectare (ha) is commonly used to measure large plots.
| Unit | Abbreviation | Equivalent in square metres |
|---|---|---|
| Hectare | Ha | 10000 |
| Are | a | 100 |
| Centiare | ca | 1 |
Units of Volume
Volume measures how much space something takes up. The cubic metre (m³) is the base unit, with units increasing or decreasing by powers of 10 just like other metric measures.
| Name | Abbreviation | Equivalent in cubic metres |
|---|---|---|
| cubic kilometer | km³ | 1000000000 |
| cubic hectometer | hm³ | 1000000 |
| cubic decameter | dam³ | 1000 |
| cubic meter | m³ | 1 |
| cubic decimeter | dm³ | 0.001 |
| cubic centimeter | cm³ | 0.000001 |
| cubic millimeter | mm³ | 0.000000001 |
Capacity, Volume and Mass of Water
In the metric system, water offers a neat way to understand the relationship between capacity, volume, and mass. These conversions are especially useful in science experiments and cooking.
| Capacity | Volume | Mass (of water) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kl | 1 m³ | 1 t |
| 1 l | 1 dm³ | 1 kg |
| 1 ml | 1 cm³ | 1 g |
- Measure accurately in maths and science lessons
- Solve real-world problems (like cooking or building)
- Prepare for exams like GCSE Maths or Science
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