Reference guide

Metric vs Imperial Conversions

A practical guide to common metric and US/imperial length, mass, area, volume, and speed conversions.

Exact versus approximate factors

Some conversion factors are defined exactly, such as 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters. Displayed results may still be rounded for readability.

Area needs squared factors

When converting area, the linear conversion factor is squared. That is why square-foot and square-meter conversions differ from foot-to-meter conversions.

Volume conventions matter

US fluid ounces, cups, tablespoons, teaspoons, and gallons are not the same as every imperial convention. Our cooking pages identify the convention used.

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