Maths
Measurement
Metric units for length, mass, capacity and temperature, with a converter.
Australia uses the metric system. Every step is 10, 100 or 1000, which makes converting easier.
Convert units
Type a number and pick the units. The answer changes as you type.
2.5 m = 250 cm
Length
How long, tall or far something is.
| Unit | Converts to | About the same as |
|---|---|---|
| millimetre (mm) | 10 mm = 1 cm | The thickness of a 10c coin is about 2 mm |
| centimetre (cm) | 100 cm = 1 m | The width of your little finger is about 1 cm |
| metre (m) | 1000 m = 1 km | A big step for an adult is about 1 m |
| kilometre (km) | About 12 minutes of walking |
Mass
How heavy something is.
| Unit | Converts to | About the same as |
|---|---|---|
| gram (g) | 1000 g = 1 kg | A paperclip is about 1 g |
| kilogram (kg) | 1000 kg = 1 t | A 1 litre bottle of water is about 1 kg |
| tonne (t) | A small car is about 1 t |
Capacity
How much liquid a container holds.
| Unit | Converts to | About the same as |
|---|---|---|
| millilitre (mL) | 1000 mL = 1 L | A teaspoon holds about 5 mL |
| litre (L) | A big milk bottle holds 2 L |
Temperature
We measure temperature in degrees Celsius (°C). Water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C. A healthy body is about 37°C. Some countries, like the United States, use degrees Fahrenheit (°F) instead.
25°C = 77°F