K-5 friendly lesson
One small step at a time.Read the idea, try the activity, and celebrate each win as you go.

Compare and Convert Metric Units

Metric conversions use powers of 10, so decimal movement is the core skill.

Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.

Lesson 185 of 216

Concept

Common metric ladders: - Length: km, m, cm, mm - Mass: kg, g - Volume: L, mL

Conversions: - 1 m = 100 cm - 1 km = 1000 m - 1 kg = 1000 g - 1 L = 1000 mL

Compare by converting to same unit first. Example: 2.5 m and 240 cm 2.5 m = 250 cm, so 2.5 m > 240 cm.

Try it

Convert and compare: 1. 3.4 m to cm 2. 850 g to kg 3. 2.75 L to mL 4. Which is larger: 1.2 km or 1150 m? 5. Which is larger: 0.9 kg or 950 g?