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Metric System - Definition, Chart, Units, Conversion, Examples

Metric System is a standard way of measuring units like height, weight, length, volume, time, etc. This system is used worldwide for distinct calculations and research. Almost everything around us can be measured using a metric system. It is widely used in distinct fields like science, medicine, defense, etc. When we want to measure the area of a room or calculate the speed of a vehicle, a metric system is used.

In this article, we will learn about the metric system, its units, metric system chart, and conversion in the metric system and others in detail.

Table of Content

What is a Metric System?

Metric System is defined as a system of measurement. It is used for measuring units of an object. It helps determine length, distance, capacity, weight, volume, area, temperature, etc. It is a standard way of measuring most of our day-to-day things. For example, if we take a water bottle, we can measure the height of the bottle using centimeters, and its volume can be measured in liters.

Metric System of Measurement – SI Units

The metric system that we use is the same worldwide and therefore it is called the International system of units (or SI units), where all units are expressed in terms of seven base units. These seven base units are:

  • Meter(m) for Length
  • Kilogram(kg) for Mass
  • Second(s) for Time
  • Ampere(A) for Electric Current
  • Kelvin(K) for Temperature
  • Mole(mol) for Amount of Substance
  • Candela(Cd) for Luminous Intensity

With the help of these units, all kinds of measurements can be done. Also metric system is based on a decimal system as it includes numbers in power of 10.

Metric System Chart

The conversion chart of various unit is added below as,

Metric-System

Metric System Table

As we have already learned that the units of metric system or SI unit of the system of measurement is based on the seven base units namely: meter, kilogram, seconds, kelvin, ampere, mole and candela. These units also have their subunits and a defined purpose. For instance kilogram along with its sub units (gram, milligram, etc.) is used to measure weight of an object.

The commonly used measuring unit along with their purpose and sub units is described below:

Purpose

Unit

Short form

Example

Measurement of Length

kilometer

km

Distance between two cities can be measured in km.

meter

m

Length of a cloth is measured in m.

centimeter

cm

Height of a child can be measured in cm.

millimeter

mm

Length of an eraser can be measured in mm.

Measurement of Capacity

kilolitres

kl

Capacity of a water tank can be measured in kl

litres

l

Juice in a jug can be measured in l

milliliters

ml

A cough syrup can be measured in ml.

Weight Measurement

kilogram

kg

Weight of fruits and vegetables can be measured in kg.

gram

g

A brick of butter can be measured in gm.

centigram

cg

A small metal paper clip can be measured in cg.

milligram

mg

Amount of salt used in a medicine is measured in mg.

Metric System Prefixes

Metric System prefixes are arranged in a chart from increasing to decreasing order and is useful while conversion of distinct units. It gives us relation between the units. For proper conversion of units, metric system chart is arranged from highest to lowest unit. In this chart, all the units are based on one base units and each unit is 10 times of its preceding unit.

The base table of metric system chart is given below:

kilo

hecta

deca

unit

deci

centi

milli

1000

100

10

1

1/10

1/100

1/1000

The metric system chart for different units like length, capacity, weight and time is given below:

Metric System of Length

Length is the most commonly used unit, it is used to measure length or height of on object. Length can also be used to determine distance between two objects. The base unit of length is meter(m).

The metric system chart for length is given below:

Kilometer (km)  Hectometer (hm) Decameter (dam) Meter (m) Decimeter (dm) Centimeter

(cm)

 Millimeter (mm)
1000 100 10 1 1/10 1/100 1/1000

Try our, Length Converter

Metric System Unit for Volume

Capacity or volume is the other commonly used unit, it is used to measure the capacity of an object i.e. the amount of substance an object can hold. This system is also known as Metric system of Volume. The base unit of volume is litre(l). The metric system chart for capacity is given below:

Kiloliter (kl)  Hectoliter (hl) Decaliter(dal) Liter (l) Deciliter (dl) Centiliter

(cl)

 Milliliter(ml)
1000 100 10 1 1/10 1/100 1/1000

Metric System of Mass

Weight is also a commonly used unit, it is used to measure the mass of an object i.e. the measurement of how heavy an object is. This is also known as a Metric system of Mass. The base unit of weight is gram (g). The metric system chart for weight is given below:

Kilogram (kg)  Hectogram (hg) Decagram (dag) Gram (g) Decigram (dg) Centigram 

(cg)

 Milligram (mg)
1000 100 10 1 1/10 1/100 1/1000

Metric System of Time

Time is used to measure the duration of events or the interval between two consecutive events. The base unit of time is seconds (s). The relation between different units of time is described below:

1 minute

60 seconds

1 hour

60 minutes

1 day

24 hours

1 week

7 days

1 month

30 or 31 days (except February)

1 year

365 days or 12 months

1 decade

10 years

1 century

100 years

Metric Conversions

Metric conversion is used to determine the corresponding smaller or larger quantities of a given unit with the help of its base unit. The base unit of length is meter, capacity is liter, and weight is gram.

Steps to convert one unit to another is described below:

  • Units to the right side of the base unit are smaller units as compared to the base. Each unit differs by 10 times of its preceding unit. When we move towards right of the base unit, each unit is 10 times smaller or one-tenth of the unit to its left.
  • Units to the left side of the base unit are larger units as compared to the base. Each unit differs by 10 times of its preceding unit. When we move towards left of the base unit, each unit is 10 times greater of the unit to its left.

Therefore, while converting a smaller unit to a larger unit we need to divide it with respective relation and while converting a larger unit to smaller unit, we need to multiply it with respective relation. Few commonly used measurement relations are given below:

Also Check: Metric Conversion Chart

Metric Length Conversions

1 cm = 10 mm

1 mm = 0.1 cm

1 m = 100 cm

1 cm = 0.01 m

1 m = 1000 mm

1 mm = 0.001 m

1 km = 1000 m

1 m = 0.001 km

Metric Volume (Capacity) Conversions

1 cl = 10 ml

1 ml = 0.1 cl

1 l = 100 cl

1 cl = 0.01 l

1 l = 1000 ml

1 ml = 0.001 l

1 kl = 1000 l

1 l = 0.001 kl

Metric Weight Conversions

1 cg = 10 mg

1 mg = 0.1 cg

1 g = 100 cg

1 cg = 0.01 g

1 g = 1000 mg

1 mg = 0.001 g

1 kg = 1000 g

1 g = 0.001 kg

Origin of Metric System

Metric system was introduced by France in the late 18th century. The need for a metric system was realized during the French Revolution of 1789, after the revolution, the French citizens thought of having a uniform unit for measuring length and weight throughout the nation.

The new metric system was introduced to replace the old inconsistent and nonuniform system of measurement that was in use at that time. This system brings uniformity throughout the world and makes the measurement easy and simple. The system is entirely based on the decimal system. The National Assembly commanded the Paris Academy of Sciences, an Institute of France, to develop an entirely new system of units to measure distance, volume, weight, and time.

The metric system that we use is the official system of measurement for every country in the world except the three countries namely: the United States, Liberia and Myanmar (or Burma). The metric system used in US and the other two countries is known as Imperial System.

Note: Metric system that we use was developed by France around 1799 Metric System vs Imperial System

Difference between Metric System and Imperial Syytem

Aspect

 Metric System Imperial System

Definition

 It is system of measurement that uses meters, grams, seconds, etc. It is also known as international system of units and is used worldwide. It is a system of measurement that uses units like pounds, inch, feet, yards, etc. It is used in countries like the US, Myanmar, Liberia, etc.

Introduced by

This system was introduced by France in 1799.

This system was introduced by Britishers in 1826.

Pattern

 Metric units follow the decimal system i.e. it includes numbers in powers of 10. No specific pattern is followed in the imperial units.

Example of Units

 meters, kilometers, grams, liters, kiloliters, etc. yards, miles, inches, feet, ounces, pounds, quarts, etc.

People Also Read:

Metric System Examples

Example 1: Convert 244 centimeters into meters.

Solution:

We know that, 1 cm = 0.01 m

Thus, 244 cm = 244 x 0.01 m

244 cm = 2.44 m.

Hence, 244 cm is equivalent to 2.44 meters.

Example 2: Convert 6750 grams into kilograms.

Solution:

We know that, 1 gram = 0.001 kilogram

Thus, 6750 g = 6750 x 0.001 kg

6750 g = 6.750 kg

Hence, 6750 grams is equivalent to 6.750 kilogram or 6 kg 750g.

Example 3: Convert 24 liters 500 ml into ml.

Solution:

We know that 1 litre = 1000 ml

Thus, 24 litres = 24 x 1000 ml

24 litres = 24000 ml

Now by adding 500 ml to 24000 ml we get,

(24000 + 500) ml = 24500 ml

Hence, 24 litres 500 ml is equivalent to 24500 milliliters.

Use litre to millilitre converter to calculate more.

Example 4: Convert 2 hours into seconds.

Solution:

We know that 1 hour = 60 x 60 seconds

Thus, 2 hours = 2 x 60 x 60 seconds

2 hours = 7200 seconds

Hence, 2 hours is equivalent to 7200 seconds.

Practice Questions on Metric System

Q1. Convert 2454 grams into kilograms and grams.

Q2. Convert 4300 litres into kilolitres.

Q3. Convert 4 km 50 m into m.

Q4. Meena bought a fabric of cloth of length 480 cm. Find the measurement of length in meters.

Q5. A water tank can hold 400 litres of water. Find the capacity of tank in millilitres.

Conclusion of Metric System

The Metric System, born from the French Revolution, revolutionized global measurement with its uniformity and simplicity. Developed by the Paris Academy of Sciences, it’s based on the decimal system, offering clarity and efficiency in quantifying distance, volume, weight, and time. While nearly universal, exceptions like the United States, Liberia, and Myanmar persist with their systems. Nevertheless, the Metric System remains vital for global trade and scientific progress, symbolizing unity and precision in measurement.

Metric System – FAQs

What is Unit of Length in Metric System?

The basic unit of length in the metric system is the meters which is denoted by ‘m’. It is also the SI unit of length.

What Metric System does the US Use?

US uses the US customary system of measurement that consists of units like [miles, yards, feet, inches (for length)], [pounds, tons, ounces, (for Mass or weight)] and [gallons or quarts, pints, fluid ounces ( for Capacity or volume)].

What are the 7 metric systems?

The seven metric systems are,

  • Meter(m)
  • Kilogram(kg)
  • Seconds(s)
  • Kelvin(k)
  • Ampere(a)
  • Mole(M)
  • Candela(Cd)

Which System of Measurement is followed in India?

India uses metric system of measurement which was adopted by the Indian Parliament in December 1956 and came in effect from 1 October 1958.

Who Invented Metric System?

The French were credited with the invention of Metric System.

How do I convert between Metric units?

Converting between Metric units is simple: just move the decimal point to the left or right based on the conversion factor (e.g., 1 kilometer = 1000 meters, so to convert kilometers to meters, multiply by 1000).

Is the Metric System used in the United States?

While the United States primarily uses the US customary system, the Metric System is also taught and used in many scientific, medical, and industrial contexts within the country.

What are the main units of the Metric System?

The main units include the meter for length, the kilogram for mass, the second for time, the ampere for electric current, the kelvin for temperature, the mole for amount of substance, and the candela for luminous intensity.

How does the Metric System differ from other measurement systems?

Unlike systems like the Imperial or US customary units, the Metric System is based on powers of ten, making conversions between units straightforward and eliminating the need for complex conversion factors.

Where is the Metric System used?

The Metric System is used in most countries around the world, including those in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, as well as in scientific fields globally.

Why is the Metric System important?

The Metric System offers simplicity, standardization, and ease of use, facilitating global communication, trade, and scientific research.


 


Reffered: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org

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