Metric Mass Conversion

Metric mass conversion

Metric mass units are related by powers of 10, so converting means moving between grams (g), kilograms (kg), milligrams (mg), and similar units by multiplying or dividing by 10, 100, 1000, and so on.

1) Identify the starting unit and target unit

Read the given value carefully and note both units. Decide whether the target unit is larger or smaller than the starting unit.

2) Use the metric relationship

A larger unit means fewer of those units are needed, so divide. A smaller unit means more are needed, so multiply.

• From kg to g: multiply by 1000
• From g to kg: divide by 1000
• From g to mg: multiply by 1000
• From mg to g: divide by 1000

3) Simplify the answer

Write the number in the requested unit and reduce it to its simplest form. If decimals appear, keep the value exact when possible.

4) Check your work

Make sure the answer is reasonable: converting to a smaller unit should give a larger number, and converting to a larger unit should give a smaller number. You can also reverse the conversion to see whether you get back to the original value.