How to Convert From the US Customary System to the Metric System

The United States is one of the only countries in the world that uses its own system of measurement as opposed to the widely adopted metric system. This means that when traveling to different countries, Americans must first get used to looking at measurements in an entirely different way. To convert from the U.S. customary system to the metric system, simply use the following conversions.

Instructions

1

Multiply the number of pounds by by 0.4536 to convert to kilograms. For example, 3 pounds times 0.4536 equals 1.3608 kilograms.

2

Multiply the number of ounces by 28.35 to find the amount of grams. For example, 3 ounces times 28.35 equals 85.05 grams.

3

Multiply the number of feet by 0.3048 to find the number of meters. For example, 3 feet times 0.3048 equals 0.9144 meters. Also, multiplying the number of inches by 2.54 will allow you to convert your measurement to inches. For example, 3 inches times 2.54 equals 7.62 centimeters.

4

Multiply the number of miles by 1.61 to find the number of kilometers. For example, 3 miles times 1.61 equals 4.83 kilometers. In the same way, multiplying the number of miles per hour by 1.61 will convert it to kilometers per hour.

5

Multiply the number of gallons by 3.78 to find the number of liters. For example, 3 gallons times 3.78 equals 11.34 liters.

6

For degrees Fahrenheit, subtract 32, then multiply by 5/9. For example, 100 degrees Fahrenheit minus 32 is 68; 68 times 5/9 equals 37.78 degrees Celsius.