This process uses the fact that any number or expression can be multiplied by 'one' without changing its value. Performing the math calculation (3 divided by 4) transforms the number into a decimal fraction, 0.75. In this example of the common fraction ¾, 3 is the numerator and 4 is the denominator. A denominator represents the total number of parts of the whole. A conversion ratio (or unit factor) always equals one (1), where the numerator and the denominator have the same value expressed in different units.Ī numerator represents the parts out of the whole or how much you have. A conversion factor is an expression for the relationship between units that is used to change the units of a measured quantity without changing the value. This problem-solving method is based on the principle that quantities are defined as equalities.

Converting between measurement units is a very important skill when working within and between measurement systems. A square shape (area) has two dimensions (e.g., length and width), while a cube (volume) has three dimensions (e.g., length, width, and height). Some measurements have one dimension, for example length. For example, changing the magnitude of a SI quantity or converting between SI and non-SI units. Pressure and Gas Flow Conversion Informationĭimensional analysis is a technique used to convert measurements.NIST HB 133 Appendix E (Current Ed.) provides unit conversion factor tables for the benefit of those requiring an reference when checking the net contents of packaged goods.customary units, including notes on British measurement units. NIST HB 44 – Appendix C (Current Ed.) provides several convenient conversion factor tables for length, area, volume (dry and liquid measure), and mass using SI (metric system) and U.S.NIST SP 1038 (Current Ed.) lists the units of the International System of Units (SI), or metric system, recommended for use in trade and commerce and other general uses by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.NIST SP 811 – Appendix B (Current Ed.) provides guidance on the use of conversion factors which are expressed using scientific notation (listed both alphabetically and by topic areas) and rules for rounding numbers and converted numerical values of quantities.Common conversion factors are also listed (Section 5). This multi-step process is presented in NIST SP 1038 - 2006 (Section 4.4), including a rounding procedure for technical documents, specifications, and other applications such packaged goods in the commercial marketplace and temperature. Unit conversion is a multi-step process that involves multiplication or division by a numerical factor, selection of the correct number of significant digits, and rounding. National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP).National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM).External Resources for Weights and Measures Expand or Collapse.Fuels and Lubricants Subcommittee (FALS).National Legal Metrology Expand or Collapse.Laboratory Metrology Expand or Collapse.International Legal Metrology Expand or Collapse.OWM Products and Services Expand or Collapse.

Metric distance conversion