Measurement Systems: The Metric System

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering basic units, numerical prefixes, and conversion rules of the metric system.

The Metric System

The most widely used system of measurement in the world, which is based upon powers of ten and forms named multiples and fractional parts by adding prefixes to basic units.

Meter

x1.09 for yards x 39.4 for inches

Liter

1 cup = 237 ml

1 fl oz = 30 ml

1 tsp = 5 ml

1 pint = 473 ml

1 qt= 946 ml

1 gal= 3.785 L

1 Tbs= 15 ml

Gram

The basic metric unit of measurement for mass (weight), abbreviated as g.

Mega-

A metric prefix representing a million ($1{,}000{,}000$ or $10^6$), abbreviated with a capital M.

Kilo-

A metric prefix representing a thousand ($1{,}000$), abbreviated as k.

Hecto-

A metric prefix representing a hundred ($100$), abbreviated as h.

Deka-

A metric prefix representing ten ($10$), abbreviated as dk (with variations such as dam, dag, and dal).

Deci-

A metric prefix representing one tenth ($0.1$ or $\frac{1}{10}$), abbreviated as d.

Centi-

A metric prefix representing one hundredth ($0.01$ or $\frac{1}{100}$), abbreviated as c.

Milli-

A metric prefix representing one thousandth ($0.001$ or $\frac{1}{1000}$), abbreviated as m.

Micro-

A metric prefix representing one millionth ($0.000001$ or $\frac{1}{10^6}$), abbreviated as H or u.

Nano-

A metric prefix representing one billionth ($0.000000001$ or $\frac{1}{10^9}$).

Pico-

A metric prefix representing one trillionth ($1 \times 10^{-12}$ or $\frac{1}{10^{12}}$), abbreviated as P.

Metric Conversion Decimal Rule

The rule stating that converting from one metric unit to another involves moving the decimal point the same number of 'steps' in the same direction as it takes to get from one unit prefix to the other.

Unnamed Metric Steps

The two unnamed units located between mega- and kilo-, milli- and micro-, micro- and nano-, and nano- and pico- that each count as distinct steps during conversion.