Convert metres and kilometres
1.5 km is 1,500 m.
1 kilometre is 1,000 metres.
Year 6
Solve problems involving the calculation and conversion of units of measure, using decimal notation up to three decimal places where appropriate
Convert measures accurately, including when decimal notation is needed.
Lesson overview
Measurement
Measure conversions rely on the relationship between units. Converting between metric units often uses powers of 10, which means decimal place value matters.
Convert grams and kilograms
0.75 kg is 750 g.
1 kilogram is 1,000 grams.
Worked example
Convert 2.345 litres to millilitres.
| Litres | Millilitres |
|---|---|
| 2.345 | 2,345 |
- 1 litre is 1,000 millilitres.
- Multiply 2.345 by 1,000.
- 2.345 litres becomes 2,345 millilitres.
- So the answer is 2,345 ml.
Try it
Use the unit relationship first, then scale the number carefully.
Question 1
1.5 km =
Question 2
0.75 kg =
Question 3
2.345 litres =
Question 4
3,200 m =
Question 5
Which is greater?
Common mistakes
Watch for these when working through the lesson.
- Using the wrong direction when converting.
- Forgetting that metric conversions often use 10, 100 or 1,000.
- Losing digits when decimals are involved.
Related topics
These ideas fit closely with this lesson.
- Use, read, write and convert between standard units.
- Use decimal place value accurately.