How to Use the Unit Converter
The Unit Converter handles conversions across all major measurement categories: length, weight/mass, temperature, area, volume, speed, energy, pressure, and data storage. Type a value in any field and all others update instantly.
Select your measurement category from the menu, enter a value in any unit, and all equivalent values display simultaneously. The converter works with both metric (SI) and imperial units, and includes less common but useful units like furlongs, stone, nautical miles, and BTUs.
A key nuance is temperature: unlike other conversions which are simple multiplication or division, temperature conversions involve both multiplication and addition. Celsius to Fahrenheit is °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32. Kelvin to Celsius is K − 273.15. Always double-check temperature conversions as errors can be dangerous in cooking or scientific contexts.
📊 Worked Example
Common conversion examples:
- 100 km = 62.14 miles = 54,680 yards
- 1 kg = 2.205 lb = 35.27 oz
- 100°C = 212°F = 373.15 K
- 1 litre = 1.76 UK pints = 2.11 US pints
Common Use Cases
- ✅ Converting recipe ingredients between metric and imperial measurements
- ✅ Converting distances for travel, running, or cycling between km and miles
- ✅ Checking international product specifications in familiar units
- ✅ Converting temperatures for cooking, weather, or science
- ✅ Converting weight for shipping parcels internationally
- ✅ Converting data storage units (MB, GB, TB) for technology purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between metric and imperial units?
Metric (SI) is the international standard: metres, kilograms, litres, Celsius. Imperial is used mainly in the US (and partly in the UK for road distances and pints): feet/miles, pounds, gallons, Fahrenheit. The UK uses a mix — metric for most things but miles for roads and pints for beer.
Why are UK and US gallons different?
The US gallon (3.785 litres) and the UK imperial gallon (4.546 litres) diverged when the US retained older English measurements after independence. This means a US gallon is about 83% of a UK gallon. Similarly, US pints (473ml) and UK pints (568ml) differ significantly — important for recipe conversions.
How do I convert Celsius to Fahrenheit in my head?
A quick mental shortcut: double the Celsius and add 30. This gives a rough answer: 20°C → 40+30 = 70°F (actual: 68°F). For body temperature: 37°C ≈ 98.6°F. For freezing: 0°C = 32°F. For a really hot day: 40°C = 104°F.
What is a stone in weight measurement?
A stone is a British imperial unit of weight equal to 14 pounds or 6.35 kilograms. It's used almost exclusively in the UK and Ireland for body weight. So a 11 stone 4 pound person weighs 158 lbs or 71.7 kg. Most of the rest of the world uses only kilograms for body weight.
What is a nautical mile?
A nautical mile is 1,852 metres (1.151 statute miles), defined as one minute of arc of latitude on the Earth's surface. It's used in aviation and marine navigation because it directly relates to geographic coordinates. Speed is measured in knots — one knot = one nautical mile per hour.