Conversion table for SI units
How to Use the Table
This table consists of repeated blocks, each containing 3 columns (the left and right borders of each block are thicker to make it easier to read).
Each column represents a prefix of a given SI unit (in the example above, prefixes of the metre).
In the right column of each block (units column), write down the main SI prefixes (i.e. kilo-, base, milli-, micro-, nano- etc….) of the unit you’re working with.
Optional: enter secondary prefixes (hecto-: h-, deka-: da-, deci-: d- and centi-: c-) in the appropriate columns if needed. Read the SI Units appendix if needed.
In order to convert a quantity, write down its value in the appropriate column (see example below). You may then add as many zeros on the left and right sides as you need.
Example:
Measured quantity: 1.53 km.
1. First, enter the quantity in the table: put 1 in the km column, then 5 then 3 in the columns immediately at the right. You don’t have to write the dot separating the decimals. You’re done!
2. You’re done! You now can easily read directly in the table that 1.53 km = 153 dam, 1530 m, 153000 cm and 1530000000 µm.
Similarly: 18.9 mm = 0.0189 m = 0.189 dm = 18900 µm
No calculation required, just read the table. Add as many zeros at the left and the right as you need. You can easily reproduce this table during an exam if need, it only consists of a series of 3 vertical lines.
This table will not work for non SI units, (e.g. time units such as years, month, days, hours and minutes), except for the litre, that is often used to measure volumes (1 l=1 dm3). The table will not work with imperial units (inch, feet gallons etc…). These do not belong in a science lab anyway.
You can also use similar tables to convert area and volume units:
For square metres (m2, measuring areas): double the number of columns within one block (so that there will be 6 column per block): 1 m2 = 1000000 or 106 mm2
For cubic metres (m3, measuring volumes): triple the number of columns with one block (9 columns per block): 1m3 = 1000000000 or 109 mm3.