Mechanisms to Simplify Weight Conversion


by Susan Slobac - Date: 2008-09-12 - Word Count: 402 Share This!

Going metric is important if you are traveling from the United States to virtually any other country in the world, with the exceptions of Myanmar and Liberia. All other countries across the globe use the metric system for computing weights, so it pays to learn how to make the switch to metric so that you can understand weight conversion when you are traveling.

Metric conversion for weights is based on the kilogram. A kilogram is equivalent to 2.2 pounds. A gram is quite small, and equal to one thousandth of a kilogram. A milligram, often used when weighing medicines, is equal in size to one-thousandth of a gram. For large weights, it is useful to know that a metric ton is approximately 2,204 pounds. Since the metric system is based on the power of 10, then it is quite simple to add, subtract, multiply or divide by 10 the number of kilograms, grams, milligrams and metric tons in order to determine the weight conversion rate.

If you are not a math person, this all may seem a bit complicated. There are easier ways to perform a metric conversion besides doing the math yourself. Many people find that using a weight conversion calculator or a weight conversion table provide that little bit of assistance that they need to make the switch from the U.S. system of weights to the metric system.

Anywhere that you have Internet access while traveling, either via a personal computer, a wireless laptop computer, a Blackberry or cell phone makes it possible for you to connect to an online weight conversion calculator. These are extremely easy to use, because you select the weight conversion from lists of weights, and then enter in the quantity you wish converted. From there, the weight conversion calculator does all the hard work for you and performs the metric conversion for you. Of course, to make use of these calculator helps you will need to be in some sort of Internet range, which may or may not be possible while you travel.

Another option you can try is a weight conversion table. If you know a particular weight conversion that you know you will use while traveling, such as pounds to kilograms, you can simply print out a weight conversion table and keep it with you, and you will have the answers you need at your fingertips when you need them, without Internet access.


Related Tags: weight conversion, weight conversion table, weight conversion calculator, metric conversion

Susan Slobac is an avid supporter of extended learning. She is active in helping educators with an interest in teaching internationally, and her experience includes development of metric weight conversion curriculum.

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