Units and conversions · Grade 8

In Grade 8 you learn: converting compound units.

Metric units are built on 10, 100 and 1,000, so converting between them is just multiplying or dividing. Area and volume units need extra care.

Key facts

  • Area: 1 m² = 100 × 100 = 10,000 cm². Volume: 1 m³ = 1,000,000 cm³.
  • 1 cm³ = 1 ml, so 1,000 cm³ = 1 litre and 1 m³ = 1,000 litres.

Worked examples

Example 1

Change 3.75 km into metres.

Answer: 3,750 m

Example 2

Change 3.5 m² into cm².

Answer: 35,000 cm²

Example 3

A fish tank measures 60 cm × 30 cm × 40 cm. How many litres does it hold when full?

Answer: 72 litres

Other years