Metric / Imperial Converter
Length, weight, temperature, area and volume in one tool.
Inputs
GivenResults
ComputedConverted value
3.2808 ft
1.0000 m equals 3.2808 ft
1.000 m = 3.2808 ft
How this is calculated
Every unit is stored as a factor relative to a single SI base unit for its measurement type — metres for length, kilograms for weight, square metres for area and cubic metres for volume. Converting is a two-step multiplication.
result = value × factor(from) ÷ factor(to)
Temperature is handled separately because the scales have different zero points, so a simple ratio does not work. Celsius is the pivot scale:
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9 | °F = °C × 9/5 + 32 | K = °C + 273.15
The factors used here are the internationally agreed exact definitions: 1 inch is exactly 25.4 mm, 1 pound is exactly 0.45359237 kg, and 1 US gallon is exactly 231 cubic inches. Results are shown to four decimal places so that small dimensions such as fastener sizes stay readable, and a rounded two-decimal figure is provided for shop drawings and cut lists.
Worked example
Reading a US plan set in a Canadian yard
- A framing plan drawn in the US calls for a 12 ft 6 in wall plate.
- 12 ft 6 in = 12.5 ft = 150 in.
- 150 in × 25.4 = 3,810 mm, or 3.81 m.
- At the yard you order a 3.8 m plate — and check the next size up, because Canadian metric lumber lengths do not map one-to-one onto imperial cuts.
Common mistakes
Mixing up US and imperial gallons
A US gallon is 3.785 L; an imperial gallon is 4.546 L — a 20% difference. Older Canadian documents use imperial gallons, US documents use US gallons.
Rounding mid-calculation
Rounding 1 in to 25 mm instead of 25.4 mm compounds across a long run. Keep full precision until the final answer, then round once.
Confusing mass and force
Pounds on a plan can mean pounds-force (load) or pounds-mass (weight). For structural loads the distinction matters; for material ordering it usually does not.