Metric System Rules and Conversions

Metric System Rules

• Express parts of a fraction as decimals
• Always place a leading zero to the left of the decimal point if there is no whole number
• Do not use trailing zeros after the last digit after the decimal
• Do not use the abbreviation cc for mL, or μ for microgram
• Avoid periods after abbreviations
• Place commas in values at 1,000 or above
• Do not add "s" to a unit to make it plural
• Do not put a slash through zero (0).

Household/Metric Equivalents

• 1 ounce (oz) = 30 mL
• 1 tablespoon (T or tbs) = 15 mL
• 1 teaspoon (t or tsp) = 5 mL
• 1 cup (standard measuring cup) = 240 mL (8 oz)
• 1 liter (L) = 1000 milliliters (mL)

Metric Conversions

• 1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams (g)

• 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 pounds (lbs)

• 1 gram (g) = 1,000 milligrams (mg)

• 1 milligram (mg) = 1,000 micrograms (mcg)

• 1 kg = 1000 g

• 1 mg = 1000 mcg

• 1 tsp = 5 mL

• 1 kg = 2.2 lb

• 1 g = 1000 mg

• 1 oz = 2 tbs

• 1 tbs = 15 mL

• 1 lb = 16 oz

• 1 oz = 30 mL

• 1 cc = 1 mL