The Metric Conversion Chart

This chart can be used for converting between units within the metric system.
 

An easy way to do conversions using the chart above is to remember the following:

Examples:

1.  Convert 56 millimeters to hectometers.
    Start on the row for "milli."  To get from "milli" to "hecto," you must move UP the chart 5 rows.
    Thus, you will need to move the decimal 5 places to the LEFT.
        i.e.  56.0 millimeters = 0.00056 hectometers
 
2.  Convert 27.3 kilometers to decimeters.
    Start on the row labeled "kilo."  To get from "kilo" to "deci," you must move DOWN the chart 4
    rows.  Thus, you will need to move the decimal 4 places to the RIGHT.
        i.e.  27.3 kilometers = 273000 decimeters

Note:
    As you are moving down the chart, the units of measurement are getting smaller, which causes your number to grow larger.
    As you are moving up the chart, the units of measurement are getting larger, which causes your number to grow smaller.

 Alternate Method:

The linear units of measure are used for this example.  However, the method also works with grams and liters.

As you move to the left in the chart, move the decimal in your answer to the right (or add zeros to the answer) the same number of places that you must move in the chart to reach the final units.

As you move to the right in the chart, move the decimal in your answer the the left the same number of places that you must move in the chart to reach the final units.

Example: Convert 12km to centimeters.

1. Locate km in the table above.
2. You must move 5 places to the left in the chart to get from kilometers to centimeters. 
3. Thus, you will move the decimal in 12 to the right 5 places. 
   (Recall that the decimal falls at the end of any whole number or number without a visible decimal)

Example: Convert 13 mm to meters.

1. Locate mm in the table above.
2. You must move 3 places to the right in the chart to get from millimeters to meters.
3. Thus, you will move the decimal in 13 to the left 3 places.