Snapshot: This article displays common metric prefixes, abbreviations, conversions, and equivalents to other metric and non-metric measurements. Note: This information is for reference purposes only; calculations and conversions must always be interpreted in the context of a broader clinical assessment.
Jump to:
Common Prefixes Common Metric Abbreviations Common Metric Equivalents Metric Conversions Standard Conversions
Common Prefixes
| Prefix | Numerical Value | Meaning |
| Kilo | 1,000 | one thousand |
| Hecto | 100 | one hundred |
| Deka | 10 | ten |
| Deci | 0.1 | one tenth |
| Centi | 0.01 | one hundredth |
| Milli | 0.001 | one thousandth |
| Micro | 0.000001 | one millionth |
Common Metric Abbreviations
gram = g
microgram = mcg
milligram = mg
kilogram = kg
liter = L
deciliter = dL
milliliter = mL
Common Metric Equivalents
Weight
1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams (g)
1 gram (g) = 1,000 milligrams (mg)
1 milligram (mg) = 1,000 micrograms (mcg)
Volume
1 liter (L) = 1,000 millilters (mL)
1 milliliter (mL) = 0.001 liter (L)
Length
1 meter (m) = 100 centimeters (cm) = 1,000 mm
1 millimeter (mm) = 0.001 meter (m) = 0.1 cm
Metric Conversions
Pounds per kilogram (lb per kg) = 2.2
Kilograms per pound (kg per lb) = 0.4
To convert degrees Farenheit to Celsius
(°F – 32) x 5/9 = °C
To convert degrees Celsius to Farenheit
°C x 9/5 + 32 = °F
Standard Conversions
| Measurement | Amount |
| 1 cup | 240 ml or 240 cc |
| 1 pint (pt) | 2 cups |
| 1 liter (L) | 1,000 ml or 1,000 cc |
| 1 teaspoon (tsp) | 5 ml or 5 cc |
| 1 tablespoon | 15 ml or 15 |
| 1 ounce (oz) | 30 ml or 30 cc |