Definition: metric system

A system of weights and measures that uses the gram, meter and liter as its primary units of weight, distance and capacity. The metric system is the primary standard used all over the world except in the U.S., Liberia and Myanmar (formerly Burma). However, in the U.S., many products are measured in metric quantities such as drugs and alcohol. See space/time. Contrast with United States customary units.

 COMMON METRIC EQUIVALENTS

 Grams               Pounds   Ounces

 milligram (1/1000) .0000022
 gram               .0022      .04
 decagram   (10)    .0220      .35
 hectogram (100)    .2204     3.5
 kilogram (1000)   2.2046    35.3


 Liters

 1      =  1.06 quarts
 3.8    =  1 gallon


 Meters                   Feet

 1 decameter   (10 m)       33
 1 hectometer (100 m)      328
 1 kilometer (1000 m)     3281


 Meters          Inches

 1 meter         39.37
 1 centimeter      .3937
 1 millimeter      .03937
 1 micrometer      .00003937
 1 nanometer       .00000003937