Conversion Calculator
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How Unit Conversion Works
Length, weight, and volume conversions in this tool are all done the same way: every unit is defined by a fixed conversion factor back to a common base unit (meters for length, kilograms for weight, liters for volume), based on internationally standardized definitions — for example, 1 inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters, and 1 pound is defined as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms. To convert between any two units, the calculator first divides your value by the "from" unit's factor to get the base-unit amount, then multiplies by the "to" unit's factor. This two-step method (convert to base, then convert from base) is why one consistent set of factors can support any combination of units without needing a separate formula for every possible pair.
Temperature Is the Exception
Unlike length or weight, temperature scales don't share a common zero point, so you can't convert between them with simple multiplication — you need offset-based formulas: Celsius to Fahrenheit is °F = °C × 9/5 + 32, Fahrenheit to Celsius is °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9, and Celsius to Kelvin is just K = °C + 273.15 (Kelvin has no negative values and no degree symbol, since it's an absolute scale). This calculator applies the correct pairwise formula directly rather than routing through a shared "base" temperature, since a multiplicative factor alone would give the wrong answer.
Related Tools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't temperature be converted the same way as length or weight?
Length, weight, and volume units all share a common zero point, so converting between them is just multiplying by a fixed ratio. Temperature scales have different zero points (0°C is 32°F, not 0°F), so converting requires an offset-based formula like °F = °C × 9/5 + 32 rather than a simple multiplication factor.
Are the conversion factors used here exact or approximate?
Factors for units defined by international standards (such as 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly, or 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg exactly) are exact. Other displayed values are rounded to a practical number of decimal places for readability, so extremely precise scientific work may need higher-precision constants.