Why Unit Conversion Matters
Science, engineering, cooking, travel, and fitness all mix metric and imperial units. Wrong conversions cause failed recipes, medication errors, and Mars Climate Orbiter-level mistakes — literally.
Always track dimension: length vs area vs volume — square and cubic units compound conversion factors.
Exact vs Defined Constants
| Relationship | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1 inch = 2.54 cm | Exact by definition (since 1959) |
| 1 lb ≈ 0.453592 kg | Defined |
| Temperature | Linear formulas — °F, °C, K have different zeros |
Data units (KB, KiB) still confuse storage specs — 1024 vs 1000.
Temperature Conversion
°C to °F: °F = °C × 9/5 + 32
°F to °C: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
Not proportional — doubling °C does not double °F.
How to Use This Unit Converter
Pick category (length, weight, temperature, etc.), enter value, select from and to units. Results update instantly — copy for homework, travel, or DIY projects.