A conversion factor is a statement of equivalency.

Conversion factors can be written as equalities or fractions 1 mile = 5280 feet or 1 mile/5280ft

The following is a list of useful conversion factors:

Length Volume Mass/Weight

1 mile = 5280 ft 1 gallon = 4 quarts 1 pound = 16 ounces

1 foot = 12 inches 1 quart = 2 pints 1 ton = 2000 lbs.

1 inch = 2.54 cm 1 pint = 16 ounces 1 kg = 2.2 lbs.

1 m = 100 cm 1 gallon = 3.78 liters 1 kg = 1000 grams

1m = 1000mm 1000 ml = 1 liter 1000 mg = 1 gram

1 km = 1000meters 231 in³ = 1 gallon

To convert one unit to another we will use a method known as dimensional analysis or the unit factor method, in which a known value is multiplied by a series of fractions, each of which is a conversion factor.

Example: Convert 5400 ml to gallons.

Step 1: write down the given value (including the unit!) and multiply by a fraction with the unit you need

to get rid of in the “basement” (denominator)

Step 2: look for a conversion factor that will help you convert to what you want, then fill in the correct

numbers, remember that the top value must equal the bottom value

notice that 1 liter = 1000 ml, so the fraction is equal to one

Step 3: if the unit “upstairs” (numerator) is not what you want, continue the process until the unit you

want is in the numerator, then write an equals sign. Since all the units other than the last one are

found in both the numerator and the denominator, all but the last one cancel out.

Step 4: multiply by all the numbers on the top, then divide by all the numbers on the bottom

Answer: 1.43 gallons