Metric conversion chart | TPT - Free Printable

Let’s solve a metric conversion problem using the chart and rules shown.

Suppose the problem is:
Convert 3.5 kilometers to meters.

Step 1: Look at the metric prefixes.
Kilo → Hecto → Deka → BASIC UNIT (meter) → Deci → Centi → Milli

We are going from kilo (larger unit) to meters (basic unit). That means we’re moving to the right on the chart.

Step 2: Count how many steps from “kilo” to “basic unit”.
From kilo → hecto → deka → basic unit = 3 steps to the right.

Step 3: When you move to the right, you MULTIPLY by 10 for each step.
So multiply by 10 three times → that’s ×1000.

Step 4: Do the math:
3.5 km × 1000 = 3500 meters

Check:
1 kilometer = 1000 meters → so 3 km = 3000 m, and 0.5 km = 500 m → total 3500 m ✔️

Final Answer:
3500