1. Conversion factors Conversion factors for 1 ft = 12 in
There are almost an infinite number of conversion factors that include meters:

2. The steps to follow
Now we are ready to solve problems using the factor label method. The steps involved are:
Write down the desired quantity/units
Equate the desired quantity to given quantity
Determine what conversion factors you can use (both universal and question specific)
Multiply given quantity by the appropriate conversion factors to eliminate units you don’t want and leave units you do want
Complete the math

3. First write down the desired quantity
Factor label example
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
X km
First write down the desired quantity

4. Next, equate desired quantity to the given quantity
Factor label example
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
X km
= 47 mi
Next, equate desired quantity to the given quantity

5. Now we have to choose a conversion factor
Factor label example
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
X km
= 47 mi
Now we have to choose a conversion factor

6. What conversion factors are possible?
Factor label example
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
X km
= 47 mi
1 km
0.621 mi
0.621 mi
1 km
What conversion factors are possible?

7. Pick the one that will allow you to cancel out miles
Factor label example
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
X km
= 47 mi
1 km
0.621 mi
0.621 mi
1 km
Pick the one that will allow you to cancel out miles

8. Pick the one that will allow you to cancel out miles
Factor label example
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
X km
= 47 mi
1 km
0.621 mi
0.621 mi
1 km
Pick the one that will allow you to cancel out miles

9. Multiply given quantity by chosen conversion factor
Factor label example
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
X km
= 47 mi
1 km
0.621 mi
0.621 mi
1 km
Multiply given quantity by chosen conversion factor

10. Multiply given quantity by chosen conversion factor
Factor label example
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
x 1 km
0.621 mi
X km
= 47 mi
Multiply given quantity by chosen conversion factor

11. Cross out common factors
Factor label example
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
x 1 km
0.621 mi
X km
= 47 mi
Cross out common factors

12. Cross out common factors
Factor label example
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
x 1 km
0.621
X km
= 47
Cross out common factors

13. Are the units now correct?
Factor label example
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
x 1 km
0.621
X km
= 47
Are the units now correct?

14. Yes. Both sides have km as units.
Factor label example
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
x 1 km
0.621
X km
= 47
Yes. Both sides have km as units.

15. Yes. Both sides have km as units.
Factor label example
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
x 1 km
0.621
X km
= 47
Yes. Both sides have km as units.

16. Factor label example Now finish the math.
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
x 1 km
0.621
= 75.7 km
X km
= 47
Now finish the math.

17. Factor label example The final answer is 75.7 km
Q - How many kilometers are in 47 miles? (note: 1 km = miles)
x 1 km
0.621
= 75.7 km
X km
= 47
The final answer is 75.7 km