1. Metric Conversions Ladder Method
T. Trimpe

3. Metric Conversion Challenge
What does each metric unit measure?
Grams- mass
Liters- volume
Meters- distance

4. Meters (m) Liters (L) Grams (g)
Ladder Method 1 2 3
KILO (k) 1000 Units
HECTO(h) 100 Units
DEKA (da) 10 Units
DECI (d) 0.1 Unit
Meters (m) Liters (L) Grams (g)
CENTI (c) 0.01 Unit
MILLI (m) Unit
How do you use the “ladder” method?
1st – Determine your starting point.
2nd – Count the “jumps” to your ending point.
3rd – Move the decimal the same number of jumps in the same direction.
4 km = _________ m
Starting Point
Ending Point
How many jumps does it take? 4. 1
__. 2
__. 3
__.
= 4000 m

5. Metric Conversion Challenge

6. Conversion Practice Try these conversions using the ladder method.
1000 mg = _______ g 1 L = _______ mL
160 cm = _______ mm 14 km = _______ m
109 g = _______ kg 250 m = _______ km
Compare using <, >, or =.
56 cm m 7 g mg

7. Metric Conversion Challenge
Write the correct abbreviation for each metric unit.
1) Kilogram _____ 4) Milliliter _____ 7) Kilometer _____
2) Meter _____ 5) Millimeter _____ 8) Centimeter _____
3) Gram _____ 6) Liter _____ 9) Milligram _____

8. Metric Conversion Challenge
Try these conversions, using the ladder method.
10) 2000 mg = _______ g 19) 5 L = _______ mL
11) 104 km = _______ m 20) 198 g = _______ kg
12) 480 cm = _____ m 21) 75 mL = _____ L
13) 5.6 kg = _____ g 22) 50 cm = _____ m
14) 8 mm = _____ cm 23) 5.6 m = _____ cm
16) 16 cm = _______ mm 24) 120 mg = _____ g
17) 2500 m = _______ km 25) 65 g = ______ mg
18) 6.3 cm = _____ mm 26) 25 dm = _______hm

9. Metric Conversion Challenge

10. Brandon looked at the ten-liter jug of Gruesome Green soda sadly
Brandon looked at the ten-liter jug of Gruesome Green soda sadly. He had bet his friend that he could drink all of it and now he was sure his stomach would explode if he drank one more milliliter. He had already drunk three thousand, seven hundred milliliters. How much was left in the jug?