Handbook 44 - 2008 Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement 

Appendix C 

General Tables of Units of Measurement

These tables have been prepared for the benefit of those requiring tables of units for occasional ready reference. In 

Section 4 of this Appendix, the tables are carried out to a large number of decimal places and exact values are indicated 

by underlining. In most of the other tables, only a limited number of decimal places are given, therefore making the 

tables better adopted to the average user. 

1. Tables of Metric Units of Measurement 

In the metric system of measurement, designations of multiples and subdivisions of any unit may be arrived at by 

combining with the name of the unit the prefixes deka, hecto, and kilo meaning, respectively, 10, 100, and 1000, and deci, 

centi, and milli, meaning, respectively, one-tenth, one-hundredth, and one-thousandth. In some of the following metric 

tables, some such multiples and subdivisions have not been included for the reason that these have little, if any currency 

in actual usage. 

In certain cases, particularly in scientific usage, it becomes convenient to provide for multiples larger than 1000 and for 

subdivisions smaller than one-thousandth. Accordingly, the following prefixes have been introduced and these are now 

generally recognized: 

 yotta, (Y) meaning 1024 deci, (d), meaning 10-1

 zetta, (Z), meaning 1021 centi, (c), meaning 10-2

 exa, (E), meaning 1018 milli, (m), meaning 10-3

 peta, (P), meaning 1015 micro, (μ), meaning 10-6

 tera, (T), meaning 1012 nano, (n), meaning 10-9

 giga, (G), meaning 109 pico, (p), meaning 10-12

 mega, (M), meaning 106 femto, (f), meaning 10-15

 kilo, (k), meaning 103 atto, (a), meaning 10-18

 hecto, (h), meaning 102 zepto, (z), meaning 10-21

 deka, (da), meaning 101 yocto, (y), meaning 10-24

 Thus a kilometer is 1000 meters and a millimeter is 0.001 meter. 

Units of Length 

 10 millimeters (mm) = 1 centimeter (cm) 

 10 centimeters = 1 decimeter (dm) = 100 millimeters 

 10 decimeters = 1 meter (m) = 1000 millimeters 

 10 meters = 1 dekameter (dam) 

 10 dekameters = 1 hectometer (hm) = 100 meters 

 10 hectometers = 1 kilometer (km) = 1000 meters 

Units of Area 

 100 square millimeters (mm2

) = 1 square centimeter (cm2) 

 100 square centimeters = 1 square decimeter (dm2

) 

 100 square decimeters = 1 square meter (m2

) 

 100 square meters = 1 square dekameter (dam2

) = 1 are 

 100 square dekameters = 1 square hectometer (hm2

) = 1 hectare (ha) 

 100 square hectometers = 1 square kilometer (km2

) 

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Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement Handbook 44 - 2008 

Units of Liquid Volume 

 10 milliliters (mL) = 1 centiliter (cL) 

 10 centiliters = 1 deciliter (dL) = 100 milliliters 

 10 deciliters = 1 liter1

 = 1000 milliliters 

 10 liters = 1 dekaliter (daL) 

 10 dekaliters = 1 hectoliter (hL) = 100 liters 

 10 hectoliters = 1 kiloliter (kL) = 1000 liters 

Units of Volume 

 1000 cubic millimeters (mm3

) = 1 cubic centimeter (cm3) 

 1000 cubic centimeters = 1 cubic decimeter (dm3) 

 = 1 000 000 cubic millimeters 

 1000 cubic decimeters = 1 cubic meter (m3

) 

 = 1 000 000 cubic centimeters 

 = 1 000 000 000 cubic millimeters 

Units of Mass 

 10 milligrams (mg) = 1 centigram (cg) 

 10 centigrams = 1 decigram (dg) = 100 milligrams 

 10 decigrams = 1 gram (g) = 1000 milligrams 

 10 grams = 1 dekagram (dag) 

 10 dekagrams = 1 hectogram (hg) = 100 grams 

 10 hectograms = 1 kilogram (kg) = 1000 grams 

 1000 kilograms = 1 megagram (Mg) or 1 metric ton(t) 

2. Tables of U. S. Units of Measurement2

In these tables where foot or mile is underlined, it is survey foot or U. S. statute mile rather than international foot or mile 

that is meant. 

Units of Length 

 12 inches (in) = 1 foot (ft) 

 3 feet = 1 yard (yd) 

 161⁄2 feet = 1 rod (rd), pole, or perch 

 40 rods = 1 furlong (fur) = 660 feet

 8 furlongs = 1 U. S. statute mile (mi) = 5280 feet

 1852 meters (m) = 6076.115 49 feet (approximately) 

 = 1 international nautical mile 

 

1

 By action of the 12th General Conference on Weights and Measures (1964), the liter is a special name for the cubic 

decimeter. 

2

 This section lists units of measurement that have traditionally been used in the United States. In keeping with the 

Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, the ultimate objective is to make the International System of Units the 

primary measurement system used in the United States. 

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Handbook 44 - 2008 Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement 

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Units of Area3

 144 square inches (in2

) = 1 square foot (ft2) 

 9 square feet = 1 square yard (yd2

) 

 = 1296 square inches 

 2721⁄4 square feet = 1 square rod (rd2

) 

 160 square rods = 1 acre = 43 560 square feet

 640 acres = 1 square mile (mi2

) 

 1 mile square = 1 section of land 

 6 miles square = 1 township 

 = 36 sections = 36 square miles

Units of Volume3

 1728 cubic inches (in3

) = 1 cubic foot (ft3) 

 27 cubic feet = 1 cubic yard (yd3

) 

Gunter's or Surveyors Chain Units of Measurement 

 0.66 foot (ft) = 1 link (li) 

 100 links = 1 chain (ch) 

 = 4 rods = 66 feet

 80 chains = 1 U. S. statute mile (mi) 

 = 320 rods = 5280 feet 

Units of Liquid Volume4

 4 gills (gi) = 1 pint (pt) = 28.875 cubic inches (in3

) 

 2 pints = 1 quart (qt) = 57.75 cubic inches 

 4 quarts = 1 gallon (gal) = 231 cubic inches 

 = 8 pints = 32 gills 

Apothecaries Units of Liquid Volume 

 60 minims = 1 fluid dram (fl dr or ƒ 3) 

 = 0.225 6 cubic inch (in3

) 

 8 fluid drams = 1 fluid ounce (fl oz or ƒ ) 

 = 1.804 7 cubic inches 

 16 fluid ounces = 1 pint (pt) 

 = 28.875 cubic inches 

 = 128 fluid drams 

 2 pints = 1 quart (qt) = 57.75 cubic inches 

 = 32 fluid ounces = 256 fluid drams 

 4 quarts = 1 gallon (gal) = 231 cubic inches 

 = 128 fluid ounces = 1024 fluid drams 

 

3

 Squares and cubes of customary but not of metric units are sometimes expressed by the use of abbreviations rather than 

symbols. For example, sq ft means square foot, and cu ft means cubic foot. 

4

 When necessary to distinguish the liquid pint or quart from the dry pint or quart, the word "liquid" or the abbreviation 

"liq" should be used in combination with the name or abbreviation of the liquid unit. 
Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement Handbook 44 - 2008 

Units of Dry Volume5

 2 pints (pt) = 1 quart (qt) = 67.200 6 cubic inches (in3) 

 8 quarts = 1 peck (pk) = 537.605 cubic inches 

 = 16 pints 

 4 pecks = 1 bushel (bu) = 2150.42 cubic inches 

 = 32 quarts 

Avoirdupois Units of Mass6

 [The "grain" is the same in avoirdupois, troy, and apothecaries units of mass.] 

 2711/32 grains (gr) = 1 dram (dr) 

16 drams = 1 ounce (oz) 

= 4371⁄2 grains 

16 ounces = 1 pound (lb) 

= 256 drams 

= 7000 grains 

100 pounds = 1 hundredweight (cwt)7

20 hundredweights = 1 ton (t) 

= 2000 pounds7

 In "gross" or "long" measure, the following values are recognized: 

112 pounds (lb) = 1 gross or long hundredweight (cwt)7

20 gross or long hundredweights = 1 gross or long ton 

= 2240 pounds7

 

Troy Units of Mass 

 [The "grain" is the same in avoirdupois, troy, and apothecaries units of mass.] 

24 grains (gr) = 1 pennyweight (dwt) 

20 pennyweights = 1 ounce troy (oz t) = 480 grains 

12 ounces troy = 1 pound troy (lb t) 

= 240 pennyweights = 5760 grains 

 

5

 When necessary to distinguish dry pint or quart from the liquid pint or quart, the word "dry" should be used in 

combination with the name or abbreviation of the dry unit. 

6

 When necessary to distinguish the avoirdupois dram from the apothecaries dram, or to distinguish the avoirdupois dram 

or ounce from the fluid dram or ounce, or to distinguish the avoirdupois ounce or pound from the troy or apothecaries

ounce or pound, the word "avoirdupois" or the abbreviation "avdp" should be used in combination with the name or 

abbreviation of the avoirdupois unit. 

7

 When the terms "hundredweight" and "ton" are used unmodified, they are commonly understood to mean the 100-pound 

hundredweight and the 2000-pound ton, respectively; these units may be designated "net" or "short" when necessary to 

distinguish them from the corresponding units in gross or long measure. 

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Handbook 44 - 2008 Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement 

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Apothecaries Units of Mass 

 [The "grain" is the same in avoirdupois, troy, and apothecaries units of mass.] 

 20 grains (gr) = 1 scruple (s ap or ℈ ) 

 3 scruples = 1 dram apothecaries (dr ap or 3) 

 = 60 grains 

 8 drams apothecaries = 1 ounce apothecaries (oz ap or ) 

 = 24 scruples = 480 grains 

 12 ounces apothecaries = 1 pound apothecaries (lb ap) 

 = 96 drams apothecaries 

 = 288 scruples = 5760 grains 

3. Notes on British Units of Measurement 

In Great Britain, the yard, the avoirdupois pound, the troy pound, and the apothecaries pound are identical with the units 

of the same names used in the United States. The tables of British linear measure, troy mass, and apothecaries mass are 

the same as the corresponding United States tables, except for the British spelling "drachm" in the table of apothecaries 

mass. The table of British avoirdupois mass is the same as the United States table up to 1 pound; above that point the 

table reads: 

 14 pounds = 1 stone 

 2 stones = 1 quarter = 28 pounds 

 4 quarters = 1 hundredweight = 112 pounds 

 20 hundredweight = 1 ton = 2240 pounds 

The present British gallon and bushel--known as the "Imperial gallon" and "Imperial bushel"--are, respectively, about 

20 % and 3 % larger than the United States gallon and bushel. The Imperial gallon is defined as the volume of 

10 avoirdupois pounds of water under specified conditions, and the Imperial bushel is defined as 8 Imperial gallons. 

Also, the subdivision of the Imperial gallon as presented in the table of British apothecaries fluid measure differs in two 

important respects from the corresponding United States subdivision, in that the Imperial gallon is divided into 160 fluid 

ounces (whereas the United States gallon is divided into 128 fluid ounces), and a "fluid scruple" is included. The full 

table of British measures of capacity (which are used alike for liquid and for dry commodities) is as follows: 

 4 gills = 1 pint 

 2 pints = 1 quart 

 4 quarts = 1 gallon 

 2 gallons = 1 peck 

 8 gallons (4 pecks) = 1 bushel 

 8 bushels = 1 quarter 

The full table of British apothecaries measure is as follows: 

 20 minims = 1 fluid scruple 

 3 fluid scruples = 1 fluid drachm 

 = 60 minims 

 8 fluid drachms = 1 fluid ounce 

 20 fluid ounces = 1 pint 

 8 pints = 1 gallon (160 fluid ounces) 
Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement Handbook 44 - 2008 

4. Tables of Units of Measurement 

(all underlined figures are exact) 

Units of Length - International Measure8

Units Inches Feet Yards Miles Centimeter

s 

Meters 

1 inch = 1 0.083 333 33 0.027 777 78 0.000 015 782 83 2.54 0.025 4

1 foot = 12 1 0.333 333 3 0.000 189 393 9 30.48 0.304 8

1 yard = 36 3 1 0.000 568 181 8 91.44 0.914 4

1 mile = 63 360 5 280 1 760 1 160 934.4 1609.344

1 centimeter = 0.393 700 8 0.032 808 40 0.010 936 13 0.000 006 213 712 1 0.01

1 meter = 39.370 08 3.280 840 1.093 613 0.000 621 371 2 100 1

Units of Length - Survey Measure8 

Units Links Feet Rods Chains Miles Meters 

1 link = 1 0.66 0.04 0.01 0.000 125 0.201 168 4

1 foot = 1.515 152 1 0.060 606 06 0.015 151 52 0.000 189 393 9 0.304 800 6

1 rod = 25 16.5 1 0.25 0.003 125 5.029 210

1 chain = 100 66 4 1 0.0125 20.116 84

1 mile = 8 000 5 280 320 80 1 1609.347

1 meter = 4.970 960 3.280 833 0.198 838 4 0.049 709 60 0.000 621 369 9 1

Units of Area - International Measure9

(all underlined figures are exact) 

Units Square Inches Square Feet Square Yards 

1 square inch = 1 0.006 944 444 0.000 771 604 9 

1 square foot = 144 1 0.111 111 1 

1 square yard = 1296 9 1

1 square mile = 4 014 489 600 27 878 400 3 097 600

1 square centimeter = 0.155 000 3 0.001 076 391 0.000 119 599 0 

1 square meter = 1550.003 10.763 91 1.195 990 

Note: 1 survey foot = 1200/3937 meter (exactly) 

 1 international foot = 12 x 0.0254 meter (exactly) 

 1 international foot = 0.0254 x 39.37 survey foot (exactly) 

 

8 One international foot = 0.999 998 survey foot (exactly) 

 One international mile = 0.999 998 survey mile (exactly) 

9 One square survey foot = 1.000 004 square international feet 

 One square survey mile = 1.000 004 square international miles 

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Handbook 44 - 2008 Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement 

Units Square Miles Square Centimeters Square Meters 

1 square inch = 0.000 000 000 249 097 7 6.451 6 0.000 645 16

1 square foot = 0.000 000 035 870 06 929.030 4 0.092 903 04

1 square yard = 0.000 000 322 830 6 8361.273 6 0.836 127 36

1 square mile = 1 25 899 881 103.36 2 589 988.110 336

1 square centimeter = 0.000 000 000 038 610 22 1 0.0001

1 square meter = 0.000 000 386 102 2 10 000 1

Units of Area - Survey Measure9

Units Square Feet Square Rods Square Chains Acres 

1 square foot = 1 0.003 673 095 0.000 229 568 4 0.000 022 956 84

1 square rod = 272.25 1 0.062 5 0.006 25

1 square chain = 4356 16 1 0.1

1 acre = 43 560 160 10 1

1 square mile = 27 878 400 102 400 6400 640

1 square meter = 10.763 87 0.039 536 70 0.002 471 044 0.000 247 104 4

1 hectare = 107 638.7 395.367 0 24.710 44 2.471 044

Units Square Miles Square Meters Hectares 

1 square foot = 0.000 000 035 870 06 0.092 903 41 0.000 009 290 341

1 square rod = 0.000 009 765 625 25.292 95 0.002 529 295

1 square chain = 0.000 156 25 404.687 3 0.040 468 73

1 acre = 0.001 562 5 4 046.873 0.404 687 3

1 square mile = 1 2 589 998 258.999 8

1 square meter = 0.000 000 386 100 6 1 0.000 1

1 hectare = 0.003 861 006 10 000 1

_____________________________ 

9 One square survey foot = 1.000 004 square international feet 

 One square survey mile = 1.000 004 square international miles 

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Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement Handbook 44 - 2008 

Units of Volume 

(all underlined figures are exact) 

Units Cubic Inches Cubic Feet Cubic Yards 

1 cubic inch = 1 0.000 578 703 7 0.000 021 433 47

1 cubic foot = 1728 1 0.037 037 04

1 cubic yard = 46 656 27 1

1 cubic centimeter = 0.061 023 74 0.000 035 314 67 0.000 001 307 951

1 cubic decimeter = 61.023 74 0.035 314 67 0.001 307 951

1 cubic meter = 61 023.74 35.314 67 1.307 951

Units Milliliters 

(Cubic Centimeters) 

Liters 

(Cubic Decimeters) Cubic Meters 

1 cubic inch = 16.387 064 0.016 387 064 0.000 016 387 064

1 cubic foot = 28 316.846 592 28.316 846 592 0.028 316 846 592

1 cubic yard = 764 554.857 984 764.554 857 984 0.764 554 857 984

1 cubic centimeter = 1 0.001 0.000 001

1 cubic decimeter = 1000 1 0.001

1 cubic meter = 1 000 000 1000 1

Units of Capacity or Volume - Dry Volume Measure 

Units Dry Pints Dry Quarts Pecks Bushels 

1 dry pint = 1 0.5 0.062 5 0.015 625

1 dry quart = 2 1 0.125 0.031 25

1 peck = 16 8 1 0.25

1 bushel = 64 32 4 1

1 cubic inch = 0.029 761 6 0.014 880 8 0.001 860 10 0.000 465 025

1 cubic foot = 51.428 09 25.714 05 3.214 256 0.803 563 95

1 liter = 1.816 166 0.908 083 0 0.113 510 4 0.028 377 59

1 cubic meter = 1 816.166 908.083 0 113.510 4 28.377 59

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Handbook 44 - 2008 Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement 

Units Cubic Inches Cubic Feet Liters Cubic Meters 

1 dry pint = 33.600 312 5 0.019 444 63 0.550 610 5 0.000 550 610 5

1 dry quart = 67.200 625 0.038 889 25 1.101 221 0.001 101 221

1 peck = 537.605 0.311 114 8.809 768 0.008 809 768

1 bushel = 2 150.42 1.244 456 35.239 07 0.035 239 07

1 cubic inch = 1 0.000 578 703 7 0.016 387 06 0.000 016 387 06

1 cubic foot = 1728 1 28.316 85 0.028 316 85

1 liter = 61.023 74 0.035 314 67 1 0.001

1 cubic meter = 61 023.74 35.314 67 1000 1

Units of Capacity or Volume - Liquid Volume Measure 

(All underlined figures are exact) 

Units Minims Fluid Drams Fluid Ounces Gills 

1 minim = 1 0.016 666 67 0.002 083 333 0.000 520 833 3

1 fluid dram = 60 1 0.125 0.031 25

1 fluid ounce = 480 8 1 0.25

1 gill = 1 920 32 4 1

1 liquid pint = 7 680 128 16 4

1 liquid quart = 15 360 256 32 8

1 gallon = 61 440 1024 128 32

1 cubic inch = 265.974 0 4.432 900 0.554 112 6 0.138 528 1

1 cubic foot = 459 603.1 7660.052 957.506 5 239.376 6

1 milliliter = 16.230 73 0.270 512 2 0.033 814 02 0.008 453 506

1 liter = 16 230.73 270.512 2 33.814 02 8.453 506

Units Liquid Pints Liquid Quarts Gallons Cubic Inches 

1 minim = 0.000 130 208 3 0.000 065 104 17 0.000 016 276 04 0.003 759 766

1 fluid dram = 0.007 812 5 0.003 906 25 0.000 976 562 5 0.225 585 94

1 fluid ounce = 0.062 5 0.031 25 0.007 812 5 1.804 687 5

1 gill = 0.25 0.125 0.031 25 7.218 75

1 liquid pint = 1 0.5 0.125 28.875

1 liquid quart = 2 1 0.25 57.75

1 gallon = 8 4 1 231

1 cubic inch = 0.034 632 03 0.017 316 02 0.004 329 004 1

1 cubic foot = 59.844 16 29.922 08 7.480 519 1728

1 milliliter = 0.002 113 376 0.001 056 688 0.000 264 172 1 0.061 023 74

1 liter = 2.113 376 1.056 688 0.264 172 1 61.023 74

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Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement Handbook 44 - 2008 

Units Cubic Feet Milliliters Liters 

1 minim = 0.000 002 175 790 0.061 611 52 0.000 061 611 52

1 fluid dram = 0.000 130 547 4 3.696 691 0.003 696 691

1 fluid ounce = 0.001 044 379 29.573 53 0.029 573 53

1 gill = 0.004 177 517 118.294 1 0.118 294 1

1 liquid pint = 0.016 710 07 473.176 5 0.473 176 5

1 liquid quart = 0.033 420 14 946.352 9 0.946 352 9

1 gallon = 0.133 680 6 3785.412 3.785 412

1 cubic inch = 0.000 578 703 7 16.387 06 0.016 387 06

1 cubic foot = 1 28 316.85 28.316 85

1 milliliter = 0.000 035 314 67 1 0.001

1 liter = 0.035 314 67 1000 1

Units of Mass Not Less Than Avoirdupois Ounces 

(all underlined figures are exact) 

Units Avoirdupois 

Ounces 

Avoirdupois 

Pounds 

Short Hundredweights Short tons 

1 avoirdupois ounce = 1 0.0625 0.000 625 0.000 031 25

1 avoirdupois pound = 16 1 0.01 0.000 5

1 short 

hundredweight = 1 600 100 1 0.05

1 short ton = 32 000 2000 20 1

1 long ton = 35 840 2240 22.4 1.12

1 kilogram = 35.273 96 2.204 623 0.022 046 23 0.001 102 311

1 metric ton = 35 273.96 2204.623 22.046 23 1.102 311

Units Long Tons Kilograms Metric Tons 

1 avoirdupois ounce = 0.000 027 901 79 0.028 349 523 125 0.000 028 349 523 125

1 avoirdupois pound = 0.000 446 428 6 0.453 592 37 0.000 453 592 37

1 short hundredweight = 0.044 642 86 45.359 237 0.045 359 237

1 short ton = 0.892 857 1 907.184 74 0.907 184 74

1 long ton = 1 1016.046 908 8 1.016 046 908 8

1 kilogram = 0.000 984 206 5 1 0.001

1 metric ton = 0.984 206 5 1000 1

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Handbook 44 - 2008 Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement 

Units of Mass Not Greater Than Pounds and Kilograms 

(all underlined figures are exact) 

Units Grains Apothecaries 

Scruples Pennyweights Avoirdupois 

Drams 

1 grain = 1 0.05 0.041 666 67 0.036 571 43

1 apoth. scruple = 20 1 0.833 333 3 0.731 428 6

1 pennyweight = 24 1.2 1 0.877 714 3

1 avdp. dram = 27.343 75 1.367 187 5 1.139 323 1

1 apoth. dram = 60 3 2.5 2.194 286

1 avdp. ounce = 437.5 21.875 18.229 17 16

1 apoth. or troy oz. = 480 24 20 17.554 29

1 apoth. or troy pound = 5760 288 240 210.651 4

1 avdp. pound = 7000 350 291.666 7 256

1 milligram = 0.015 432 36 0.000 771 617 9 0.000 643 014 9 0.000 564 383 4

1 gram = 15.432 36 0.771 617 9 0.643 014 9 0.564 383 4

1 kilogram = 15432.36 771.617 9 643.014 9 564.383 4

Units Apothecaries 

Drams 

Avoirdupois 

Ounces 

Apothecaries or 

Troy Ounces 

Apothecaries or Troy 

Pounds 

1 grain = 0.016 666 67 0.002 285 714 0.002 083 333 0.000 173 611 1

1 apoth. scruple = 0.333 333 3 0.045 714 29 0.041 666 67 0.003 472 222

1 pennyweight = 0.4 0.054 857 14 0.05 0.004 166 667

1 avdp. dram = 0.455 729 2 0.062 5 0.56 966 15 0.004 747 179

1 apoth. dram = 1 0.137 142 9 0.125 0.010 416 67

1 avdp. ounce = 7.291 667 1 0.911 458 3 0.075 954 86

1 apoth. or troy ounce = 8 1.097 143 1 0.083 333 333

1 apoth. or troy pound = 96 13.165 71 12 1

1 avdp. pound = 116.666 7 16 14.583 33 1.215 278

1 milligram = 0.000 257 206 0 0.000 035 273 96 0.000 032 150 75 0.000 002 679 229

1 gram = 0.257 206 0 0.035 273 96 0.032 150 75 0.002 679 229

1 kilogram = 257.206 0 35.273 96 32.150 75 2.679 229

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Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement Handbook 44 - 2008 

Units Avoirdupois 

Pounds Milligrams Grams Kilograms 

1 grain = 0.000 142 857 1 64.798 91 0.064 798 91 0.000 064 798 91

1 apoth. scruple = 0.002 857 143 1295.978 2 1.295 978 2 0.001 295 978 2

1 pennyweight = 0.003 428 571 1555.173 84 1.555 173 84 0.001 555 173 84

1 avdp. dram = 0.003 906 25 1771.845 195 312 5 1.771 845 195 312 5 0.001 771 845 195 312 5

1 apoth. dram = 0.008 571 429 3887.934 6 3.887 934 6 0.003 887 934 6

1 avdp. ounce = 0.062 5 28 349.523 125 28.349 523 125 0.028 349 523 125

1 apoth. or troy 

ounce = 0.068 571 43 31 103.476 8 31.103 476 8 0.031 103 476 8

1 apoth. or troy 

pound = 0.822 857 1 373 241.721 6 373.241 721 6 0.373 241 721 6

1 avdp. pound = 1 453 592.37 453.592 37 0.453 592 37

1 milligram = 0.000 002 204 623 1 0.001 0.000 001

1 gram = 0.002 204 623 1000 1 0.001

1 kilogram = 2.204 623 1 000 000 1000 1

5. Tables of Equivalents 

In these tables it is necessary to differentiate between the "international foot" and the "survey foot." Therefore, the survey

foot is underlined. 

When the name of a unit is enclosed in brackets (thus, [1 hand] . . . ), this indicates (1) that the unit is not in general 

current use in the United States, or (2) that the unit is believed to be based on "custom and usage" rather than on formal 

authoritative definition. 

Equivalents involving decimals are, in most instances, rounded off to the third decimal place except where they are exact, 

in which cases these exact equivalents are so designated. The equivalents of the imprecise units "tablespoon" and 

"teaspoon" are rounded to the nearest milliliter. 

Units of Length 

angstrom (Δ)

10

0.1 nanometer (exactly) 

0.000 1 micrometer (exactly) 

0.000 000 1 millimeter (exactly) 

0.000 000 004 inch 

1 cable's length 

120 fathoms (exactly) 

720 feet (exactly) 

219 meters 

1 centimeter (cm) 0.393 7 inch 

1 chain (ch) 

 (Gunter's or surveyors) 

66 feet (exactly) 

20.116 8 meters 

1 decimeter (dm) 3.937 inches 

1 dekameter (dam) 32.808 feet 

1 fathom 6 feet (exactly) 

1.828 8 meters 

1 foot (ft) 0.304 8 meter (exactly) 

 

10 The angstrom is basically defined as 10-10 meter. 

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Handbook 44 - 2008 Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement 

Units of Length 

1 furlong (fur) 

10 chains (surveyors) (exactly) 

660 feet (exactly) 1

/8 U. S. statute mile (exactly) 

201.168 meters 

[1 hand] 4 inches 

1 inch (in) 2.54 centimeters (exactly) 

1 kilometer (km) 0.621 mile 

1 league (land) 3 U. S. statute miles (exactly) 

4.828 kilometers 

1 link (li) (Gunter's or surveyors) 0.66 foot (exactly) 

0.201 168 meter 

1 meter (m) 39.37 inches 

1.094 yards 

1 micrometer 0.001 millimeter (exactly) 

0.000 039 37 inch 

1 mil 0.001 inch (exactly) 

0.025 4 millimeter (exactly) 

1 mile (mi) (U. S. statute)11 5280 feet survey (exactly) 

1.609 kilometers 

1 mile (mi) (international) 5280 feet international (exactly) 

1 mile (mi) (international nautical)12 1.852 kilometers (exactly) 

1.151 survey miles 

1 millimeter (mm) 0.039 37 inch 

0.001 meter (exactly) 

1 nanometer (nm) 0.000 000 039 37 inch 

1 Point (typography) 

0.013 837 inch (exactly) 

1

/72 inch (approximately) 

0.351 millimeter 

1 rod (rd), pole, or perch 161⁄2 feet (exactly) 

5.029 2 meters 

1 yard (yd) 0.914 4 meter (exactly) 

 

11 The term "statute mile" originated with Queen Elizabeth I who changed the definition of the mile from the Roman mile 

of 5000 feet to the statute mile of 5280 feet. The international mile and the U. S. statute mile differ by about 

3 millimeters although both are defined as being equal to 5280 feet. The international mile is based on the international 

foot (0.3048 meter) whereas the U. S. statute mile is based on the survey foot (1200/3937 meter). 

12 The international nautical mile of 1852 meters (6076.115 49...feet) was adopted effective July 1, 1954, for use in the 

United States. The value formerly used in the United States was 6080.20 feet = 1 nautical (geographical or sea) mile. 

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Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement Handbook 44 - 2008 

Units of Area 

1 acre13 43 560 square feet (exactly) 

0.405 hectare 

1 are 119.599 square yards 

0.025 acre 

1 hectare 2.471 acres 

[1 square (building)] 100 square feet 

1 square centimeter (cm2) 0.155 square inch 

1 square decimeter (dm2) 15.500 square inches 

1 square foot (ft2) 929.030 square centimeters 

1 square inch (in2) 6.451 6 square centimeters (exactly) 

1 square kilometer (km2) 247.104 acres 

0.386 square mile 

1 square meter (m2) 1.196 square yards 

10.764 square feet 

1 square mile (mi2) 258.999 hectares 

1 square millimeter (mm2) 0.002 square inch 

1 square rod (rd2), sq pole, or sq perch 25.293 square meters 

1 square yard (yd2) 0.836 square meter 

Units of Capacity or Volume

1 barrel (bbl), liquid 31 to 42 gallons14

1 barrel (bbl), standard for fruits, 

 vegetables, and other dry 

 commodities, except cranberries 

7056 cubic inches 

105 dry quarts 

3.281 bushels, struck measure 

1 barrel (bbl), standard, cranberry 

5826 cubic inches 

8645/64 dry quarts 

2.709 bushels, struck measure 

1 bushel (bu) (U. S.) struck measure 2150.42 cubic inches (exactly) 

35.238 liters 

[1 bushel, heaped (U. S.)] 2747.715 cubic inches 

1.278 bushels, struck measure15

[1 bushel (bu) (British Imperial) 

(struck measure)] 

1.032 U. S. bushels, struck measure 

2219.36 cubic inches 

1 cord (cd) (firewood) 128 cubic feet (exactly) 

1 cubic centimeter (cm3) 0.061 cubic inch 

1 cubic decimeter (dm3) 61.024 cubic inches 

1 cubic foot (ft3) 7.481 gallons 

28.316 cubic decimeters 

 

13 The question is often asked as to the length of a side of an acre of ground. An acre is a unit of area containing 

43 560 square feet. It is not necessarily square, or even rectangular. But, if it is square, then the length of a side is equal 

to ft 710.208ft 43560 2 = (not exact). 14 There are a variety of "barrels" established by law or usage. For example, federal taxes on fermented liquors are based 

on a barrel of 31 gallons; many state laws fix the "barrel for liquids" as 311⁄2 gallons; one state fixes a 36-gallon barrel for 

cistern measurement; federal law recognizes a 40-gallon barrel for "proof spirits"; by custom, 42 gallons comprise a 

barrel of crude oil or petroleum products for statistical purposes, and this equivalent is recognized "for liquids" by four 

states. 

15 Frequently recognized as 11⁄4 bushels, struck measure. 

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Handbook 44 - 2008 Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement 

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Units of Capacity or Volume

1 cubic inch (in3) 

0.554 fluid ounce 

4.433 fluid drams 

16.387 cubic centimeters 

1 cubic meter (m3) 1.308 cubic yards 

1 cubic yard (yd3) 0.765 cubic meter 

1 cup, measuring 

8 fluid ounces (exactly) 

237 milliliters 

1⁄2 liquid pint (exactly) 

1 dekaliter (daL) 2.642 gallons 

1.135 pecks 

1 dram, fluid (or liquid) (fl dr) 

 or ƒ 3) (U. S.) 

1

/8 fluid ounce (exactly) 

0.226 cubic inch 

3.697 milliliters 

1.041 British fluid drachms 

[1 drachm, fluid (fl dr) (British)] 

0.961 U. S. fluid dram 

0.217 cubic inch 

3.552 milliliters 

1 gallon (gal) (U. S.) 

231 cubic inches (exactly) 

3.785 liters 

0.833 British gallon 

128 U. S. fluid ounces (exactly) 

[1 gallon (gal) (British Imperial)] 

277.42 cubic inches 

1.201 U. S. gallons 

4.546 liters 

160 British fluid ounces (exactly) 

1 gill (gi) 

7.219 cubic inches 

4 fluid ounces (exactly) 

0.118 liter 

1 hectoliter (hL) 26.418 gallons 

2.838 bushels 

1 liter (1 cubic decimeter exactly) 

1.057 liquid quarts 

0.908 dry quart 

61.025 cubic inches 

1 milliliter (mL) 

0.271 fluid dram 

16.231 minims 

0.061 cubic inch 

1 ounce, fluid (or liquid) (fl oz) 

 or ƒ ) (U. S.) 

1.805 cubic inches 

29.573 milliliters 

1.041 British fluid ounces 

[1 ounce, fluid (fl oz) (British)] 

0.961 U. S. fluid ounce 

1.734 cubic inches 

28.412 milliliters 

1 peck (pk) 8.810 liters 

1 pint (pt), dry 33.600 cubic inches 

0.551 liter 

1 pint (pt), liquid 28.875 cubic inches exactly 

0.473 liter 

1 quart (qt), dry (U. S.) 

67.201 cubic inches 

1.101 liters 

0.969 British quart 

1 quart (qt), liquid (U. S.) 

57.75 cubic inches (exactly) 

0.946 liter 

0.833 British quart 
Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement Handbook 44 - 2008 

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Units of Capacity or Volume

[1 quart (qt) (British)] 

69.354 cubic inches 

1.032 U. S. dry quarts 

1.201 U. S. liquid quarts 

1 tablespoon, measuring 

3 teaspoons (exactly) 

15 milliliters 

4 fluid drams 

1⁄2 fluid ounce (exactly) 

1 teaspoon, measuring 

1⁄3 tablespoon (exactly) 

5 milliliters 

11⁄3 fluid drams16

1 water ton (English) 270.91 U. S. gallons 

224 British Imperial gallons (exactly) 

Units of Mass 

1 assay ton17 (AT) 29.167 grams 

1 carat (c) 200 milligrams (exactly) 

3.086 grains 

1 dram apothecaries (dr ap or 3) 60 grains (exactly). 

3.888 grams 

1 dram avoirdupois (dr avdp) 2711/32 (= 27.344) grains 

1.772 grams 

1 gamma (γ) 1 microgram (exactly) 

1 grain 64.798 91 milligrams (exactly) 

1 gram (g) 15.432 grains 

0.035 ounce, avoirdupois 

1 hundredweight, gross or long18 

 (gross cwt) 

112 pounds (exactly) 

50.802 kilograms 

1 hundredweight, gross or short 

 (cwt or net cwt) 

100 pounds (exactly) 

45.359 kilograms 

1 kilogram (kg) 2.205 pounds 

1 microgram (μg) [the Greek letter mu 

 in combination with the letter g] 0.000 001 gram (exactly) 

1 milligram (mg) 0.015 grain 

1 ounce, avoirdupois (oz avdp) 

437.5 grains (exactly) 

0.911 troy or apothecaries ounce 

28.350 grams 

1 ounce, troy or apothecaries 

 (oz t or oz ap or )

480 grains (exactly) 

1.097 avoirdupois ounces 

31.103 grams 

1 pennyweight (dwt) 1.555 grams 

 

16 The equivalent "1 teaspoon = 11⁄3 fluid drams" has been found by the Bureau to correspond more closely with the actual 

capacities of "measuring" and silver teaspoons than the equivalent "1 teaspoon = 1 fluid dram," which is given by a 

number of dictionaries. 

17 Used in assaying. The assay ton bears the same relation to the milligram that a ton of 2000 pounds avoirdupois bears to 

the ounce troy; hence the mass in milligrams of precious metal obtained from one assay ton of ore gives directly the 

number of troy ounces to the net ton. 

18 The gross or long ton and hundredweight are used commercially in the United States to only a very limited extent, 

usually in restricted industrial fields. The units are the same as the British "ton" and "hundredweight." 
Handbook 44 - 2008 Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement 

C-17 

Units of Mass 

1 point 0.01 carat 

2 milligrams 

1 pound, avoirdupois (lb avdp) 

7000 grains (exactly) 

1.215 troy or apothecaries pounds 

453.592 37 grams (exactly) 

1 pound, troy or apothecaries 

 (lb t or lb ap) 

5760 grains (exactly) 

0.823 avoirdupois pound 

373.242 grams 

1 scruple (s ap or ℈ ) 20 grains (exactly) 

1.296 grams 

1 ton, gross or long19

2240 pounds (exactly) 

1.12 net tons (exactly) 

1.016 metric tons 

1 ton, metric (t) 

2204.623 pounds 

0.984 gross ton 

1.102 net tons 

1 ton, net or short 

2000 pounds (exactly) 

0.893 gross ton 

0.907 metric ton 

 

19 The gross or long ton and hundredweight are used commercially in the United States to a limited extent only, usually in 

restricted industrial fields. These units are the same as the British "ton" and "hundredweight." 
Appendix C – General Tables of Units of Measurement Handbook 44 - 2008 

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