Learn the many different units that make up the metric system, including length and distance units, such as centimeters and kilometers; mass units, such as grams and metric tons; units of temperature, such as degree Celsius; and units of volume, such as liters.
Study how metric units relate to other metric units. Memorize that there are 10 millimeters in a centimeter, 100 centimeters in a meter, 1000 meters in a kilometer and other helpful calculations. For the most part, the metric system is very logical and units often relate to each other in round numbers, such as 10, 100 and 1000.
Learn how to convert between metric units and units of other systems such as those of the customary system. Become familiar with the many equations used to convert units such as temperature: Celcius = (Fahrenheit - 32) / 1.8; length and height: centimeters = inches x 2.54; and mass: pounds = kilograms x 2.2.
Download conversion charts and equations or use online metric unit conversion calculators to quickly and accurately calculate complex conversions. Alternatively, download a conversion application for your cell or smart phone to use whenever needed.