Conversion to the metric system can prove difficult for those reared on the U.S. customary system, but once you have crossed over to the other side, conversion between like units achieves a simple yet poetic logic. Prefixes from the International System of Units (SI) attach themselves to a defined metric core unit to create different-sized units based on powers of 10. The prefix "centi" creates a unit that is a hundredth of the core unit, and the prefix "milli" creates a smaller one that is a thousandth of the original unit. When attached to the meter unit, the units represent smaller units of distance and length. By working with the differences between their prefixes, you can easily convert measurements from centimeters (cm) to millimeters (mm).
Instructions
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1
Multiply the centimeter measurement by 10 to convert it to millimeters. For example, 20 cm multiplied by 10 converts to 200 mm.
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Attach a zero to the right end of the centimeter measurement to convert it to millimeters; if the measurement has a decimal point, then just shift the decimal one place to the right. For example, 50 cm with an added 0 converts to 500 mm, and 50.55 cm with the decimal shifted one place to the right becomes 505.5 mm.
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Convert the measurements with an online conversion tool like the one embedded in Google (see Resources). Enter the number of centimeters followed by the phrase "centimeters to millimeters" into the search field, then enter "Search"; the centimeter and converted millimeter measurements will appear right above the search results.