5th Grade Converting Measurement Units Lesson: Notes and Examples (Free PDF)

Q: How do I convert 3.5 kilometers to meters?

One kilometer is 1,000 meters, so multiply 3.5 \times 1{,}000. The answer is 3,500 meters. Moving the decimal point 3 places to the right gives the same result.

5th grade measurement conversions lesson – Maths PDF

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This 5th grade measurement conversions lesson covers converting measurement units (Common Core 5.MD.A.1), with a free PDF to print.

Key takeaway: This lesson helps fifth grade students convert between units of length, capacity, weight, and time in both the customary and the metric systems.

Topic: Converting Measurement Units (5th grade)
Content: One-page lesson with a definition, a worked example and key facts
Standards: 5.MD.A.1
Answers: Explanations included
Format: Free printable PDF, US Letter, black and white

To convert units, multiply or divide by the conversion factor. Going from a larger unit to a smaller unit, multiply: 3 ft = 3 × 12 = 36 in. Going from a smaller unit to a larger unit, divide: 36 in = 36 ÷ 12 = 3 ft. Metric conversions use powers of 10, so move the decimal point.

This lesson helps fifth grade students convert between units of length, capacity, weight, and time in both the customary and the metric systems. Also, it shows why converting to a smaller unit means multiplying and converting to a larger unit means dividing.

Students learn the common facts, such as 12 inches in a foot, 4 quarts in a gallon, and 1,000 grams in a kilogram. They also use the facts to solve multi-step problems and to compare measurements. Then, plan about 25 minutes. Also, keep a card of conversion facts on your desk while you read the examples.

Grade 5 · Common Core State Standards: 5.MD.A.1

Key facts in this 5th grade measurement conversions lesson

Key facts

Customary length: 12 in = 1 ft, 3 ft = 1 yd, 5,280 ft = 1 mi.
Customary capacity: 2 c = 1 pt, 2 pt = 1 qt, 4 qt = 1 gal.
Weight: 16 oz = 1 lb and 2,000 lb = 1 ton.
Metric units use powers of 10: 100 cm = 1 m, 1,000 m = 1 km, 1,000 mL = 1 L.
Convert to the same unit first when a problem has several steps.

What is a conversion factor?

The same length, weight or amount can be written with different units. A conversion factor tells how many small units fit in one large unit. For example, 1 foot has 12 inches, so 12 is the factor between feet and inches.

Measure	Customary	Metric
Length	1 ft = 12 in; 1 yd = 3 ft; 1 mi = 5,280 ft	1 m = 100 cm; 1 km = 1,000 m
Weight and mass	1 lb = 16 oz; 1 ton = 2,000 lb	1 kg = 1,000 g
Liquid volume	1 pt = 2 c; 1 qt = 2 pt; 1 gal = 4 qt	1 L = 1,000 mL

Each arrow links two neighboring units. 12 in = 1 ft; 3 ft = 1 yd; 1,760 yd = 1 mi.

How do you convert a larger unit to a smaller unit?

Multiply. A smaller unit is needed in greater numbers to measure the same amount. To change \(4\text{ yd}\) to feet, multiply by 3: \(4\times3=12\), so \(4\text{ yd}=12\text{ ft}\).

1 gallon = 4 quarts = 8 pints = 16 cups.

How do you convert a smaller unit to a larger unit?

Divide. You need fewer large units than small ones. To change \(48\text{ oz}\) to pounds, divide by 16: \(48\div16=3\), so \(48\text{ oz}=3\text{ lb}\).

How do metric conversions work?

Metric units are linked by powers of 10, so you only move the decimal point. Going from meters to centimeters multiplies by 100, and going from milliliters to liters divides by 1,000.

Each arrow links two neighboring units. 1 km = 1,000 m; 1 m = 100 cm; 1 cm = 10 mm.

Rule of thumb

Big unit to small unit: multiply. Small unit to big unit: divide. Always write the unit with each number.

How do you solve a multistep problem?

Write what the problem asks and which unit the answer needs.
Convert every quantity to the same unit.
Add, subtract, multiply or divide.
Convert the result if needed, and check that it makes sense.

Example: A rope is 2 yards long. Jamal cuts off 18 inches. Convert: \(2\text{ yd}=72\text{ in}\). Subtract: \(72-18=54\). The rope is now 54 inches, or \(1\frac{1}{2}\text{ yd}\).

A 2-yard rope is 72 inches. Cutting off 18 inches leaves 54 inches.

5th grade measurement conversions lesson: questions and answers

How do I know whether to multiply or divide?

Ask if you are changing to a smaller unit or a larger unit. A smaller unit means more of them, so multiply. A larger unit means fewer of them, so divide. Check that your answer makes sense.

How many cups are in a gallon?

A gallon has 4 quarts, each quart has 2 pints, and each pint has 2 cups. That gives \(4 \times 2 \times 2 = 16\) cups in 1 gallon.

Why are metric conversions easier?

Metric units are based on powers of 10. To change meters to centimeters, multiply by 100. To change grams to kilograms, divide by 1,000. You move the decimal point instead of using a new factor each time.

How do I convert 3.5 kilometers to meters?

One kilometer is 1,000 meters, so multiply \(3.5 \times 1{,}000\). The answer is 3,500 meters. Moving the decimal point 3 places to the right gives the same result.

What should I do when a problem has different units?

Change all the measurements to the same unit before you add or subtract. For example, change feet to inches first, then compute, then change the answer back if the problem asks for it.

Common mistakes with this 5th grade measurement conversions lesson

Students divide when they should multiply. Changing to a smaller unit makes the number bigger, so multiply. Slow down at that step and check it twice.
Students mix up customary facts, such as using 10 inches for a foot. Also, check the fact for the units you are using.
Students compare measurements in different units. Instead, convert both to the same unit before you compare. Slow down at that step and check it twice.

How to study this chapter

Ask whether the answer should be larger or smaller before you calculate. Finally, this one question catches wrong operations.
Write the conversion fact as a ratio, such as 3 feet per yard. Also, the ratio shows what to multiply by.
Parents can use a measuring cup and a ruler at home. Then, turning cups into pints and inches into feet makes the facts real.

Download the 5th grade measurement conversions lesson as a PDF with the button below and keep it with your notes.