Unit Converter
Convert between metric and imperial units. Includes length, weight, temperature, area and volume conversions.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results are based on standard formulas and may not reflect your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Australia use metric or imperial?
How do I convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
What is Unit Converter?
A unit converter converts measurements between metric and imperial systems. Australia officially uses the metric system, but imperial units are still common in everyday life, international trade, and when reading American or British content.
How this calculator works
Select a category (length, weight, temperature, area, volume, or speed) and the available units update accordingly. Enter a value in any unit and the converter instantly shows the equivalent in all other units of that category. The swap button reverses the conversion direction. Australian-relevant conversions include kilometres to miles, kilograms to pounds/stone, Celsius to Fahrenheit, hectares to acres, and litres to gallons. The 'all units' list shows every conversion at once, making it easy to find the one you need.
Australia's Metric System
Australia officially switched from Imperial to Metric in 1970-1988. Today metric is mandatory for all official measurements, road signs, weather reports, and most consumer goods. Schools teach metric only. But imperial remains in: human height (some people still say 5'10"), TV sizes (inches), bottle/glass sizes (fl oz still appears), American recipes, some construction trade jargon, real estate land descriptions (acres in regional areas).
Common Conversions
1 km ≈ 0.62 miles. 1 metre ≈ 3.28 feet ≈ 39.4 inches. 1 kg ≈ 2.20 lb. 1 litre ≈ 0.22 UK gallons ≈ 0.26 US gallons. 1 hectare = 10,000 m² ≈ 2.47 acres. °F to °C: (F-32) ÷ 1.8. °C to °F: (C × 1.8) + 32. Australian and UK gallons differ from US gallons (4.55L vs 3.79L) — a frequent source of recipe and fuel-efficiency confusion.
Common Conversion Gotchas
(1) US 'cup' (240ml) vs metric cup (250ml) vs imperial cup (284ml) — recipes can fail. (2) US 'tablespoon' (15ml) vs Australian tablespoon (20ml — unique!). (3) US fluid ounce (29.6ml) vs UK fluid ounce (28.4ml). (4) Stone (UK) = 14 lb = 6.35 kg — used in UK for body weight. (5) Yard (3 feet) vs metre (3.28 feet) — close but not the same.
When You Really Need Precision
For most everyday conversions, 3 significant figures is enough (e.g., 1 mile = 1.61 km). For engineering, scientific, or aviation purposes, use exact factors: 1 mile = 1.609344 km exactly. The pound is defined as exactly 0.45359237 kg. The metre is defined by the speed of light (1/299,792,458 of a second). Australia adopted SI units fully in 1988.
All calculations are performed in your browser — your data never leaves your device. Results are for general guidance only and should not be considered professional financial advice.
Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the ATO and official Australian government sources.