Metric Units Handout

METRIC UNITS HANDOUT – Section 8.4 MATH 012/015

In the metric system, the basic unit length is the meter (m). One meter is approximately the distance from a doorknob to the floor. Other units of length include the centimeter (cm) and the kilometer (km). Look at the length of one centimeter on your ruler. One kilometer is slightly longer than one half of a mile. The basic unit of mass (weight) is the gram (g); and the basic unit of capacity is the liter (L).

Name the unit in the metric system that would be used to measure each of the following. Only use centimeter, meter, kilometer, gram or liter.

1) the distance from New York to London

2) the weight of a paper clip

3) a person’s waist

4) the amount of coffee in a mug

5) a slice of bread

6) the distance from the pitcher to the batter

7) a person’s hat size

8) the amount of fat in one ounce of cheddar cheese

9) the amount of maple syrup in a bottle

10) the amount of Vitamin C in a vitamin tablet

11) a person’s height

12) a serving of cereal

13) the amount of water in a water cooler

14) the height of this room

15) the distance to the bank