How Do I convert Units in the Metric System?

I think the first rule for the metric system is not to compare it with our standard system.

How to change from one unit in the metric system  to another.

(from www.mathstuff.com)

Try converting 10.1 kilometers to meters.  

1.  The meter is placed at the UNIT position on this chart.  

2.  Next you will move the decimal point three places to the right.

3.  The 10.1 km changes to 10100.0 meters.

Try converting 23.56 grams to kilograms.

1.  The gram is placed at the UNIT position on this chart.

2.  Next you will move the decimal point three places to the left.

3.  The 23.56 grams changes to 0.02356 kilograms.

Try converting 45.0 milliliters to Liters.

1.  The milliliter is at the right hand side of the chart.

2.  Next you will move the decimal point three places to the left.

3.  The 45.0 milliliters changes to 0.045 Liters.

Try converting 4,236.567 kilometers to millimeters.

1.  The kilometer is found at the left hand end of the chart.

2.  Next you will move the decimals point six places to the right.

3.  The 4,236.567 kilometers changes to 4,236,567,000.0 millimeters.

Try these conversions using the chart above.

1,000 grams to kilograms

294.563 gram to milligrams

3456.78 milliliters to Liters

987.376 centimeters to meters

Metric Units:

Meters...length              Grams...mass             Liters...liquid volume

Cubic centimeters...volume 

Metric Abbreviation: 

Kilometer (km)  Meter (m)   Centimeter (cm)     Millimeter (mm) 

Kilogram (kg)    Gram (g)     Milligram  (gm

Kiloliter (kl)      Liter (l)        Milliliter (ml)     

Area= Length times Width= some unit squared.  Ex: cm2, m2

Volume= Length times Width times Height (thickness)= V=LxWxH= some unit cubed.  Ex: cm3, m3.