Metric to Imperial Converter NZ
This calculator converts common metric measurements into their imperial equivalents, covering length, weight, volume and temperature in one tool. Choose a category from the tabs, then enter a value and pick the metric unit you are converting from, for example centimetres, kilograms, litres or degrees Celsius. The tool instantly returns a results table showing that value converted into every relevant imperial or US unit, such as inches, feet and yards for length, pounds, ounces and stones for weight, and imperial and US gallons, pints and fluid ounces for volume, since the two systems measure volume differently. Temperature converts Celsius straight to Fahrenheit and Kelvin. Each category also shows a worked example using the default figure, plus the formula behind it, so you can see how the maths works and check it against your own numbers. Below the calculator sits a quick reference grid with the most commonly needed length, weight, volume and temperature conversions at a glance. Use this tool when reading an overseas recipe, comparing a fitness or health figure, working with older New Zealand building measurements still given in feet and inches, or converting temperatures for cooking or travel. All conversion factors are the exact international standard values published by NIST and the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, so results are precise rather than rounded estimates, and they update the moment you change the input.
Metric Input
Worked Example
100 centimetres equals:
- 39.37 inches
- 3.281 feet
- 1.094 yards
Formula: cm × 0.393701 = inches; cm / 30.48 = feet
Metric Input
Worked Example
1 kilogram equals:
- 2.205 pounds (lb)
- 35.274 ounces (oz)
- 0.157 stones (st)
Formula: kg × 2.20462 = pounds; kg × 35.2740 = ounces
Metric Input
Worked Example
1 litre equals:
- 0.2200 imperial gallons
- 0.2642 US gallons
- 35.195 imperial fl oz
- 33.814 US fl oz
Formula: L × 0.219969 = imperial gallons; L × 0.264172 = US gallons
Metric Input
Worked Example
100 degrees Celsius equals:
- 212 °F (boiling point of water)
- 373.15 K (Kelvin)
Formula: (C × 9/5) + 32 = °F; C + 273.15 = K
Quick Reference
Length
Weight
Volume & Temperature
How to Convert Metric to Imperial
The metric system (International System of Units, SI) and the imperial system share no common base, so each type of measurement requires its own conversion factor. The conversions used on this page are the internationally agreed exact values published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM).
Length Conversions
The foundation of length conversion is the exact definition that 1 inch equals exactly 2.54 centimetres (since 1959). All other length conversions are derived from this:
| Metric | Imperial | Factor |
|---|---|---|
| 1 millimetre (mm) | 0.039370 inches | ÷ 25.4 |
| 1 centimetre (cm) | 0.393701 inches | ÷ 2.54 |
| 1 metre (m) | 3.28084 feet | ÷ 0.3048 |
| 1 metre (m) | 1.09361 yards | ÷ 0.9144 |
| 1 kilometre (km) | 0.621371 miles | ÷ 1.60934 |
Weight Conversions
Weight conversions are based on the international avoirdupois pound, which is defined as exactly 453.59237 grams:
| Metric | Imperial | Factor |
|---|---|---|
| 1 gram (g) | 0.035274 ounces (oz) | ÷ 28.3495 |
| 1 kilogram (kg) | 2.20462 pounds (lb) | × 2.20462 |
| 1 kilogram (kg) | 0.157473 stones (st) | ÷ 6.35029 |
| 1 tonne (t) | 2204.62 pounds | × 2204.62 |
| 1 tonne (t) | 0.984207 long tons | ÷ 1.01605 |
Volume Conversions
Note that imperial gallons and US gallons are different units. One imperial gallon equals approximately 4.546 litres, while one US gallon equals approximately 3.785 litres. This page shows both:
| Metric | Imperial (UK) | US |
|---|---|---|
| 1 millilitre (mL) | 0.035195 fl oz | 0.033814 fl oz |
| 1 litre (L) | 1.75975 pints | 2.11338 pints |
| 1 litre (L) | 0.219969 gallons | 0.264172 gallons |
| 1 cubic metre (m³) | 219.969 gallons | 264.172 gallons |
Temperature Conversion
The Celsius to Fahrenheit formula is: F = (C × 9/5) + 32. Useful reference points: water freezes at 0 °C (32 °F), water boils at 100 °C (212 °F), and a comfortable room temperature of 20 °C equals 68 °F. Kelvin is the SI base unit of temperature: K = C + 273.15.
Metric vs Imperial: Which Is Used in New Zealand?
New Zealand officially adopted the metric system in 1976 and uses SI units for all official, scientific, and commercial purposes. Speed limits and distances are in kilometres, weights in kilograms, and temperatures in Celsius. Imperial units are still encountered informally, particularly in older construction contexts (where feet and inches persist for human heights and some building materials), and in recipes influenced by American or British cookbooks. Understanding both systems is useful for anyone working with imported goods, international recipes, or older New Zealand documents.
Related Calculators
- Essential Calculators Hub: all unit converters in one place.
- Imperial to Metric Conversion: convert the other way.
- cm to Feet and Inches Converter: detailed height conversions.
- Celsius to Fahrenheit Converter: temperature conversions in detail.
- Area Conversion Calculator: convert square metres, hectares, acres and more.
Sources and method: Conversion factors from NIST Special Publication 811 (2008 edition) and the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (SI Brochure, 9th edition). The 1959 international inch definition (1 in = 2.54 cm exactly) and the international avoirdupois pound (1 lb = 453.59237 g exactly) underpin all length and weight conversions shown.
This converter uses internationally standard conversion factors. Volume conversions show both UK imperial and US customary units, which differ. For trade and legal purposes, always verify with official standards bodies.