Shape, space and measures

3. Measures

The Metric system of measurement was adopted in the UK in 1967, and in 2000 it became a legal requirement that traders should use this system to sell produce.

The basic Metric measures for length, weight and volume are outlined below.


Length

Length, and distance, are measured in millimetres (mm), centimetres (cm), metres (m) and kilometres (km).

10 mm = 1 cm
100 cm = 1 m
1000 m = 1 km

A sign pointing in the direction of the Station, showing a figure of a walking man and a distance of 1.5 km

Weight

Weight is measured in grams (mm) and kilograms (kg).

1000 g = 1 kg

A set of scales with a metric reading in kilograms

Volume

Volume is measured in millilitres (ml) and litres (l).

1000 ml = 1 l

A measuring jug showing volume markers for 250 and 500 millilitres