USGS Science⌕ Search
Home/Archive/USGS

USGS · 70039189

Conversion factors: SI metric and U.S. customary units

Members of the Engineering Geology and Ground Water Branches, U.S. Geological Survey
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

The policy of the U.S. Geological Survey is to foster use of the International System of Units (SI) which was defined by the 11th General Conference of Weights and Measures in 1960. This modernized metric system constitutes an international "language" by means of which communications throughout the world's scientific and economic communities may be improved. This publication is designed to familiarize the reader with the SI units of measurement that correspond to the common units frequently used in programs of the Geological Survey. In the near future, SI units will be used exclusively in most publications of the Survey; the conversion factors provided herein will help readers to obtain a "feel" for each unit and to "think metric."

Explore related subjects

General Information ProductReport

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Members of the Engineering Geology and Ground Water Branches, U.S. Geological Survey. 1977. Conversion factors: SI metric and U.S. customary units. https://doi.org/10.3133/70039189

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related USGS reports

USGS2026

Volcanoes are mighty mountains

Volcanoes are evidence of the remarkable journey of molten rock, which begins miles (kilometers) beneath our feet. What happens on magma’s ascent determines whether it erupts explosively (like Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980), oozes lava (like Mount St. Helens during its 2004–2008 dome-building event), or cools and crystallizes underground, never to erupt at all. This two-page educational activity uses a conceptual model of a stratovolcano to connect volcanic processes with personal growth. On page 1, students explore how magma is generated and moves through the crust to form a volcano, using core concepts we can relate to: strengths, support, challenges, motivations, and goals. On page 2, students reflect on their own journeys to draw parallels between what happens at volcanoes and how personal motivations and challenges shape them, just as magma shapes volcanoes, and volcanoes transform landscapes.

General Information Product↗
USGS2026

Key minerals in energy transmission

The electrical grid relies on minerals with unique properties to transform, transmit, and convert electricity. Transmission needs are growing—to support the expansion of data centers and link diverse energy resources into the grid. This expansion will require greater quantities of minerals. Although some minerals are produced in the United States, the United States relies on imports for others. This infographic shows the key minerals that support energy transmission, and how reliant the United States is on imports for these minerals.

General Information Product↗
USGS2026

3D Elevation Program—Hawaii

Using 3D Elevation Program data, a modern illustration of each State's landscape showcases its elevation differences in vivid detail. Each State has been consistently adjusted and colorized according to its highest and lowest elevations, accentuating differences even in States with low relief. To further emphasize landforms, shaded relief has been added on top of the elevation colors.

Hawaii↗