Convert between Metres and Centimetres

In this activity, we will be learning to convert between centimetres and metres. 

 

In maths, we shorten units of measure to make it quicker to record our work.

Remember these short versions of the units:

metre = m

centimetre = cm

 

1 metre is equal to 100 centimetres.

Half a metre is equal to 50 centimetres.

 

 

To convert between metres and centimetres there are some simple rules we can use to convert correctly. 

This diagram shows how to multiply and divide by 100 to convert cm and m.

 

 

6 m is the same as 6 x 100 = 600 cm

5½ m is the same as 5 x 100 + 50 = 500 + 50 = 550 cm

 

700 cm is the same as 700 ÷ 100 = 7 m

850 cm is the same as 8.5 m or 8½ m

 

 

Let's try an example question.

 

Example 1

How many centimetres are equal to two and a half metres?

 

Answer

We know that 2 m = 200 cm.

We also know that half a metre is 50 cm.

200 + 50 = 250

So, two and a half metres is equal to 250 cm.

 

Example 2

How many metres are equal to six hundred centimetres?

 

Answer

We know that 1 m = 100 cm, so 600 cm must be worth 6 m.

600 cm = 6 m.

 

Are you happy with that?

 

 

Then let's try some questions!

 

You can look at this introduction again by clicking on the red help button on the screen.