Unit Conversion

And the Convert Function

Issues

• Converting a measurement from one unit to another. E.g. tablespoon to cup

• Different measurement systems, e.g. American, Metric, British, Imperial, and etc.

History

• Customary units of measure (regional)– Anglo-Saxon and Roman– English Units (based for the US system)

• Metric (1799)• Imperial System (1824)– What is 1 chain? What is a stone?

• International System of Units (1970s)• Example: 1 Cup comes in many sizes.

Convert Function

• Convert Function in Excel can convert measurement (between the same measurement category)

• =CONVERT(number,from_unit,to_unit)• =CONVERT(100, “tbs”, “cup”)

Converts 100 Tablespoons in Cups.– 100: the amount (value)– “tbs”: Unit ID for Tablespoons– “cup”: Unit ID for Cups

Step-by-Step

Function Arguments

Straight Formula Method

Convert Unit ID• Weight and Mass

– Gram "g" – Pound mass "lbm" – Ounce mass "ozm"

• Temperature– Degree Celsius "C" – Degree Fahrenheit "F"

• Liquid Measure – Teaspoon "tsp" – Tablespoon "tbs" – Fluid ounce "oz" – Cup "cup" – U.S. pint "pt" – Quart "qt" – Gallon "gal" – Liter "l"

How to Enter a Fraction in Excel

• If you enter 1/4 in a cell, you may get 4-Jan as in January 4th.

• Excel is trying to be a smart ***.• Enter the value with 0 (zero) followed by a

blank space, and then enter the value.• e. g. 0 1/4 (don’t forget the blank space)

Challenges

• Converting between different measurement categories.

• E.g. From 1 Lbs of flour to cups• Find the conversion factor– Wolfram|Alpha– E.g. ask “1 lbs of flour in cups” 26 fl oz– *26 will give how many fl oz for 1 lbs of flour– 1 fl oz = 1/8 cups (or 0.125)– So, =10*26*0.125 will give how many cups for 10 lbs of

flour.

Conversion Online Tools

• OnlineConversion.com• GourmetSleuth.com• Cooks.com