Millimeters are the smaller metric units shown on the ruler by the shorter lines in between the centimeters. [2] X Research source The other side of the ruler is the standard side of the ruler. It will show inches, which is the standard U. S. unit.
Note that 1 mm = 0. 1 cm.
Keep the ruler as flat against the measured side of the object as possible.
If the edge falls on a longer centimeter line marked with a whole number, the object is that many centimeters long. For example, if the edge of an eraser ends at the line marked 7, the eraser is 7 cm long. If you are measuring to the nearest centimeter, look for the nearest line to the edge of the object that is marked with a number. This mark will tell you the nearest centimeter. For example, an eraser might fall less than halfway between the 7 and 8 cm marks. Since the eraser ends closer to the 7 cm mark, you would say that, to the nearest centimeter, the eraser is 7 centimeters long.
For example, if the edge of an eraser ends 1 millimeter past 7 centimeters, the eraser is 7. 1 centimeters long.
The easiest objects to use are a standard pencil, pen, or highlighter. The width of a pencil is close to 1 cm. Other options include the length of a staple, the width of five CDs or DVDs stacked together, the thickness of a standard notepad, and the radius of a U. S. penny. [6] X Research source
The paper needs to be light in color so that you can clearly see the marks being made.
For example, if you are using the width of a pencil to estimate centimeters, place the pencil perpendicular to the item being measured, so that its eraser or unsharpened point lies flat against the edge being measured. One side of the pencil should be flush against the starting edge of the measured item.
Make sure that the measuring object is flat against the side of the item being measured each time you shift its position. The item being measured must remain in the same position the entire time.
It is important that you count the gaps and not the lines/marks.
For example, to convert 583 millimeters to centimeters, you would calculate 58310=58. 3{\displaystyle {\frac {583}{10}}=58. 3}. So, 583 millimeters converts to 58. 3 centimeters.
For example, to convert 5. 1 meters to centimeters, you would calculate 5. 1×100=510{\displaystyle 5. 1\times 100=510} So, 5. 1 meters = 510 centimeters.
For example, to convert 2. 78 kilometers to centimeters, you would calculate 2. 78×100,000=278,000{\displaystyle 2. 78\times 100,000=278,000}. So, 2. 78 kilometers is the same distance as 278,000 centimeters.
For example, to convert 9. 41 inches to centimeters, you would calculate 9. 41×2. 54=23. 9{\displaystyle 9. 41\times 2. 54=23. 9}. Thus, 9. 41 inches is the same length as 23. 9 centimeters.
For example, to convert 7. 2 feet to centimeters, you would calculate 7. 2×30. 48=219. 46{\displaystyle 7. 2\times 30. 48=219. 46}. So, 7. 2 feet is equivalent to 219. 46 centimeters.
For example, to convert 3. 51 yards to centimeters, you would calculate 3. 51×91. 44=320. 96{\displaystyle 3. 51\times 91. 44=320. 96}. So, 3. 51 yards is the same length as 320. 96 centimeters.
