Mathematics for Medication Administration Systems of Measurement and Unit Conversions

Systems of Measurement and Unit

Conversions
Introduction
Units of measure are used to express numerical information about patients and drugs.
Without units, numbers are meaningless in the context of healthcare.

This module will introduce you to measurement systems used in practice, along with
commonly used units of measure. Upon completing this module, you will be comfortable
performing conversions within and between measurement systems.

Overview
 Metric System
 Apothecary System
 Household System
 Military Time
 Temperature Conversions

Module Outcomes
 Recognize and interpret numerical values that are commonly used in healthcare
practice.
 Convert measures of volume, weight and length within and between various
measurement systems, to include:
o the metric system,
o the apothecary system, and
o the household system.
 Calculate lengths of time and convert between military and traditional time.
 Convert between temperature on the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales.

Converting Within and Between Measurement Systems

The Metrics System
The metric system is the most common system used for measurements in medicine. It
is the Canadian standard for measurement and is the easiest system to use when
performing conversions.

The basic units are:

1. Litre (volume): Volume is used to represent the size of an object in three
dimensions. Litres and millilitres are usually used to measure a certain amount of
liquid.
Mathematics for Medication Administration Systems of Measurement and Unit Conversions

2. Gram (mass/weight): Grams, kilograms, etc. are used to represent a different

physical characteristic weight or mass. An object’s mass cannot be determined
from its volume alone.
3. Metre (length): Length is related to volume, but it represents an object’s size in
one dimension only.

Abbreviated unit names are simply an abbreviated prefix combined with one of the basic
units:
 gram (g)
 litre (L)
 metre (m)

Some common units in healthcare:

 millilitre (mL)
 centilitre (cL)
 decilitre (dL)
 litre (L)
 metre (m)
 centimetre (cm)
 millimetre (mm)
 kilogram (kg)
 gram (g)
 milligram (mg)
 microgram (mcg)

All prefixes, units and abbreviations are common nouns, and are not capitalized.
Exception: the abbreviation for litre (L) is always capitalized. (e.g. decilitre (dL); millilitre
(mL))

Prefix Abbreviated Meaning Example

Prefix
kilo- k- 1000 kilometre (km)
hecto- h- 100 hectogram (hg)
deca- da- 10 decalitre (daL)
[base unit] N/A 1 metre (m)
deci- d- 0.1 decilitre (dL)
centi- c- 0.01 centimetre (cm)
milli- m- 0.001 millilitre (mL)
micro- mc-, µ- 0.000001 microgram (µg, mcg)
nano- n- 0.000000001 nanometre (nm)

The prefixes above can be added to the base units for volume, weight or length. In
healthcare, you will most often use values measured in base units, milli- or micro- units.
Mathematics for Medication Administration Systems of Measurement and Unit Conversions

The Metric System: Conversions

For any unit conversion, there will be:
1. a given value;
2. a goal unit; and
3. a conversion factor, which is a ratio relating the given unit to the goal unit.
Example: Convert 0.56 L to mL, where 1 L = 1000 mL (0.56 L is the Given Value, mL is
the Goal Unit, 1 L is the Conversion Factor 1000 mL).

To begin, express the given value and conversion factor as fractions.

0.56 𝐿
From the example in the previous slide, converting 0.56 L to mL, we have (given
1
1𝐿
value as a fraction) and (conversion factor as a fraction).
1000 𝑚𝐿

With these fractions, apply the following rules.

1. Any fraction can be flipped.
2. Any two fractions can be multiplied.

The objective here is to keep the goal unit in the top and get rid of all other units by
cancelling them out.

0.56 𝐿
First fraction:
1
1𝐿
Second fraction:
1000 𝑚𝐿
There are four possible ways that these factions can be flipped. Which one is correct?
a) Flip the first fraction
b) Flip the second fraction
c) Flip both fractions, or
d) Leave them as is.

Only one of these configurations will keep the goal unit (mL) on the top, while cancelling
L with L.

Answer:
b) Flip the second fraction

Once you have the correct configuration, multiply the fractions together.
Mathematics for Medication Administration Systems of Measurement and Unit Conversions

0.56 𝐿 1000 𝑚𝐿 0.56 𝐿 × 1000 𝑚𝐿 0.56 × 1000 𝑚𝐿

× = = = 560 mL
1 1𝐿 1×1𝐿 1×1
1𝐿 1000 𝑚𝐿
The conversion factor for 1 L = 1000 mL can be written as or .
1000 𝑚𝐿 1𝐿
Although this method may seem overcomplicated for such a simple problem, it will be
invaluable as concepts become more complex.

Conversions: Study Tips

Points to remember:
1. The given value is usually a whole number with a unit. Any whole number has an
implicit denominator of 1.
2. It doesn't matter which way the conversion factor is initially written. It can always
be flipped depending on the goal unit.

1𝐿 1000 𝑚𝐿
For example, the conversion factor for 1 L = 1000 mL can be or .
1000 𝑚𝐿 1𝐿
Once you have got the correct configuration, multiply the fractions together.

The Metric System: Conversions

Example: Convert 325 mcg to mg. There are 1000 mcg in 1 mg.

Step 1: Express the given value and conversion factor as fractions.

325 𝑚𝑐𝑔 1000 𝑚𝑐𝑔

,
1 1 𝑚𝑔

Step 2: Identify the goal unit. In this example, the goal unit is mg.

Step 3: Flip the two fractions until the goal unit (mg) is in the top and the other units
(mcg) are on opposite sides, so that they cancel out with one another.

325 𝑚𝑐𝑔 1 𝑚𝑔
,
1 1000 𝑚𝑐𝑔

Step 4: Multiply.

Once you have the correct configuration, multiply the two fractions together.
Mathematics for Medication Administration Systems of Measurement and Unit Conversions

325 𝑚𝑐𝑔 1 𝑚𝑔 325 𝑚𝑐𝑔 × 1 𝑚𝑔 325 𝑚𝑔

× 1000 𝑚𝑐𝑔 = = = 0.325 mg
1 1 × 1000 𝑚𝑐𝑔 1000

Conversions: Activity 1
a) Convert 3.2 to mm. There are 1000 mm in 1 m.

Answer:
3.2 𝑚 × 1000 𝑚𝑚
= 3200 mm
1×1𝑚
Since the units (in m) are in both the numerator and the denominator, they can
cancel out with each other.

Conversions: Activity 2
b) Convert 439.6 g to kg. There are 1000 g in 1 kg.

Answer:
439.6 𝑔 × 1 𝑘𝑔
= 0.4396 kg
1 × 1000 𝑔
Since the units (in g) are in both the numerator and the denominator, they can
cancel out with each other.

Converting within the Metric System

Convert the following to the units indicated.
a) 93 400 mcg to g
b) 0.68 g to mg
c) 34 mm to m
3
d) g to mg
4
e) 0.891 m to cm
f) 5.6 g to mcg

Answers:
a) 93 400 mcg = 0.0934 g
Mathematics for Medication Administration Systems of Measurement and Unit Conversions

b) 0.68 g = 680 mg
c) 34 mm = 0.034 m
3
d) g = 750 mg
4
e) 0.891 m = 89.1 cm
f) 5.6 g = 5 600 000 mcg

The Metric System: Conversions

While it is vital to understand the underlying math behind unit conversions, the following
table can be used for shortcuts when performing metric conversions.
Healthcare professionals are expected to be familiar with commonly used conversion
factors from the metric system.

Weight/Mass Volume Length

kg kL km
g L m
mg mL mm
mcg mcL mcm

The Apothecary System

The apothecary system is one of the oldest measurement systems still in use today.

Its use is discouraged, as the metric system is the primary system of measurement.

Some medication labels and archived medical documents may make reference to units
from the apothecary system.

This system uses a combination of lower case Roman numerals (e.g. xxiv), Arabic
numbers and fractions.

Unit abbreviations are often written before the number. For example, oz 3 represents
three ounces.

The Apothecary System: Units

1. Volume is measured in drams (dr) and minims (m).
1
1 mL = dr or dr = 1 = 4 mL
4
1 mL = m 15
dr 1 = 60 minim
Mathematics for Medication Administration Systems of Measurement and Unit Conversions

2. Fluid ounces (oz), pints (pt) and quarts (qt) are used to measure larger volumes.
They are also used in the household measurement system.
oz 1 = 30 mL
pt 1 = 16 oz = 480 mL
qt 1 = 32 oz = 960 mL

3. Weight is measure in grains (gr), not to be confused with metric grams (g).
1 g = gr 15
60 mg = gr 1

When converting within a single measurement system, conversions are exact.

For example, 1 g equals exactly 1000 mg.

When converting between different measurement systems, conversions are only

approximate. For example, 1 g equals roughly gr 14.432358.

The Household System

Like the metric system, units in the household system are written after the number.

This system uses common household measuring instruments to measure volumes,

including:

teaspoon (tsp): 1 tsp = 5 mL

This equation can be used to formulate conversion factors for use in performing
conversions.
1 𝑡𝑠𝑝 5 𝑚𝐿
"1 tsp = 5 mL" can be expressed as or .
5 𝑚𝐿 1 𝑡𝑠𝑝
tablespoon (tbs): 1 tbs = 15 mL
This equation can be used to formulate conversion factors for use in performing
conversions.
1 𝑡𝑏𝑠 15 𝑚𝐿
"1 tbs = 15 mL" can be expressed as or .
15 𝑚𝐿 1 𝑡𝑏𝑠
cup: 1 cup = 240 mL
This equation can be used to formulate conversion factors for use in performing
conversions.
1 𝑐𝑢𝑝 240 𝑚𝐿
"1 cup = 240 mL" can be expressed as or .
240 𝑚𝐿 1 𝑐𝑢𝑝

The unit “cup” is not to be confused with a medicine cup. Medicine cups vary in volume
and do not represent any particular unit of measure.

The household system also uses units from the apothecary system:
Mathematics for Medication Administration Systems of Measurement and Unit Conversions

Cups, pints and quarts are rough measures of volume. They are often rounded up to
250 mL, 500 mL and 1000 mL, respectively.
1 pt = 480 mL
1 𝑝𝑡 480 𝑚𝐿
"1 pt = 480 mL" can be expressed as or .
480 𝑚𝐿 1 𝑝𝑡

1 qt = 960 mL
1 𝑞𝑡 960 𝑚𝐿
"1 qt = 960 mL" can be expressed as or .
960 𝑚𝐿 1 𝑞𝑡

For weight, the household system uses pounds (lbs).

1 kg = 2.2 lbs

This equation can be used to formulate conversion factors for use in performing
conversions.

2.2 𝑙𝑏𝑠 1 𝑘𝑔
"1 kg = 2.2 lbs" can be expressed as or .
1 𝑘𝑔 2.2 𝑙𝑏𝑠

Converting Between Systems Activity 1

A patient has been injured in a car accident. Paramedics tell you that he weighs 154 lbs,
and has lost ½ pint of blood. Convert this information to metric values.

Let’s split this question into two parts.

Part 1: Convert the given weight from lbs into kg.

Convert 154 lbs into a metric value with unit kg.

Answer:
154 𝑙𝑏𝑠 × 1 𝑘𝑔
= 70 kg
1 × 2.2 𝑙𝑏𝑠
Since the units (in lbs) are in both the numerator and the denominator, they can cancel
out with each other.

Part 2: Convert the given volume from pt into mL.

Convert ½ pt into a metric value with unit mL.

Answer:
Mathematics for Medication Administration Systems of Measurement and Unit Conversions

0.5 𝑝𝑡 ×480 𝑚𝐿
= 240 mL
1 × 1 𝑝𝑡
Since the units (in pt) are in both the numerator and the denominator, they can cancel
out with each other.

Converting Between Systems Activity 2

How many ounces are there in 9 teaspoons of liquid? Given that:
 1 oz = 30 mL
 1 tsp = 5 mL

Answer:
9 𝑡𝑠𝑝 1 𝑜𝑧 5 𝑚𝐿
× 30 𝑚𝐿 × 1 𝑡𝑠𝑝 = 1.5 oz
1

This problem can also be solved by first converting 9 tsp to mL, and then converting to
oz in a second step.
9 𝑡𝑠𝑝 5 𝑚𝐿
× 1 𝑡𝑠𝑝 = 45 mL
1
45 𝑚𝐿 1 𝑜𝑧
× 30 𝑚𝐿 = 1.5 oz
1

Converting Between Systems Activity 3

Convert the following into the units indicated.
a) 4 cups to pt
b) 4 tsp to tbs (a mixed number)
c) 80 kg to lbs
d) 1½ cups to oz

Answers:
a) 4 cups = 2 pt
1
b) 4 tsp = 1 tbs
3
Mathematics for Medication Administration Systems of Measurement and Unit Conversions

c) 80 kg = 176 lbs
d) 1½ cups 12 oz

Other Important Conversion Factors

The ratio 30 mL = 1 oz refers to fluid ounces, sometimes abbreviated fl oz.

A different type of ounce can be used to measure weight. This is referred to as a dry
ounce.

Patients often express height using feet (ft) and inches (in).
 1 ft = 12 in
 1 ft = 0.3 m
 1 in = 2.54 cm

Other Important Conversion Factors Activity

A newborn baby weighs 8 lbs, 7 oz and is 1' 5'' (1 ft, 5 in) tall. Convert these values to
metric units.
For the baby's weight:
1. Convert oz to lbs.
2. Convert the resulting weight to metric units (g or kg).

For consistency so that all values have the same units, convert 7 oz into lbs.

Note: 8 lbs, 7 oz ≠ 8.7 lbs.

1. Think: What is 7 oz in lbs?

If 1 lb = 16 oz, then 7 oz = 0.4375 lbs. Together, 8 lbs + 0.4375 lbs = 8.4375 lbs.

2. Now, convert lbs into kg.

If 1 kg = 2.2 lbs, then 8.4375 lbs = 3.8352 kg.

Since this is a paediatric calculation, retain two decimal places. The final answer
is 3.84 kg.

To maintain precision, do not round any numbers off until you reach the final answer.

For the baby’s height: convert ft and in into cm. (1 ft = 12 in, 1 in = 2.54 cm)

Answer:
12 in + 5 in = 17 in = 43.18 cm
Mathematics for Medication Administration Systems of Measurement and Unit Conversions

Military Time
Medical units operate 24 hours per day. They use 24-hour clocks to avoid mistaking
a.m. times for p.m. times.

Military Time Activity 1

Military time is written as a sequence of 4 digits without a colon and without an a.m. or
p.m. designation.

For example:
The traditional time 10:30 a.m. in military time is 1030.
The traditional time 10:30 p.m. in military time is 2230.

Convert the following traditional times into military times.

a) 12 noon
b) 1:00 p.m.
c) 12:45 a.m.

To convert 1:00 p.m. or later to military time, add 12 to the hours. Note: Midnight can be
written as 2400 or 0000; however, 12:01 a.m. is written as 0001, not 2401.

Answer:
a) 12 noon  1200
b) 1:00 p.m.  1300
c) 12:45 a.m.  0045

Military Time Activity 2

Convert the following military times into traditional times.
a) 1600
b) 1945
c) 0100
d) 0815
e) 2400
To convert 1300 or later, subtract 12 from the hours.

Answer:
a) 1600  4:00 p.m.
b) 1945  7:45 p.m.
c) 0100  1:00 a.m.
d) 0815  8:15 a.m.
e) 2400  12:00 a.m.
Mathematics for Medication Administration Systems of Measurement and Unit Conversions

Military Time Activity 3

A patient is admitted to your unit at 1015 on Tuesday, and is released at 1700 on Friday
of the same week. How much time has the patient spent on your unit? Express your
answer in hours and minutes.

Answer:
Day Hour Minute
Tuesday (1015  2400) 13 hr 45 min
Wednesday 24 hr 00 min
Thursday 24 hr 00 min
Friday (0000  1700) 17 hr 00 min
Total number of hours 78 hr 45 min
and minutes:

Temperature Conversions
Converting Between Celsius and Fahrenheit
1.8 ℉
The conversion factor for °C and °F is .
1℃
In addition, there is a 32° offset between the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales.
Use the formula below to convert from °C to °F.
Note: the order of operations is critical.

°C to °F: x °F = 1.8 y °C + 32 (first multiply by 1.8, then add 32)

Rearranging this equation gives the formula to convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius.
𝑦 ℉ − 32
°F to °C: x °C = (first subtract 32, then divide by 1.8)
1.8
Although Celsius is the Canadian standard, it is important to be familiar with both units
of measure! Make sure that you know how to convert between °C and °F.

Converting Between Celsius and Fahrenheit Activity

1. The healthy range of body temperature for a human is 36 °C to 38 °C. Express
this range in degrees Fahrenheit. Round to the nearest tenth.
a) Minimum temperature?
b) Maximum temperature?
Mathematics for Medication Administration Systems of Measurement and Unit Conversions

2. Hyperthermia, a condition of elevated core body temperature, is realized at

approximately 104.4 °F. A patient of yours has an oral temperature of 39.5 °C.
Do you expect that this patient is hyperthermic? Choose the correct answer.
a) Yes, this patient is hyperthermic.
b) No, this patient is not hyperthermic.

Answer:
1a) Minimum temperature: 96.8 °F
1b) Maximum temperature: 100.4 °F

2) There are two methods to answer these questions.

𝑦 ℉ − 32
Method 1: Using the equation: x °C = .
1.8
We can start by substituting the know values into the equation.
104.4 ℉ − 32
≈ 40.2 °C
1.8

Since your patient's oral temperature (39.5 °C) is less than the benchmark value for
hyperthermia (40.2 °C), he or she is not hyperthermic.

Method 2: Using the equation: x °F = 1.8 × y °C + 32

We can start by substituting the know values into the equation.

1.8 × 39.5 °C + 32 = 103.1 °F

Since your patient's oral temperature (39.5 °C) is less than the benchmark value for
hyperthermia (40.2 °C), he or she is not hyperthermic.

Since your patient's oral temperature (103.1 °F) is less than the benchmark value for
hyperthermia (104.4 °F), he or she is not hyperthermic.

You have now completed Systems of Measurement and Unit Conversions!

Please move on to the next module.