Unit Converter: Convert Between Common Construction Units
Use this unit converter to switch between the imperial and metric units most common on construction sites: length, area, volume, and weight. Pick a conversion type from the dropdown, enter your value, and get an instant, precise result — useful when a plan set, spec sheet, or supplier quote is written in units your crew doesn't normally work in. It covers the conversions that come up most often on a jobsite: length, area, volume, and weight, in both directions.
How to use this calculator.
- Enter your value. Type the number you want to convert, using the unit shown in the conversion type you plan to select.
- Select the conversion type. Choose from twelve preset conversions covering length, area, volume, and weight.
- Read your result. The converted value appears instantly, using the exact factor for that unit pair.
- Switch directions as needed. Reverse conversions (for example, meters to feet) are listed as separate options so you don't have to divide manually.
How do you calculate measurement conversions?
Every conversion in this tool performs the same underlying operation: multiply your input value by a fixed conversion factor specific to the unit pair you selected.
Converted Value = Value × Conversion Factor
Where:
- Value: the number you enter, in the "from" unit shown in the conversion type you selected.
- Conversion Factor: a fixed multiplier for the selected unit pair — for example, 0.3048 for feet to meters, or 0.907185 for tons to metric tonnes. Twelve factors are built in, covering length, area, volume, and weight.
Example calculation.
Scenario: A metric spec sheet calls for a footing 0.6 meters wide, and you need that figure in feet for a tape-measure layout.
- Select "Meters to Feet": conversion factor 3.28084.
- Multiply: 0.6 × 3.28084 = 1.97 ft
Result: 0.6 meters equals approximately1.97 feet.
A second scenario: a supplier quotes crushed stone at 1.1 metric tonnes per delivery, and you need the US ton figure for your budget spreadsheet. Select "Metric Tonnes to Tons" (conversion factor 1.10231) and multiply: 1.1 × 1.10231 = 1.21 US tons.
Tips from the field.
- Length and area: 1 ft = 0.3048 m, 1 in = 2.54 cm, 1 ft² = 0.092903 m². These are the conversions you'll use most often when reading a metric plan set against imperial tape measurements.
- Volume and weight: 1 yd³ = 0.764555 m³, 1 ton (US) = 0.907185 tonnes, 1 lb = 0.453592 kg. These come up most when reconciling material orders and delivery weights.
- Round consistently. For layout and cut lists, round to the nearest ⅛ inch or nearest millimeter; for material orders, round up to the next whole unit so you don't run short.
- Confirm which "ton" a spec means. International tonnes (1,000 kg) are heavier than US short tons (2,000 lb) — convert before comparing quoted weights or prices.
- Keep both directions handy. Rather than dividing by a factor in your head, use the paired option (e.g., "Square Meters to Square Feet" instead of dividing by "Square Feet to Square Meters") to avoid an inverted-fraction mistake under deadline pressure.
If you don't see the exact conversion you need, our dedicated calculators cover more specialized cases — use the weight converter, volume calculator, or tons-to-cubic-yards calculator for conversions that require a material density rather than a fixed factor.
Disclaimer: Conversions use standard, internationally recognized conversion factors. For engineering-critical dimensions or load calculations, verify results against your project specifications or consult a licensed engineer. PavementCalculator.com assumes no liability for conversion errors.
Cost, price, and density figures on this page reflect approximate U.S. averages as of August 2026 and vary by region, supplier, and material availability.
Frequently asked questions.
How do I convert feet to meters?
Multiply feet by 0.3048 to get meters. For example, 50 feet × 0.3048 = 15.24 meters. To convert meters to feet, multiply by 3.28084. Use our converter above: select 'Feet to Meters' from the dropdown, enter your value, and get the result instantly.
How do I convert square feet to square meters?
Multiply square feet by 0.092903 to get square meters. For a 500 sq ft room: 500 × 0.092903 = 46.45 m². To convert square meters to square feet, multiply by 10.7639. This is the most common conversion needed when working with international building plans.
How do I convert cubic yards to cubic meters?
Multiply cubic yards by 0.764555 to get cubic meters. For 10 cubic yards of concrete: 10 × 0.764555 = 7.65 m³. To convert cubic meters to cubic yards, multiply by 1.30795. Concrete, gravel, and soil are commonly ordered in cubic yards in the US but cubic meters internationally.
How do I convert tons to metric tonnes?
Multiply US short tons by 0.907185 to get metric tonnes. 10 tons × 0.907185 = 9.07 tonnes. To convert metric tonnes to US tons, multiply by 1.10231. A US ton is 2,000 lbs; a metric tonne is 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lbs). Construction materials are often priced per ton (US) or tonne (international).
How do I convert pounds to kilograms?
Multiply pounds by 0.453592 to get kilograms. 100 lbs × 0.453592 = 45.36 kg. To convert kilograms to pounds, multiply by 2.20462. This conversion is essential for material weight calculations when working with international specifications or shipping.
What are the most common construction unit conversions?
Key conversions: 1 foot = 0.3048 meters, 1 inch = 2.54 cm, 1 cubic yard = 0.7646 m³, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m², 1 ton (US) = 0.907 tonnes, 1 lb = 0.4536 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 liters. Our converter handles all of these: just select the conversion type from the dropdown.