ACTIVITY GUIDE 2: METRIC SYSTEM

Previously metric and apothecary systems of weights and measures were used in the health field.
Currently the metric system is favored and used in this learning packet.
THE METRIC SYSTEM (Liters and Grams). Basic metric units used in nursing:
Liter for volume (fluids)
Gram for weight (solids)
Commonly used equivalents within the metric system:
Volume or fluid:
1 cubic centimeter (cc)
1000 milliliters (mL)
500 milliliters (mL)
30 milliliters (mL)
Weight or mass:
1000 grams
1000 milligrams
1000 micrograms

= 1 mL (approximate equivalent)
= 1 liter (L)
= 1 pint (pt)
= 1 fluid (fl). ounce

= 1 kilogram
= 1 gram
= 1 milligram

Rules for writing metric dosages or amounts:

1.

Metric measurements are written in Arabic decimal numerals.

Example:

2.

The unit of measure follows the dosage.

Example:

3.

500 mg. (500.0) = 0.5 Gm.

To change grams to milligrams move the decimal point three places to the right (multiply by
1000).
Example:

5.

1.0 Gm.
500 mg.

To change milligrams to grams move the decimal point three places to the left (divide by 1000).
Example:

4.

250, 0.5, 1.0, 0.25

0.25 Gm. (0.250) = 250 mg.

Use zero before decimal

0.25

0.5

ACTIVITY GUIDE 2: METRIC SYSTEM (Continued)

CONVERSION CHART
(Commonly used approximate equivalents)
Metric System to Household
Weight
1 Kg

2.2 pounds

Volume
4 or 5 ml
30 ml
500 ml
1000 ml

=
=
=
=

1 tsp.
1 fl. Ounce
1 pint (pt)
1 liter (L)

Household System
8 ounces
2 Tablespoons
3 teaspoons
15 drops

=
=
=
=

2 Tbsp.

1 quart (qt)

1 cup
1 ounce
1 Tablespoon
1 cc/mL

Note that these are approximate rather than exact equivalents, but that they are considered acceptable for
dosage conversion for the purpose of drug administration.
For the relationships below, fill in the spaces with the equivalent metric or household number.
1 pt.
2 pt.
1 qt.
1 cup
2 cups

=
=
=
=
=

mL
qt.
mL
mL
pt.

=
=
=
=
=

cups
mL
L.
Tbsp
qt.

cup

ACTIVITY GUIDE 2: METRIC SYSTEM (Continued)

Test yourself to see how well you understand these concepts. Then look at the answers that
follow.
1.

2.

3.

4.

Write the symbol or abbreviation for each unit of measure:

a.

milligram___________

b.

Liter______________

Write what each symbol or abbreviation means:

a.

Gm.____________

b.

mL.____________

Write out what each of these dosages are:

a.

50 cc______________

b.

0.25 Gm.___________

Express the following dosages in numerals and symbols or abbreviations:

a.

two hundred fifty milliliters_____________

b.

thirty-four milligrams__________________

5.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

2.0 Gm
150 mg.
240 cc
3 mg.
4000 mcg.

6.

Which item in each pair is larger?

a.
b.

=
=
=
=
=

mg.
Gm.
mL.
mcg.
Gm.

250 mg. or 2.5 Gm.

60 ml. or 0.6 L.

7.

Convert the following between systems:

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

2 ounces
=
250 ml
=
1 tsp (household measure) =
1 Tbsp. (household measure) =
500 cc
=

mL.
pt.
mL.
cc
L.

Now look at the answers below. If you missed more than one part of any question you may need to
review that concept before proceeding further. Consult any of the suggested references in the library,
visit LAC for assistance, or talk with one of your nursing instructors.
The information in this Activity Guide is basic to your ability to solve the drug dosage problems
presented in the next Activity Guide. If you are ready, go on to Activity Guide 3.