Convert Unit Rates Calculator
Speed (Distance per Time)
Unit Price (Currency per Weight)
Flow Rate (Volume per Time)
Miles (mi)
Kilometers (km)
Meters (m)
Feet (ft)
Inches (in)
Yards (yd)
/
Hour (hr)
Minute (min)
Second (s)
CONVERT TO
Miles (mi)
Kilometers (km)
Meters (m)
Feet (ft)
Inches (in)
Yards (yd)
/
Hour (hr)
Minute (min)
Second (s)
Dollar ($)
Euro (€)
Pound (£)
/
Pound (lb)
Kilogram (kg)
Ounce (oz)
Gram (g)
CONVERT TO
Dollar ($)
Euro (€)
Pound (£)
/
Pound (lb)
Kilogram (kg)
Ounce (oz)
Gram (g)
Gallons (gal)
Liters (L)
Milliliters (mL)
Fluid Ounce (fl oz)
Cubic Meters (m³)
/
Minute (min)
Hour (hr)
Second (s)
CONVERT TO
Gallons (gal)
Liters (L)
Milliliters (mL)
Fluid Ounce (fl oz)
Cubic Meters (m³)
/
Minute (min)
Hour (hr)
Second (s)
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Result
Understanding How to Convert Unit Rates
Unit rate conversion is a fundamental process in physics, engineering, and everyday economics. It involves changing the measurement units of a rate (a ratio of two different quantities) without changing the actual physical speed, price intensity, or flow magnitude. This process is essentially "dimensional analysis" where we multiply the original rate by conversion factors equal to one.
Common Types of Unit Rates
- Speed/Velocity: Distance traveled per unit of time. Common conversions include Miles per Hour (mph) to Kilometers per Hour (km/h) or Feet per Second (ft/s).
- Unit Price: Cost per unit of mass or volume. Grocery shoppers often convert Dollars per Pound ($/lb) to Dollars per Kilogram ($/kg) to compare prices internationally.
- Flow Rate: Volume of fluid moving per unit of time. Plumbers or engineers might convert Gallons per Minute (GPM) to Liters per Hour (L/h).
The Conversion Formula
To convert a rate manually, you treat the units like algebraic variables that can cancel each other out. The general logic used by this calculator is:
Result = Value × (Numerator Conversion Factor) ÷ (Denominator Conversion Factor)
Example: Converting 60 Miles per Hour to Feet per Second
- Start with 60 mi/hr.
- Convert Numerator (Miles to Feet): 1 Mile = 5280 Feet.
60 × 5280 = 316,800 ft/hr. - Convert Denominator (Hours to Seconds): 1 Hour = 3600 Seconds.
Since time is in the denominator, we divide by 3600. - Calculation: 316,800 ÷ 3600 = 88 ft/s.
Why Use a Unit Rate Calculator?
Manual calculation leaves room for error, especially when dealing with complex factors like cubic meters or fluid ounces. This tool automates the dimensional analysis, ensuring that both the top (numerator) and bottom (denominator) of your rate are scaled correctly simultaneously.