If you are converting between metric units, what is typically needed?

When converting between metric units, a conversion factor is essential because it provides the specific ratio that relates two different metric units. For instance, knowing that 1 kilometer is equal to 1,000 meters allows for the accurate conversion of distances from kilometers to meters or vice versa. Conversion factors enable you to transform measurements through multiplication or division, ensuring that the numerical value correctly reflects the change in units.

While a calculator could be helpful to perform the arithmetic needed after applying the conversion factor, it is not strictly required if the conversion can be done mentally or through simple calculations. A reference chart can also assist by listing common conversion factors, but having a separate chart is not a prerequisite for performing the conversion itself. Similarly, a measurement tape is used for measuring distances and would not aid in the process of converting between units.