Sources & Methodology
Our commitment to transparent and accurate calculations.
The Foundation: The SI System
To manage the vast array of global units and ensure the highest possible precision, a single, unambiguous standard must serve as the backbone for all calculations. For this, we exclusively use the International System of Units (SI), the modern form of the metric system.
The SI system is the globally accepted standard for science, technology, and commerce. Its key advantage is its coherence; a small set of seven base units (the meter, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, mole, and candela) defines all other units. This creates a logical and error-resistant framework.
Our Two-Step Conversion Process
We do not use a complex matrix of conversion factors between every possible pair of units. This approach is inefficient and prone to compounding rounding errors. Instead, we employ a robust two-step architectural model centered on the SI base units.
Input to SI Base
Your input value is first converted from its source unit (e.g., feet, pounds, gallons) into its corresponding SI base unit (meters, kilograms, cubic meters).
SI Base to Output
This SI value is then converted into your desired output unit (e.g., nautical miles, stone, liters).
For example, to convert feet to nautical miles, we calculate: Feet → Meters → Nautical Miles. This method ensures maximum accuracy and makes our system highly scalable and maintainable.
Handling Ambiguity
A primary source of error in conversion is ambiguity in unit names. An “ounce” can be a unit of volume or weight. A “ton” can be 2,000 lbs, 2,240 lbs, or 1,000 kg. Our policy is to always disambiguate. You will never find a generic “gallon” on our site; you will find “Gallon (US, liquid)”, “Gallon (US, dry)”, and “Gallon (UK, Imperial)” as distinct options. This commitment to clarity is central to our mission.
Primary Sources
Our conversion factors are benchmarked against internationally recognized standards and authoritative bodies to ensure their validity. Our primary sources include:
- The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM): The organization responsible for maintaining the SI system.
- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): A physical sciences laboratory and non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce.
- The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): For standards related to digital information, such as the definitions of binary prefixes (KiB, MiB, etc.).
Disclaimer
ConversionCalculators.net is designed to be a reliable and accurate resource for general-purpose conversions. While we make every effort to ensure the correctness of our data and calculations, we cannot guarantee their suitability for all applications. For engineering, scientific, or financial decisions that depend on absolute precision, we strongly recommend cross-referencing with official documentation or consulting with a qualified professional.