How to Convert Decimeters to Millimeters

While not as regularly used as some other measurements, the decimeter may be a handy unit in some situations. The word decimeter comes from "deci," which means one-tenth, and "meter," which is the base measurement of length in the metric system. When compared to the English system of measurements, the metric system tends to be much easier to convert into larger or smaller measurements, such as a decimeter to a millimeter.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Measure the item with a metric ruler to determine the correct number of decimeters.

   • 2

     Punch in the number of decimeters on a calculator. Multiply the number by 100 to convert the decimeters to millimeters. For example, if the measurement is 5 decimeters, multiply it by 100 to get 500 millimeters.

   • 3

     Divide the millimeters by 100 to convert the measurement back into decimeters.