Unit conversion practice for 11+ maths: why it matters and how to do it
21 October 2026
Why unit conversion is key for 11+ maths
Unit conversions come up regularly in 11+ maths exams. Children may need to switch between centimetres, metres, grams, kilograms or litres. Being confident with conversions helps avoid errors and saves time in multi-step problems.
Key insight: Practising unit conversions builds accuracy and boosts confidence for word problems and real-life maths.
Understanding the conversion
To convert centimetres to metres, remember that 1 metre equals 100 centimetres. This means you need to divide the number of centimetres by 100 to find the measurement in metres.
Worked example: Converting 250 cm to metres
Step 1: Write down the length you want to convert. In this case, 250 centimetres.
Step 2: Recall that 1 metre = 100 centimetres.
Step 3: Divide 250 by 100. That is, 250 ÷ 100 = 2.5.
So, 250 cm = 2.5 metres.
Why this skill matters
Unit conversions are often needed in questions about perimeter, area, volume and word problems. If a child can convert units quickly and accurately, they will find these questions much more manageable. Regular practice helps make this skill second nature for the 11+ exam.
