How can I use Knovel's Unit Converter?
Last updated on January 09, 2026
The Knovel Unit Converter enables users to quickly convert any unit of measurement—including compound units—into another unit.
Key Capabilities
- Reliable and Accurate Conversions: The converter uses the industry-standard math.js library for its unit conversion calculations. Using a well-known, specialized library ensures the reliability and accuracy of all conversions, as well as providing a wide range of supported units and robust handling of complex expressions.
- The tool contains 18 built-in base unit groups (including Length, Time, Pressure, and Temperature) and 20 prebuilt property groups (including Acceleration, Density, and Torque).
- It supports various prefixes, including decimal (e.g., giga, milli) and binary.
- Users can control the number of significant digits in the result.
- Conversions support both U.S. and metric (SI) units, including the ability to interconvert compound SI units.
- Visual unit family matching between "From" and "To" units is provided to help prevent unit mismatches.
- Conversions and custom units can be shared by copying the tool's URL.
Entering "From" Units
- Start typing your unit or unit family in the "Input starting unit" field under "From."
- The unit combination supports mathematical operators for compound units:
- Use /, *, ^, and parentheses () to define the unit combination.
- A space between units implies multiplication (e.g., m s is treated as m*s).
- Use the ^ symbol for powers (e.g., m^2 for square meters).
Entering "To" Units
- Once the "From" unit is set, start typing the target unit in the "Input output unit" field "To."
- The tool will display a list of matching units or families.
- The converter matches units to the families established in the "From" field and matches units within each part of a compound unit (separated by / or *).
Use this option to quickly select a common engineering property group.
- Access the Preset menu at the top of the page. Search or browse to select the desired property group.
- After the property is selected, click into the From field to see a list of the property units available in the group. Select one.
- Click into the To field to see the matching properties. Select one.
- Note: You can delete any individual unit from a prebuilt property, and a dropdown will appear to select a replacement from the matching unit group.
- After building your "From" unit (or selecting a property group), enter the value you wish to convert in the Value to convert field under From.
- The conversion will happen automatically, and the result will appear in the Converted value field under To.
Function | Action |
|---|---|
Swap Units | Click the Flip icon in the middle to quickly swap the "From" and "To" units. |
Significant Digits | Adjust the number of significant digits using the + and - buttons above the "To" field. |
Clear All | Click Clear All to reset both "From" and "To" fields and values. |
Copy Value | Click the copy icon next to the "Converted value" field to copy only the resulting number. |
Copy Full Result | Copy the complete conversion (including both original and converted units and values) from the result area at the bottom of the page. |
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