How many decimeters are there in one meter?

The decimetre (SI symbol dm) or decimeter (American spelling) is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one tenth of a metre (the International System of Units base unit of length), ten centimetres or 3.937 inches.

The common non-SI metric unit of volume, the liter, is defined as one cubic decimeter (however, from 1901 to 1964, there was a slight difference between the two due to the liter being defined with respect to the kilogram rather than the meter).

The commonly used units of measurement are millimeter, centimeter, meter, and kilometer. A decimeter is not as widely used, but is an important unit. In real life, we rarely find measurements written in decimeter. Since one meter is not a very long length, it is easier to use 0.1 m or 0.5 m when the length is shorter than a meter.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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17 Comments

David Holmes

With the American spelling of metre there is no differentiation between the unit of length and a measuring instrument. (ie voltmeter). Metre is a French word anyway and should be left as it is)

Steve Tingle

Not used in the UK either, but we are still in the hybrid stage, drink pints, measure shoes in peppercorns, walk/drive miles, other measurements in centimetres and metres, occasionally millimetres, but no decimetres.

Constance Murray

Johnny Rock, in Latin, not Greek

Jaimi McEntire

Wayne Roberts, The "Yanks" all learn this in elementary school.

Helen Dakin

Lesley Wilson, I checked my Google, and the answer is 10 decimetres in a metre.

Rose Erofeev

Not to be confused with DECAMETRE which is 10 metres

Michael Briggs

Even if you didn't know the actual answer, the answer had to be a multiple of ten, which is why the system is easier to use.

Louella Wilson

We all use the decimal system of numbers! It seems like this question more than decimated the respondents, with just over 1 in 10 being wrong.

deborahpmercer

Vince Savage, Totally agree! I can sort of get it about people clinging to imperial for sentimental reasons, but can't fathom (pun unintentional!) how they think it's easier.

Terri Clarke

The answers provided should have been no challenge. All metric is based on 1, 10 100, 1000 etc. It's that simple.

billyboy915

Wayne Roberts, No, we're not struggling. All it takes is a rudimentary understanding of Latin to know "deci" means a tenth. One needn't be conversant in the metric system to understand Latin based words. I believe it is you who looks ridiculous for underestimating others. That can be a fatal mistake my smug friend.