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Physical Measurement Laboratory

Office of Weights and Measures

Metric Pyramid (LC 1140)

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Black and White graphic. Left side has black images of scales, rulers, SI logo. Right side has white images on black background of same items. The middle of image has a gray cirle with EDUCATION in black letters.
Keywords:area, cubic, degree Celsius, degree Fahrenheit, energy, joule, length, liter, mass, metric, measurement, meter, SI, square, volume
Audience:Students, educators, parents, public, technology coordinators, outreach ambassadors
Grade Level:3rd to 8th
Subjects:Biology, chemistry, life science, Earth science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, physical science, physics, STEM, technology

 

NIST Metric Pyramid

Metric Pyramid (LC 1140)
Edition: 2002

Summary

This resource provides a printable metric unit pyramid, which has unit conversions and 10 cm sides which may be used as a reference ruler. The printed paper of size 215.9 mm x 279.4 mm (8.5 in x 11 in) is to be cut out and folded to create the pyramid. This resource is an interactive method to engage students in unit conversion and metric measures. Caution: The ruler edge will not be accurate if other paper sizes are used.

  • Use the pyramid to perform quick approximate unit conversion calculations.
  • Use the ruler to measure small objects in centimeters (cm). 

Required

  • Digital file.
  • 215.9 mm x 279.4 mm (8.5 in x 11 in) office size cardstock.
  • Printer.
  • Scissors.
  • Clear tape or glue stick.

Use caution when handling paper edges and scissors to prevent injury.

  • Use the Top 10 Tips for Teaching the Metric System.
    • Make measurements with metric tools. Measurement concepts are meaningfully established through hands-on activities. Application, not memorization, is the key to success! The SI is easy to learn when taught using metric tools.
    • Practice building proficiency and confidence in making measurements. Measurement involves doing.
    • Develop reference points. How long? How big? How small? It’s important for students to gradually develop an intuitive feeling for the magnitude of commonly used metric units, including the millimeter (mm) and centimeter (cm).
    • Use an interdisciplinary approach. Bring the SI into classrooms at every opportunity, including during instruction in language arts, fine arts, social sciences, industrial arts, vocational technologies, consumer studies, and physical fitness. For example, origami combines art, geometry, and engineering while applying metric length, area, and volume measurements.
    • Teach non-SI unit conversions only when required. teach the metric system without making any comparisons to non-SI measurements. After students become proficient in using the metric system and are comfortable applying SI measurements, they may encounter applications that require making mathematical unit conversions between SI and non-SI units.
  • Explain the approximate conversion factors of various units that are displayed on each face. Each side is 10 cm in length, which may be used as a ruler.
  • Students may use this publication as a “homework helper,” placing the assembled pyramid on the classroom or home desk to use as an easy guide when calculating approximate unit conversions.

EXPLORE THE METRIC PROGRAM

Becoming Familiar with SI | Everyday Estimation | Metrication FAQs | Prefixes | Metric Kitchen | SI Education and Training | SI Publications | Understanding Metric | Writing with Metric Units | National Metric Week | NEST-R (STEM Registry) | NIST Education Resources

Metrology, Metric and Weights and measures

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Created July 13, 2022, Updated December 22, 2025
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