Unit Conversions in Windows: How to Do Them

You can perform unit conversions in Windows using the built-in Calculator app, which includes a dedicated Unit Converter mode for length, weight, temperature, and many other categories. This article explains how to use that tool, what it can and cannot do, and how to get conversions done quickly without installing extra software.

Formula

The calculator above computes average pace and speed from a finish time and distance. The formulas are:

• Average pace = Finish time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km) → result in min/km
• Average speed = Distance (km) ÷ (Finish time (minutes) ÷ 60) → result in km/h

Variables:

• t = finish time, in minutes (input)
• d = distance, in kilometers (input)
• pace = average pace, in minutes per kilometer (output)
• speed = average speed, in kilometers per hour (output)

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator (t = 50 minutes, d = 10 km):

1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

The calculator shows an average pace of 5.00 min/km and an average speed of 12.00 km/h.

Where to Find the Unit Converter in Windows

Windows 10 and Windows 11 include a built-in Calculator app that has a Unit Converter mode. To access it:

1. Open the Start menu and type “Calculator�, then press Enter.
2. Click the hamburger icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
3. Select Unit Converter from the drop-down menu.
4. Choose a category (e.g., Length, Weight, Temperature) from the top drop-down.
5. Enter a value in either field; the other field updates automatically.

The converter supports categories such as Length, Weight and Mass, Temperature, Energy, Area, Speed, Time, Power, Data, Pressure, Angle, and Volume. It also includes a Currency converter that uses live exchange rates when you have an internet connection.

How to Use the Unit Converter Effectively

Once you have the Unit Converter open, you can switch between units by clicking the drop-down menus on each side. For example, to convert 5 miles to kilometers:

1. Select “Length� as the category.
2. In the left field, type “5�.
3. In the left unit drop-down, choose “Mile�.
4. In the right unit drop-down, choose “Kilometer�.
5. The right field will show the result (approximately 8.05 km).

The converter also handles compound units like miles per hour to kilometers per hour, and it can convert between different systems (metric, imperial, US customary).

Common Mistakes and Limitations

One common mistake is assuming the Calculator app converts all units in all categories. For instance, the Temperature category only converts between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin—not Rankine. Another mistake is using the wrong category: converting “Weight� when you mean “Mass� is usually fine, but “Force� is a separate category (e.g., newton to pound-force).

The Currency converter uses live rates, so it requires an internet connection. For offline use, you can still convert between most physical units because those conversion factors are fixed.

Also note that the Calculator app does not handle units with exponents well (e.g., cubic meters to liters) unless you use the Volume category. For area, use the Area category, not Length.

Alternatives to the Built-in Converter

If you need more advanced conversions, you can use:

• Google Search: Type “10 km in milesâ€� and it returns the answer.
• Unit conversion websites: Many free sites allow batch conversions or custom units.
• Excel or Sheets: Use the CONVERT function (e.g., =CONVERT(10,”km”,”mi”)).
• PowerShell: For scripting, you can use .NET methods or simple arithmetic.

For most everyday needs, the built-in Calculator is sufficient and does not require an internet connection (except for currency).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert units in Windows 10?

Open the Calculator app, click the hamburger icon, select “Unit Converter�, choose a category, and enter a value. The result appears instantly.

Can I convert currency in the Windows Calculator?

Yes, select the “Currency� category. It uses live exchange rates from the internet, so you need an active connection. If offline, it may show the last known rates.

Does the Windows Calculator convert temperatures?

Yes, it converts between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin. It does not support Rankine or other temperature scales.

Why is my conversion result different from what I expected?

Check that you selected the correct category and units. For example, “Mile� vs. “Nautical Mile� are different. Also ensure you are not mixing US customary and imperial units (e.g., US gallon vs. UK gallon).

Is there a way to add custom units?

No, the built-in Calculator does not allow custom units. For custom conversions, use a spreadsheet or a dedicated unit converter app.

Can I convert units without opening the Calculator app?

Yes, you can type a query into the Windows Search bar (e.g., “10 miles to km�) and the search results will show the conversion directly. You can also use Cortana or a web browser.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2