conversion factor

noun
UK /kənˈvɜːʃn ˈfæktə/
US /kənˈvɜːrʒn ˈfæktər/

A number you multiply by to change a measurement into a different unit.

To change kilometers into miles, use the conversion factor 0.621.

SYNONYMS

multiplierratiofactorcoefficient

RELATED WORDS

unitmeasurementformulascaleequivalent

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A number used in chemistry to compare the amounts of substances in a reaction.

The chemist used a conversion factor to find how much product would form.

3. A value that changes one currency into another.

The bank applied a conversion factor to turn dollars into euros.

4. A figure that changes a score or reading from one system to another.

The app used a conversion factor to show the temperature in Celsius.