A system of weights and measures, based on decimals, used throughout much of the world. Basic units are the gram for weight and the meter for length. When calculating conversions, the same figure (0. 236) is used whether converting to or from metric. The difference is that, when converting to metric (as from cups to liters), you multiply the number of cups by 0. 236 to get the equivalent in liters. When converting from metric (as from liters to cups), you divide the liters by 0. 236 to get the cup equivalency.