Strain Converter
Convert strain (change in length divided by original length). Exact factors, a quick reference table and worked examples.
0.1 % = 1 000 µε
The same value in every unit
| Unit | Symbol | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Meter per meter | m/m | 0.001 |
| Millimeter per meter | mm/m | 1 |
| Percent | % | 0.1 |
| Microstrain | µε | 1 000 |
How to convert strain units
Every strain unit is related to one base unit (Meter per meter, m/m) by an exact factor. To convert, multiply by the factor of the unit you start from and divide by the factor of the unit you want.
value in new unit = value × (factor of old unit ÷ factor of new unit)
For example, 1 % = 0.01 m/m and 1 µε = 1 × 10⁻⁶ m/m, so 1 % = 10 000 µε.
Quick reference table
How many of the units in the column headings make up one of the unit in each row.
| One… | = m/m | = mm/m | = % | = µε |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 m/m | 1 | 1 000 | 100 | 1 000 000 |
| 1 mm/m | 0.001 | 1 | 0.1 | 1 000 |
| 1 % | 0.01 | 10 | 1 | 10 000 |
| 1 µε | 1 × 10⁻⁶ | 0.001 | 1 × 10⁻⁴ | 1 |
Common values: % to µε
| Percent (%) | Microstrain (µε) |
|---|---|
| 1 % | 10 000 µε |
| 2 % | 20 000 µε |
| 5 % | 50 000 µε |
| 10 % | 100 000 µε |
| 20 % | 200 000 µε |
| 50 % | 500 000 µε |
| 100 % | 1 000 000 µε |
| 200 % | 2 000 000 µε |
| 500 % | 5 000 000 µε |
| 1 000 % | 10 000 000 µε |
Worked examples
Convert 0.1 % to µε
- 1 % = 0.01 m/m and 1 µε = 1 × 10⁻⁶ m/m.
- 0.1 × 0.01 ÷ 1 × 10⁻⁶ = 1 000 µε.
Convert 50 % to m/m
- 1 % = 0.01 m/m and 1 m/m = 1 m/m.
- 50 × 0.01 ÷ 1 = 0.5 m/m.
Convert 250 µε to mm/m
- 1 µε = 1 × 10⁻⁶ m/m and 1 mm/m = 0.001 m/m.
- 250 × 1 × 10⁻⁶ ÷ 0.001 = 0.25 mm/m.
The units explained
| Unit | Symbol | Exact factor | Where it is used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meter per meter | m/m | 1 m/m = 1 m/m | Calculation form (also in/in) |
| Millimeter per meter | mm/m | 1 mm/m = 0.001 m/m | Surveying, deflection |
| Percent | % | 1 % = 0.01 m/m | Elongation in tensile tests |
| Microstrain | µε | 1 µε = 1 × 10⁻⁶ m/m | Strain gauges |
Key facts
- ε = ΔL ÷ L. Strain has no unit; it is often quoted in % or microstrain.
- 1 000 µε = 0.1 % = 1 mm/m. Strain gauges typically measure tens to a few thousand microstrain.
- In the elastic range σ = E × ε, so steel (E ≈ 200 GPa) at 1 000 µε carries about 200 MPa.
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FAQ
How many Microstrain units are in one Percent?
1 % = 10 000 µε.
How do I convert % to µε?
Multiply by 10 000 (the factor 0.01 ÷ 1 × 10⁻⁶). To go back, divide by 10 000 or multiply by 1 × 10⁻⁴.
What is the meter per meter (m/m) used for?
Calculation form (also in/in).
What is the millimeter per meter (mm/m) used for?
Surveying, deflection.
Are the conversion factors exact?
Where a unit is defined exactly (the inch is 25.4 mm, the pound is 0.45359237 kg, standard gravity is 9.80665 m/s²) the factor is exact; others are given to ten or more digits. Results are shown to seven significant digits.
References
- NIST Special Publication 811, Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), and NIST Handbook 44, Appendix C (general tables of units of measurement).
- BIPM, The International System of Units (SI Brochure), 9th edition; ISO 80000 (quantities and units).
Last reviewed: November 2026.