Title: Dimensional Analysis
Course: BTEC-1100-301-302-303-F21 > Section: Module 1 - Calculations and Measurements

Conversion between units is a very important skill for science.  The technique known as "dimensional analysis" (or sometimes "factor-label method" or "unit analysis") makes the process much easier.  The name makes it sound complicated, but in fact it’s pretty simple, once you get the hang of it. You may not be aware of it, but you probably already know how to do dimensional analysis! Prove it to yourself below.

Say you were buying a new phone, and want to make sure it has the longest battery life possible. One phone has a battery life of 14 hours; the other has a battery life of 1000 minutes. Which is more, 14 hours or 1000 minutes?

14 hours

1000 minutes is a longer battery life than 14 hours. 14 hours is only 840 minutes, as shown below.

14 hours * (60 minutes/hour) = 840 minutes.

1000 minutes

1000 minutes is a longer battery life than 14 hours. 14 hours is only 840 minutes, as shown below.

14 hours * (60 minutes/hour) = 840 minutes.

Watch this video demonstration to learn more about dimensional analysis.