D&D 5E Conversion to the metric system - how do YOU do it?

[Kobold Stew]

For overlanding it, each hex (5 mi) ~ 8 km.

 

[Jester David]

Hey guys! I'm really looking forward to trying out D&D 5e as soon as it's available here in Sweden. One thing that nags me a bit is the use of non-metrics in the system, since I've only DMed swedish games before that always use SI-units.

So... how do you convert D&D to the metric system? Some rough estimates that can be applied? Ways to think about distances and weights? I want to be able to run it TOTM-style, but have a hard time thinking in feet and lbs, especially on the fly.

Thanks

5ft roughly equals 1.5 meters. That's the easiest conversion.

If using a grid, it's tempting to make 1 square = 1 meter, which makes houses and dungeons less ridiculous in size.

 

[Klaus]

In many ways 3ft=1m is a better scaling (and I like calling it a pace).

It fits better with oversized minis that have become the norm. Its probably a more natural scaling for melee distances. It gives you more space in cramped interiors, including old school modules, where instead of say a (then 10 foot) square is 2*2 you say it is 3*3, which can makes those a lot more interesting. Things like movement, given the very short round, probably feel more natural...

There are probably some others.

A while back I posted that idea. 3 feet = 1 yard = 1 meter = 1 square = 1 "pace". Human speed becomes 10 paces, regular darkvision becomes 20 paces, etc.

 

[Wolfskin]

This is what I use:

• 5 feet - 1.5 meters
• 1 mile - 1.5 kilometers
• 1 pound - 0.5 kilograms
• 1 gallon - 4 liters

It's not really accurate, but its easier for me to measure things in the fly using these numbers.

 

[TerraDave]

A while back I posted that idea. 3 feet = 1 yard = 1 meter = 1 square = 1 "pace". Human speed becomes 10 paces, regular darkvision becomes 20 paces, etc.

The idea has been around. Jame Wyatt mentions it here:

http://community.wizards.com/forum/legacy-staff-blogs/threads/1377621

 

[cheops]

Thanks for all the answers guys, it's been very helpful!

 

[Guennarr]

The German translation of both D&D and Pathfinder always use the approximation of 5 feet = 1.5 m.

That's as official as possible.

 

[Yora]

3 feet are a meter. Close enough, but only really works when you don't play on a grid, or things get wonky.

 

[Guennarr]

Yep, for that reason tactical map scale is 5 ft. = 1.5 m.

On the other hand travelling distances are usually converted according to real world conversion factors.

 

[Blackbrrd]

Usually I don't convert, but if I do, 1' = 0,3 meters, so 5' is 1.5 meters. (Multiply by 3, move the comma one space)