Skip to main content
The Unit Converter provides conversion between many units of measurement across different categories, from length and weight to temperature and energy.

​
Overview

Unit Converter supports conversion between various units of measurement across multiple categories. Simply select a category, enter a value in one unit, and instantly see the equivalent values in other units. Source Reference: src/Calculator/Views/UnitConverter.xaml.cs

​
Conversion Categories

Length

Distance and length measurements

Weight and Mass

Mass and weight conversions

Temperature

Temperature scales

Energy

Energy and work units

Area

Surface area measurements

Volume

Volume and capacity

Speed

Velocity and speed

Time

Time duration units

Power

Power and rate of energy

Data

Digital storage units

Pressure

Pressure measurements

Angle

Angular measurements

​
Conversion Interface

​
Dual Input/Output

The converter features two value fields:
  • Value 1 - Enter a value to convert from
  • Value 2 - Enter a value to convert to
Both fields are bidirectional - you can type in either field and the other will update automatically. This makes it easy to convert in both directions. Source Reference: src/Calculator/Views/UnitConverter.xaml.cs:149-155

​
Unit Selection

Each value field has a dropdown to select the unit:
  • Searchable dropdown lists
  • Units organized by category
  • Common units appear first
  • Support for both standard and metric systems
Source Reference: src/Calculator/Views/UnitConverter.xaml.cs:157-161

​
Special Features

​
Currency Converter

The Currency category has unique features:
Currency conversion uses live exchange rates from Bing in retail builds. Developer builds use mock data with fictional planet names instead of countries.
Source Reference: README.md and src/CalcManager/UnitConverter.h:166-175

​
Network Status Handling

The converter intelligently handles different network conditions:
  • Normal Access - Automatically fetches latest rates
  • Metered Connection - Prompts before downloading (opt-in)
  • Offline - Uses cached rates with timestamp
Source Reference: src/Calculator/Views/UnitConverter.xaml.cs:238-252

​
Currency Features

  • Auto-refresh - Rates refresh automatically when opening currency mode
  • Manual refresh - Click refresh button to update rates
  • Timestamp - Shows when rates were last updated
  • Week-old warning - Visual indicator if rates are more than a week old
  • Network status - Clear indication of connection state
Source Reference: src/Calculator/Views/UnitConverter.xaml.cs:167-180

​
Offline Indicators

When offline, the calculator displays a message with a link to network settings, allowing you to quickly restore connectivity.
Source Reference: src/Calculator/Views/UnitConverter.xaml.cs:284-317

​
Supplementary Results

For some categories, the converter shows additional common conversions automatically:
  • Displays frequently used unit equivalents
  • Updates in real-time as you type
  • Helps you quickly see values in multiple units simultaneously

​
Data Architecture

The converter uses a sophisticated conversion engine:

​
Conversion Data Structure

struct ConversionData {
    double ratio;      // Conversion ratio
    double offset;     // Offset for non-linear conversions (e.g., temperature)
    bool offsetFirst;  // Whether to apply offset before or after ratio
};
Source Reference: src/CalcManager/UnitConverter.h:126-141

​
Unit Structure

Each unit contains:
  • ID - Unique identifier
  • Name - Display name
  • Accessible Name - Screen reader-friendly name
  • Abbreviation - Short symbol
  • Conversion flags - Source/target compatibility
  • Whimsical flag - For special units (e.g., mock currency units)
Source Reference: src/CalcManager/UnitConverter.h:16-73

​
User Interface Features

​
Animation

Smooth transitions when:
  • Switching categories
  • Updating values
  • Opening the converter
Animations respect Windows system settings. Source Reference: src/Calculator/Views/UnitConverter.xaml.cs:75-81

​
RTL Support

Full right-to-left language support:
  • Layout direction adapts to language
  • Currency symbols positioned correctly for locale
  • Text alignment follows cultural norms
Source Reference: src/Calculator/Views/UnitConverter.xaml.cs:46-56

​
Context Menu

Right-click on any value to:
  • Copy - Copy the value to clipboard
  • Paste - Paste a value from clipboard
Source Reference: src/Calculator/Views/UnitConverter.xaml.cs:108-147

​
Keyboard Support

  • Number keys - Enter values
  • Decimal point - Enter decimals
  • Tab - Switch between fields
  • Esc - Clear current entry
  • Space - Select dropdown (when focused)
Source Reference: src/Calculator/Views/UnitConverter.xaml.cs:100-106

​
Accessibility

  • Screen reader support with descriptive names
  • Keyboard navigation throughout
  • High contrast mode compatible
  • Large touch targets for mobile devices
  • Clear visual feedback for all interactions

​
State Persistence

The converter remembers:
  • Last selected category
  • Last used units in each category
  • Previously entered values
  • Network preference settings
State is preserved when switching between calculator modes and restored when returning. Source Reference: src/CalcManager/UnitConverter.h:249-250

​
Visual States

​
Loading States

  • Unit Loaded - Category is ready, conversions available
  • Unit Not Loaded - Data is being fetched (currency only)
  • Progress Ring - Shown after 500ms delay to avoid flashing
Source Reference: src/Calculator/Views/UnitConverter.xaml.cs:209-228

​
Error States

  • Charges May Apply - Warning for metered connections
  • Failed to Refresh - Network error indicator
  • Offline - No network connection
Source Reference: src/Calculator/Views/UnitConverter.xaml.cs:254-334

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love

Get started for freeTalk to us