Prefixes in the Metric System

Some Prefixes in the Metric System

Prefix	Symbol	Multiplication Factor
kilo hecto  deka (deca) base unit deci centi milli	k h dk - d c m	1,000 100 10 1 0.1 0.01 0.001

  

The prefixes above shall help in the conversion of units.

Guidelines to be observed in writing metric measurements:

1. When the name of units are written in full, they usually start with a lower case letter.(The modifier in degree Celsius is capitalized because it is derived from the Swedish astronomer, Andre Celsius). Unit symbols are also written in this manner. The symbol for liter (L) is also capitalized. 

2. The name of units are made plural; when appropriate however, do not add s to the symbol to indicate a plural unit.

3. A period is not used after a symbol except at the end of a sentence.

4. A zero must be written before the decimal point of numbers less than 1.

5. Digits are shown in groups of threes (counting from the decimal point). A comma is not used, rather a space is left between the groups. 



(source: Benigno, Gloria D. (2006). Basic Mathematics for College Students. Philippines