Unit prefixes converter

Values of quantities are expressed using Arabic symbols for numbers paired with a unit symbol, often with a prefix symbol that modifies unit magnitude. In the SI, designations of multiples and subdivision of any unit may be arrived at by combining with the name of the unit the prefixes deka , hecto , and kilo meaning, respectively, 10, , and , and deci , centi , and milli , meaning, respectively, one-tenth, one-hundredth, and one-thousandth.

In certain cases, particularly in scientific usage, it becomes convenient to provide for multiples larger than and for subdivisions smaller than one-thousandth. The simplified table below shows common metric prefixes and the relationship with their place values. Note that the recommended decimal sign or marker for use in the United States is the dot on the line, which is used to separate whole numbers from parts. Use a leading zero for numbers less than one.

The convention of writing a zero before the decimal point is used to ensure that the quantity is appropriately interpreted. Compare the units logically. The smaller unit should always have the larger number next to it. Metres are smaller than kilometres, so it takes more of them to fill the same length.

Part 2. Learn the prefixes as powers of ten. Every SI prefix represents a different power of ten: , , 0. Use scientific notation to convert to the base unit. Scientific notation makes it much easier to convert between units of very different size. No matter what the final unit you want is, you can start by converting the initial value to the base unit, using scientific notation.

Example: How many centimetres are in The answer isn't obvious, but you do know that the kilometre is equal to 10 3 metres. Therefore, You'll use this in the next step. Find the conversion to your final unit.

Now that you have a base unit value with no prefix , you can set up an ordinary conversion to the final unit. Write the conversion in powers of ten notation. To continue the example, you know want to convert Set up the conversion as a single expression. Set up your conversion using power of ten notation for all values. This gives you a fraction that divides one power of ten by another: Simplify the exponents. To divide one exponential expression by the other when they both have the same base , take the top exponent and subtract the bottom exponent.

The answer is the new exponent in your answer, with the same base which is always 10 in these conversion problems. It's usually helpful to write your answer in scientific notation standard form : 1. Simplify the formula.

Once you are comfortable with this process, you can combine the whole process into a couple quick steps: Write the initial prefix and the final prefix as powers of Divide the initial power of 10 by the final power of To do this, subtract the final exponent from the initial exponent.

Multiply your initial value by this answer. Enter the value to convert from into the input box on the left. The conversion result will immediately appear in the output box. Bookmark Prefixes Converter - you will probably need it in the future. Download Prefixes Unit Converter our powerful software utility that helps you make easy conversion between more than 2, various units of measure in more than 70 categories.

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