The Metric System

The Metric System

The metric system is a measurement system based on our decimal (base 10) number system.

Other countries and all scientists and engineers use the metric system for measurement. Therefore, familiarity with the metric system and the ability to perform metric conversions are essential to anyone pursuing a career in Biotech or applied science.

Metric Prefixes

Metric UnitsThe metric system has prefix modifiers that

are multiples of 10.

Place values of metric prefixes

Metric Units: Mass

The basic unit for mass in the metric system is the gram (g)

(1 gram weighs about as much as a paperclip)

Kilograms (Kg)= 1,000 gMilligrams (mg)= 1/1,000 gMicrograms (µg)= 1/1,000,000 gNanograms (ng)= 1/1,000,000,000 g

Metric Units: Length

The basic unit for mass in the metric system is the meter (m)

(1 meter is roughly 39.4 inches long)

Kilometers (Kg)= 1,000 mCentimeters (cm)= 1/100 mMillimeters (mm)= 1/1,000 mMicrometers (µm)= 1/1,000,000 mNanometers (nm)= 1/1,000,000,000 m

Metric Units: Volume

The basic unit for mass in the metric system is the liter (L)

Kiloliters (KL)= 1,000 LMilliliters (mL)= 1/1,000 LMicroliters (µL)= 1/1,000,000 LNanoliters (nL)= 1/1,000,000,000 L