Alphabetical List of Units (continued)

To convert from to multiply by

mile, international nautical (n mile) metre (m) 1.852GOQX10 3 *

mile UK nautical (n mile UK) metre (m) 1.853 184 x103
miles per gallon (m.p.g) litre per kilometre (Lkrrr1) 2.824 809 xn- 2
(where n equals the
number of miles)
millibar (mb) pascal (Pa) 1.000QOOX10 2 *
millimetre of mercury (mmHg) pascal (Pa) 1.333224x10 2
millimetre of water (4°C) pascal (Pa) 9.806 65*
minute (angle) (...') radian (rad) 2.908 882 x 10-4
minute (min) second (s) 6.000 000 x1Q 1 *
moment of inertia (Ib.ft2) kilogram metre squared (kg.m2) 4.214012X1Q- 2
moment of inertia (Ib.in2) kilogram metre squared (kg.m2) 2.926397 x1Q- 5
moment of section, second moment of metre4 (m4) 8.630 975 x10~ 3
area (ft4)
moment of section, second moment of metre4 (m4) 4.162 314x10- 7
area (in4)
month second (s) 2.628 000 x10 6 *
nautical mile, international (n mile) metre (m) 1.852000X10 3 *
nautical mile UK (n mile UK) metre (m) 1.853 184 x103
oersted (Oe) ampere per metre (A.nrr1) 7.957 747 x10~1
ounce, avoirdupois (oz) kilogram (kg) 2.834 952 x10-2
ounce fluid (UK) (fl.oz UK) litre (L) 2.841 306 x10~ 2
ounce fluid (US) (fl.oz US) litre (L) 2.957 353 x10~ 2
ounce, troy (oz tr) kilogram (kg) 3.110348X10- 2
ounce, apothecary (oz apoth) kilogram (kg) 3.110348X10-2
parsec (pc) metre (m) 3.085 700 x10 16
phot(ph) lux (Ix) 1.0000QOX10 4 *
picul kilogram (kg) 6.047 900 x101
pint (pt) litre (L) 5.682613X10-" 1
pint US liquid (pt US) litre (L) 4.731 765 x10~1
poise (P) pascal second (Pa.s) 1.0QOOOOX10- 1 *
pound, avoirdupois (Ib) kilogram (kg) 4.535 924 x10~ 1
poundal (pdl) newton (N) 1.382 550 X10- 1
pound-force (Ibf) newton (N) 4.448 222
pound force foot newton metre (N.m) 1.355818
pound force inch newton metre (N.m) 1.129850X10" 1
pound force per foot newton per metre (N.nrr1) 1.459 390 x 101
pound force per inch newton per metre (N.m""1) 1.751 269 x10 2
pound force per square foot pascal (Pa) 4.788 026 X10 2
pound force per square inch pascal (Pa) 6.894 757 x 103
pound per square foot kilogram per square metre (kg.m"2) 4.882 427
pound per square yard kilogram per square metre (kg.m-2) 5.424 920 X10-1
quart (qt) litre (L) 1.136523
quart US liquid (qt US) litre (L) 9.463 529 x10-1
rad, radiation dose absorbed gray (Gy) 1.000000X10-2*
roentgen (R) coulomb per kilogram (C.kg-1) 2.579 760 x10~ 4 *
second, angle (,..") radian (rad) 4.848137 x10~ 6
section modulus (ft3) metre cubed (m3) 2.831 685 x10~2
section modulus (in3) metre cubed (m3) 1.638 706 x10~ 5
short ton (sh.tn) tonne (t) 9.071 847 x10-1
slug kilogram (kg) 1.459390X101
square foot (ft2) square metre (m2) 9.290 304 x10~ 2 *
square foot hour °F per Btu inch metre degree Celsius per watt (m. °C.W-1) 6.933 466
square inch (in2) square metre (m2) 6.451 600 X10~4*
square yard (yd2) square metre (m2) 8.361 274 x10-1
stokes (St) square metre per second (m2.s~1) 1.000000X10"4*
tael kilogram (kg) 3.779 940 x10~2
tarn kilogram (kg) 6.047 900 x101
tex kilogram per metre (kg.m""1) 1.000 000 x10~6*

*An asterisk indicates an exact conversion.

20
Alphabetical List of Units (continued)
To convert from to multiply by

therm joule (J) 1.055 060x10 s *

therm per gallon joule per litre (J. L"1) 2.320 797 X10 7
ton tonne (t) 1.016047
ton force newton (N) 9.964017x103
ton force foot newton metre (N.m) 3.037032x103
ton force inch newton metre (N.m) 2.530 860 x102
ton force per foot newton per metre (N.m""1) 3.269 035 x104
ton force per square foot pascal (Pa) 1.072518X105
ton force per square inch pascal (Pa) 1.544426x107
ton refrigeration (12 000 Btu per hour) watt (W) 3.516853x103
ton refrigeration (13440 Btu per hour) watt (W) 3.938878X103
ton short (sh.tn) tonne (t) 9.071 847x10~1
tonne (t) kilogram (kg) 1.000000X103*
torr pascal (Pa) 1.333224x102
tsin kilogram (kg) 3.779940x10"3
tsun (Chinese inch) metre (m) 3.714750x10-2
yard (yd) metre (m) 9.144 000x10~1*
year (a) second (s) 3.153600x107
*An asterisk indicates an exact conversion.

3.3 CLASSIFIED LIST OF UNITS

3.3.1 Acceleration

To convert from to multiply by

foot/second squared metre/second squared (m/s2) 3.048 000 X10- 1 *

free fall, standard metre/second squared (m/s2) 9.806 650*
galileo (Gal) metre/second squared (m/s2) 1.000000x10~2*
inch/second squared metre/second squared (m/s2) 2.540000x10-2*

3.3.2 Area

acre square metre (m2) 4.046856x103

acre hectare (ha) 4.046 856 x10-1
are square metre (m2) 1.000000x102*
barn square metre (m2) 1.000 000 x 10~28*
circular mil suqare metre (m2) 5.067 075 x10~ 10
hectare square metre (m2) 1.000000x104*
square inch suqare metre (m2) 6.451 600x10~ 4 *
square inch square centimetre (cm2) 6.451 600*
square inch square millimetre (mm2) 6.451 600 x10 2 *
square foot square metre (m2) 9.290 304 x10~ 2 *
square mile hectare (ha) 1.609344x10 2 *
square mile square kilometre (km2) 1.609344*
square mile square metre (m2) 2.589 988 x10 6
square yard square metre (m2) 8.361 274 x10-1

3.3.3 Bending Moment or Torque

dyne-centimetre newton-metre (N.m) 1.000000x10~7*

kilogram-force-metre newton-metre (N.m) 9.806 650*
ounce-force-inch newton-metre (N.m) 7.061 552x10-3
pound-force-inch newton-metre (N.m) 1.129848X10-1
pound-force-foot newton-metre (N.m) 1.355818
ton-force-foot newton-metre (N.m) 3.037032X103
ton-force-inch newton-metre (N.rn) 2.530860X10 2

*An asterisk indicates an exact conversion.

21
3.3.4 (Bending Moment or Torque)/Length

To convert from to multiply by

pound-force-foot/inch newton-metre/metre (N.m/m) 5.337 866 x101

pound-force-inch/inch newton-metre/metre (N.m/m) 4.448 222

3.3.5 Capacity (See Volume)

3.3.6 Density (See Mass/Volume)

3.3.7 Electricity and Magnetism

ampere-hour coulomb (C) 3.600 000 X10 3 *
EMU of capacitance farad (F) 1.000000X109*
EMU of current ampere (A) 1.000000X101*
EMU of electric potential volt (V) 1.000 000 x10~ 8 *
EMU of inductance henry (H) 1.000QOOX10-9*
EMU of resistance ohm (Q) 1.00QOOOX10-9*
ESU of capacitance farad (F) 1.112650X10-12
ESU of current ampere (A) 3.335 600 x10-10
ESU of electric potential volt (V) 2.997 900 x102
ESU of inductance henry (H) 8.987 554 x1011
ESU of resistance ohm (Q) 8.987 554 X1011
gamma tesla (T) 1.000 000 x10~ 9 *
gauss tesla (T) 1.000000X10-4*
gilbert ampere-turn 7.957 747 x10-1
maxwell weber (Wb) 1.000 OOOX10- 8 *
mho Siemens (S) 1.000000*
oersted ampere/metre (A/m) 7.957 747 X10 1

3.3.8 Energy (Includes Work & Heat)

British thermal unit kilojoule (kJ) 1,055 055
British thermal unit joule (J) 1.055 055X10 3
Calorie (dieticians kilocalorie) joule (J) 4.185500x103
calorie (international table) joule (J) 4.186800*
electron volt joule (J) 1.602190x10~19
erg joule (J) 1.000000X10-7*
foot-pound-force joule (J) 1.355818
foot-poundal joule (J) 4.214011X10-2
kilowatt-hour joule (J) 3.600 000 x10 6 *
kilowatt-hour megajoule (MJ) 3.600 000*
therm megajoule (MJ) 1.055060X102
ton (nuclear equivalent of TNT) joule (J) 4.20 x109
watt-hour kilojoule (kJ) 3.600 000*
watt-second joule (J) 1.000000*

3.3.9 Energy/Area Time

Btu/square foot-hour watt/square metre (W/m2) 3.154588

3.3.10 Flow (See Mass/Time or Volume/Time)

3.3.11 Force
dyne newton (N) 1.000000X10-5*
kilogram-force newton (N) 9.806 650*
kilopond newton (N) 9.806 650*
kip newton (N) 4.448222x103
ounce-force (avoirdupois) newton (N) 2.780139 x10-1
pound-force (Ibf avoirdupois) newton (N) 4.448 222
poundal newton (N) 1.382550X10-1
ton force newton (N) 9.947017X103
*An asterisk indicates an exact conversion.

22
3.3.12 Force/Length

To convert from to multiply by

pound-force/foot newton/metre (N/m) 1.459390X101

pound-force/inch newton/metre (N/m) 1.751 268X102
ton-force/foot newton/metre (N/m) 3.269 035 x104

3.3.13 Heat

Btu in./s.ft2. °F (thermal conductivity) watt/metre-kelvSn (W/m.K) 5.192204X102

Btu in./h.ft2. °F (thermal conductivity) watt/metre-kelvin (W/m.K) 1.442280X10-1
Btu/ft2. joule/square metre (J/m2) 1.135653x10-4
Btu/h.ft2. °F (thermal conductance) watt/square metre-kelvin (W/m2.K) 5.678 263
Btu/pound-mass joule/kilogram (J/kg) 2.326 000 x10 3 *
Btu/lb. °F (heat capacity) joule/kilogram-kelvin (J/kg.K) 4.186800x103*
Btu/s.ft2. °F watt/square metfe-kelvin (W/m2.K) 2.044175 x104
cal/g joule/kilogram (J/kg) 4.186800x103*
cal/g. °C joule/kilogram-klelvin (J/kg.K) 4.186800X103*
deg. F.h.ft2/Btu (thermal resistance) kelvin-square metre/watt (K.m2/W) 1.761 102x10~1
square foot/hour (thermal diffusivity) square metre/second (m2/s) 2.580 640x10~5*
therm per gallon joule per litre (J/L) 2.320 797 x107

3.3.14 Length

angstrom metre (m) 1.000000x10~10*

astronomical unit metre (m) 1.495980x1011
chain metre (m) 2.011 680 x10 1 *
chek metre (m) 3.714750X10-1
fathom metre (m) 1.828 800*
fermi (femtometer) metre (m) 1.000000x10~15*
foot metre (m) 3.048 000 x10~ 1 *
furlong metre (m) 2.011 680 x10 2 *
inch metre (m) 2.540 000 x10- 2 *
light year metre (m) 9.460 500 x1015
link metre (m) 2.011 680x10-1*
micron metre (m) 1.000 000 x10~ 6 *
mil metre (m) 2.540 000X10~ 5 *
mile metre (m) 1.609344x103*
mile, nautical (international) metre (m) 1.852000X103*
parsec metre (m) 3.083 740 x1016
pica (printer's) metre (m) 4.217518x10- 3
point (printer's) metre (m) 3.514598X10- 4 *
yard metre (m) 9.144000X10-1*

3.3.15 Light

candela/square foot candela/square metre (cd/m2) 1.076391X10 1

candle power candela (cd) 1.019368
footcandle lumen/square metre (Im/m2) 1.076391x101
footcandle lux (Ix) 1.076391x101
footlambert candela/square metre (cd/m2) 3.426 259
lambert (L) candela/square metre (cd/m2) 3.183099X10 3
lumen/square foot lux (Ix) 1.076391x101
phot lux (Ix) 1.000000X104

3.3.16 Mass

carat (metric) kilogram (kg) 2.000 000 x10~ 4 *

catty kilogram (kg) 6.047 900 x10~ 1
grain kilogram (kg) 6.479 891 x10~ 5 *
*An asterisk indicates an exact conversion.

23
3.3.16 Mass (continued)

To convert from to multiply by

gram kilogram (kg) 1.000000X10-3*

hundredweight kilogram (kg) 5.080 235 x101
mace kilogram (kg) 3.779940x10-3
ounce kilogram (kg) 2.834952x10-2
ounce (troy or apothecary) kilogram (kg) 3.110348x10-2
picui kilogram (kg) 6.047 900 x101
pound (avoidupois) kilogram (kg) 4.535 924x10-1
pound (troy or apothecary) kilogram (kg) 3.732 417x10~1
slug kilogram (kg) 1.459390x101
tael kilogram (kg) 3.779940x10- 2
ton (long, 2 240 Ib.) kilogram (kg) 1.016047x103
ton (short, 2 000 Ib.) kilogram (kg) 9.071 847x102
tonne kilogram (kg) 1.000000X103*

3.3.17 Mass/Area

hundredweight/acre kilogram/square metre (kg/m2) 1.255350x10-2

ounce/square yard kilogram/square metre (kg/m2) 3.390575x10-2
pound/square foot kilogram/square metre (kg/m2) 4.882 428
pound/square yard kilogram/square metre (kg/m2) 5.424 920 x10-1
ton/acre kilogram/square metre (kg/m2) 2.510 707 x10-1
ton/acre tonne/hectare (t/ha) 2.510707

3.3.18 Mass/Length

denier kilogram/metre (kg/m) 9.000000X10-6*

pound/foot kilogram/metre (kg/m) 1.488 164
pound/inch kilogram/metre (kg/m) 1.785797x10 1
pound/yard kilogram/metre (kg/m) 4.920 543 X10- 1
tex kilogram/metre (kg/m) 1.000 000 x10~ 6 *

3.3.19 Mass/Time

pound/minute kilogram/second (kg/s) 7.559873X10- 3

pound/second kilogram/second (kg/s) 4.535 924 x10~1
ton (long)/hour kilogram/second (kg/s) 2.822 235 x10-1
ton (short)/hour kilogram/second (kg/s) 2.519958X10- 1

3,3.20 Mass/Volume (includes Density and Mass/Capacity)

3
gram/cubic centimetre kilogram/cubic metre (kg/m3) 1.000 OOOxlO *
ounce/gallon (U.K. liquid) kilogram/cubic metre (kg/m3) 6.236 021
ounce/gallon (U.S. liquid) kilogram/cubic metre (kg/m3) 7.489 152
ounce/cubic inch kilogram/cubic metre (kg/m3) 1.729 994x103
1
pound/cubic foot kilogram/cubic metre (kg/m3) 1.601 846 x10
pound/cubic inch kilogram/cubic metre (kg/m3) 2.767 990 x10 4
1
pound/gallon (UK liquid) kilogram/cubic metre (kg/m3) 9.977 633 x10
2
pound/gallon (US liquid) kilogram/cubic metre (kg/m3) 1.198 264 x10
2
slug/cubic foot kilogram/cubic metre (kg/m3) 5.153 788 x10
ton (long)/cubic yard kilogram/cubic metre (kg/m3) 1.328 939x103
3
ton (short)/cubic yard kilogram/cubic metre (kg/m3) 1.186 553 X10

*An asterisk Indicates an exact conversion.

24
3.3.21 Power

To convert from to multiply by

Btu/hour watt (W) 2.930 711x10~1

erg/second watt (W) 1.000000x10~7*
foot pound force/hour watt (W) 3.766161 X10~4
foot pound force/minute watt (W) 2.259 697 x10~ 2
foot pound force/second watt (W) 1.355818
horsepower watt (W) 7.456 999 x102
horsepower (boiler) watt (W) 9.809 500 x103
horsepower (electric) watt (W) 7.460000X102*
ton refrigeration (12000 Btu/hr) watt (W) 3.516853x103
ton refrigeration (13400 Btu/hr) watt (W) 3.938 878 x103

3.3.22 Pressure or Stress

atmosphere kilopascal (kPa) 1.013250X102

bar kilopascal (kPa) 1.000000X102*
centimetre of mercury pascal (Pa) 1.333224x103
centimetre of water pascal (Pa) 9.806 380 X101
dyne/square cetimetre pascal (Pa) 1.000000X10-1*
foot of water pascal (Pa) 2.988980x103
gram-force/square centimetre pascal (Pa) 9.806 650 X10 1 *
inch of mercury pascal (Pa) 3.386389X10 3
inch of water pascal (Pa) 2.490 820 x102
kilogram-force/square centimetre kilopascal (kPa) 9.806 650 x101*
kilogram-force/square metre pascal (Pa) 9.806 650*
kilogram-force/square millimetre megapascal (MPa) 9.806 650 *
kip/square inch megapascal (MPa) 6.894 757*
metre of water (4 °C) pascal (Pa) 9.806650x10 3 *
millibar pascal (Pa) 1.000000X102*
millimetre of mercury pascal (Pa) 1.333224x102*
millimetre of water (4 °C) pascal (Pa) 9.806 65*
newton/square metre (N/m2) pascal (Pa) 1.000 000*
newton/millimetre (N/mm2) megapascal (MPa) 1.000000*
ton-force/square foot kilopascal 1.072518X102
ton-force/square inch megapascal 1.544426X10 1

3.3.23 Temperature

degree Celsius kelvin (K) tK-t°C+273.15

degree Fahrenheit kelvin (K) tK=(t°F+459.67)/
1.8
degree Fahrenheit degree Celsius (°C) t°C=(t°F-32)/1.8
degree Rankine kelvin (K) tK-t °R/1.8
kelvin degree Celsius (°C) t°C-tK-273.15

3.3.24 Time
day second (s) 8.640 000 x104
day (sidereal) second (s) 8.616409x104
hour second (s) 3.600000x103
hour (sidereal) second (s) 3.590170x103
minute second (s) 6.000 000 x101
minute (sidereal) second (s) 5.983 617X10 1
second (sidereal) second (s) 9.972 696 x10-1
year (sidereal) second (s) 3.155815x10 7

*An asterisk indicates an exact conversion.

25
3.3.25 VeSocity (includes Speed)

To convert from to multiply by

foot/hour metre/second (m/s) 8.466667x10~5

foot/minute metre/second (m/s) 5.080 000 x10~ 3 *
foot/second metre/second (m/s) 3.048 000 x10~1*
inch/second metre/second (m/s) 2.540000x10-2*
kilometre/hour metre/second (m/s) 2.777 778x10-1
knot metre/second (m/s) 5.144444x10~1
mile/hour metre/second (m/s) 4.470 400 x10-1*
mile/minute metre/second (m/s) 2.682 240 x101*
mile/second metre/second (m/s) 1.609344X103*
mile/hour kilometre/hour (km/h) 1.609 344*

3.3.26 Viscosity

centipoise pascal-second (Pa.s) 1.000000X10-3*

centistokes square metre/second (m2/s) 1.000000X10-6*
poise pascal-second (Pa.s) 1.000000X10-1*
poundal-second/square foot pascal-second (Pa.s) 1.488164
pound-mass/foot-second pascal-second (Pa.s) 1.488 164
pound-force-second/square foot pascal-second (Pa.s) 4.788 026 x101
rhe square metre/newton-second (m2/N.s) 1.000000X101*
slug/foot-second pascal-second (Pa.s) 4.788 026 X10 1
square foot/second square metre/second (m2/s) 9.290304X10-2*
stokes square metre/second (m2/s) 1.000 000 x10~4*

3.3.27 Volume (Includes Capacity)

acre-foot (U.S. surve) cubic metre (m3) 1.233489X103

barrel cubic metre (m3) 1.589 873 x10~ 1
bushel (U.S.) cubic metre (m3) 3.523907X10- 2
cubic foot cubic metre (m3) 2.831 685x10- 2
cubic inch cubic metre (m3) 1.638706X10-5
gallon (U.K. liquid) cubic metre (m3) 4.546 090 x10-3*
gallon (U.S. liquid) cubic metre (m3) 3.785 412x10- 3
litre cubic metre (m3) 1.000000X10-3*
ounce (U.K. fluid) litre (L) 2.841 306x10- 2
ounce (U.S. fluid) litre (L) 2.957353x10-2
pint (U.K.) litre (L) 5.682 613x10~ 1
pint (U.S. dry) litre (L) 5.506 117x10~ 1
pint (U.S. liquid) litre (L) 4.731 765 x10~ 1
quart (U.K.) litre (L) 1.136523X10- 3
quart (U.S.) litre (L) 9.463 529 X10- 1
stere cubic metre (m3) 1.000000x10*
ton (register) cubic metre (m3) 2.831 685
cubic yard cubic metre (m3) 7.645 549 X10- 1

3.3.28 Volume/Time (includes Flow)

cubic foot/minute cubic metre/second (m3/s) 4.719474x10-4

cubic foot/second cubic metre/second (m3/s) 2.831 685x10-2
cubic inch/minute cubic metre/second (m3/s) 2.731 177x10-7
cubic yard/minute cubic metre/second (m3/s) 1.274258x10-2
gallon/day cubic metre/day (m3/day) 4.546 090 x10-3*
gallon/day cubic metre/second (m3/s) 5.261 678X10- 8
gallon/minute cubic metre/second (m3/s) 3.157007x10-6
gallon/hour litre/second (L/s) 1.262803X10- 3

*An asterisk indicates an exact conversion.

26
3.3.29 Volume (Liquid)/Volume (Liquid-solid)
To convert from to multiply by
fluid ounce (U.K.)/pint (U.K.) millilitre/litre (mL/L) 5.000 000 X10-2*
fluid ounce (U.K.)/gailon (U.K.) millilitre/litre (mL/L) 6.250 000*
fluid ounce (U.K.)/cubic foot millilitre/litre (mL/L) 1.003 398
pint (U.K.)/cubic foot millilitre/litre (mL/L) 2.006 795 x101
pint (U.K.)/cubicyard litre/cubic metre (L/m3) 7.432 575 X10~ 1
fluid ounce (U.S.)/pint (U.S.) mi Hi litre/litre (mL/L) 6.250 000 X10 1 *
fluid ounce (U.S.)/gallon (U.S.) millilitre/litre (mL/L) 7.812500*
fluid ounce (U.S.)/cubic foot millilitre/litre (mL/L) 1.044 379
pint (U.S.)/cubic foot millilitre/litre (mL/L) 2.207167 X101
pint (U.S.)/cubic yard litre/cubic metre 8.174691X10"1
*An asterisk indicates an exact conversion.

3.4 QUANTITIES
Quantity Unit Symbol Unit Name Typical Applications
absorption, moisture mg/cm2 milligram per square Wire and cable insulation.
centimetre
absorption, tensile J/m2 joule per square metre Paper.
energy
acceleration, angular rad/s2 radian per second squared Engineering calculations;
r/s2 revolution per second squared mechanical equipment.
acceleration, linear m/s2 metre per second squared Vehicles; mechanical equipment;
kinematics; calculation of dynamic
forces; exploration geophysics.
cm/s2 centimetre per second Soil dynamics.
squared
|jm/s2 micrometre per second Gravitational acceleration anomaly
squared (geophysics; gravity and magnetic
surveys).
adhesion kN/m kilonewton per metre Ply in conveyor belt
admittance, mS millisiemens Electric circuits
electric MS microsiemens and components.
altitude m metre Aircraft; meteorology.
amplitude mm millimetre Vibration; waveform.
angle, plane rad radian Engineering and scientific calculations;
phase relationships; drill string rotation
in drilling mechanics.
degree Degree and decimal degree are used in:
machine design; modulating control
motor stroke; bore deflection and pin
angle of downhole equipment in drilling
mechanics; wave phase relationships;
angle of entrance of ship hull.
minute Degree, minute and decimal minute are
used in navigation bearing and sextant
second Degree, minute and second are used in
surveying.
angular deviation See deviation, angular.
2
area km square kilometre Topography; drainage area: watershed;
reservoir; catchment basin.
ha hectare Surveying and land measurement.
2
m square metre Surface area of tanks and small
reservoirs; small land area; cross-
section of earthwork, channels, large
pipes; paving, floors, walls, roofing,
brickwork; building components such
as windows, glass insulation,
reinforcing mesh, wood products;
furnace grate, refrigerator shelf;
ship deck; load calculations.

27
Quantity Unit Symbol Unit Name Typical Applications

area cm2 square centimetre Automotive radiator, brake lining,

(continued) clutch contact.
mm2 square millimetre Cross-section of test specimens,
timber, wires, rods, bars, tubes,
fasteners, structural members; general
mechanical calculations.
area density See density, area.
assay kg/t kilogram per tonne Mass fraction of alluvial deposits, base
metals, additives.
9/t gram per tonne Mass fraction of diamonds, gems,
precious metals, additives.
attenuation dB decibel Engineering and scientific calculations.
Note: The decibel is a ratio and not an
SI unit
basis weight See grammage.
bend radius See radius, bend.
bending moment See moment, bending.
bond See strength.
breadth See dimensions, linear.
calibre mm millimetre Firearms.
camber mm millimetre Ship deck; road surface.
capacitance, electric F farad Industrial capacitors.
UF microfarad Electrical, electronic and
nF nanofarad telecommunication circuits
PF picofarad and apparatus; capacitors.
capacitance, electric pF/m picofarad per metre Electric cable; mutual capacitance per
per unit length unit length of transmission cable.
fF/m femtofarad per metre Capacitance unbalance of transmission
cable.
capacity, electric A/mm2 ampere per square millimetre Electrical conductor.
current carrying
capacity, heat J/°C joule per degree Celsius Metal joints welding; heat sinks.
3
capacity, heating MJ/(m .°C) megajoule per cubic metre Cement
volumetric degree Celsius
capacity, load kg/m kilogram per metre Linear carrying capacity.
carrying
kg/m2 kilogram per square metre Aircraft wing loading; rating for load
and carrying capacity of floors lifts
(for display on notices, not for
calculations).
capacity, mass Mg megagram Hoists and cranes.
t tonne Hoist conveyance load; crane; truck
or trailer payload; ship load.
kg kilogram Loadings generally, crane and elevator
load; truck and trailer payload; aircraft
payload or cargo capacity; aircraft fuel
capacity (gravimetric).
capacity, specific heat kJ/(kg.°C) kilojoule per kilogram Cooling systems; rocks.
degree Celsius
J/(kg.°C) joule per kilogram degree Transformer oil.
Celsius
capacity, volumetric m3 cubic metre Large tanks and containers; reservoirs.
L litre Automobile luggage capacity;
automotive and domestic fuel tank;
freezer; refrigerator; oven; vehicle fuel
tank capacity; kitchenware.
ml millilitre Kitchenware; small fluid containers
such as for toilet goods,
Pharmaceuticals, beverages, etc.

28
Quantity Unit Symbol Unit Name Typical Applications

charge, electric kC kilocoufomb Battery capacity; electro-chemical

technology.
coulomb Capacitor charge; ion flux calculations.
mC millicoulomb Capacitor charge; partial discharge
MC microcoulomb measurements.
nC nanocoulomb
circumference See dimensions, linear.
clearance m metre Transmission cable (above ground,
joint use, etc.), Transport, tunnel
operations.
mm millimetre Transmission cable, transport,
structural components.
coefficient of heat W/(m2.°C) watt per square metre Electronic components.
dissipation degree Celsius
coefficient of heat W/(m 2 .°C) watt per square metre Pipeline; cooling systems; also known
transfer degree Celsius as thermal conductance in mechanical
heat flow calculations.
W/(cm2.°C) watt per square centimetre Cooling of tranformer windings.
degree Celsius
coefficient of linear reciprocal degree Celsius Engineering and scientific calculations.
expansion
coefficient of
specific
light absorption
(based on basis m2/kg metre squared per kilogram Paper.
weight)
(based on thickness) mm*"1 reciprocal millimetre Paper.
coefficient of specific
light scattering
(based on basis m2/kg metre squared per kilogram Paper.
weight)
(based on thickness) mm--1 reciprocal millimetre Paper.
1
compressibility MPa- reciprocal megapascal Geotechnical calculations, soil
compressibility, compressibility of
reservoir fluid in petroleum production
operations.
concentration mol/m3 mole per cubic metre Ionic concentration in brine; chemical
analysis.
mol/L mole per litre Acid or base concentration.
3
mmol/m millimole per cubic metre Ionic concentration in water.
3
concentration, mass kg/m kilogram per cubic metre Chemical analysis; mass concentration
of gas and liquid; total dissolved solids
in liquids; concrete mix components.
g/m3 gram per cubic metre Hydrogen sulphide in natural gas;
water hardness; salt in crude oil.
mg/m3 milligram per cubic metre Pollution in air; water content of natural
gas; sulphur compounds in sweet gas.
Mg/m3 microgram per cubic metre Gas or vapour in ambient air.
g/L gram per litre Mass concentration of gas and liquid;
liquid spray mixture.
mg/L milligram per litre Liquid spray mixture; metal in fluid;
water treatment.
conductance, electric MS megasiemens Conductors.
S Siemens Liquids.
MS microsiemens Insulators.
conductance, thermal kW/(m2.°C) kilowatt per square metre Engineering calculations.
degree Celsius (See also coefficient of heat transfer.)
W/(m 2 .°C) watt per square metre Thermal insulation (U value).
degree Celsius

29
Quantity Unit Symbol Unit S^ame Typical Applications

conductivity, electric MS/m megasiemens per metre Metals.

S/m Siemens per metre Aqueous solutions and water.
mS/m millisiemens per metre Well logging.
nS/m nanosiemens per metre Transmission cable conductors.
conductivity, thermal W/(m.°C) watt per metre degree Heat exchangers; pipelines.
Celsius
mW/(m.°C) milliwatt per metre degree Geothermics; rock.
Celsius
consumption See also: rate, volume flow or rate,
mass flow.
m3 cubic metre Water consumption,
kL kilolitre large quantity.

L litre Water consumption of appliances.

L/1000 km litre per thousand kilometres Oil consumption of vehicles.
L/100 km litre per hundred kilometres Fuel consumption of vehicles.
L/MJ litre per megajoule Fuel consumption design studies
(volume basis).
m3/t cubic metre per tonne Air consumption of blast furnace per
unit mass of hot metal.
kg/m3 kilogram per cubic metre Steam consumption of turbo-blowers
per unit volume of blown air.
kg/t kilogram per tonne Fuel consumption of blast furnace per
unit mass of hot metal.
kg/MJ kilogram per megajoule Fuel consumption design studies
(mass basis); steam consumption of
turbo-alternators, fuel consumption of
aircraft engines driving propellers
(mass basis).
g/kJ gram per kilojoule Oil consumption of aircraft piston
engines (mass basis).
kg/(kN.h) kilogram per kilonewton hour Fuel consumption of aircraft jet
engines (mass basis).
contribution, sewage m3/d cubic metre per day Sewage contribution per person.
current carrying capacity See capacity, electric current carrying.
current electric MA megaampere Lightning.
kA kiloampere Large power system currents; rating of
circuit breakers; short circuits.
ampere Currents in transmission and
distribution circuits; equipment and
apparatus rating, calibration and
testing.
mA milliampere Communication and
MA microampere electronic circuits;
nA nanoampere leakage current
pA picoampere measurements; calibration.
density kg/m3 kilogram per cubic metre Density of solids, liquids, gases.
kg/L kilogram per litre Paint, emulsions, oil.
3
g/cm gram per cubic centimetre Inks for printing and graphic arts.
density, area 2
kg/m kilogram per square metre Slabs and plates.
2
g/m gram per square metre Fabric.
2
ktex/cm kilotex per square centimetre Carpet pile.
density, linear kg/m kilogram per metre Tubular goods, bars, beams, oil in
pipeline; wire rope; electric cables.
g/m gram per metre Electric wire.
tex tex Yarn.

30
Quantity Unit Symbol Unit Name Typical Applications
density, magnetic flux T tesla Magnetic circuits.
ml miilitesla
MT microtesla
nT nanotesla
density of heat flow kW/m2 kilowatt per square metre Boilers.
rate
W/m2 watt per square metre Walls and windows.
depth m metre Mine shafts; boreholes, wells; water;
snow; buried depth of transmission
cables; pipes; also on charts.
dm decimetre Spacing of draft marks on ship's hull.
cm centimetre Dipsticks.
mm millimetre irrigation watering; rainfall; penetration
of preservatives.
deviation, angular mrad/m milliradian per metre Pipeline.
diameter See dimensions, linear.
dielectric strength See strength, dielectric.
diffusion coefficient mm2/s Square millimetre per second Thermal studies.
2
diffusivity, thermal mm /s square millimetre per second Thermal studies.
dimensions, linear km kilometre Length of transmission lines, long pipes
and channels.
—breadth m metre Overall dimensions of buildings,
—circumference dams, ships, tents and tarpaulins,
—diameter sporting criteria
—height Length of building materials generally,
—length beams, spans, trenches, curbs, fences,
—radius conduit, wire, cable and rope, logs,
—thickness poles, lumber, trees, carpets, fabric,
—width anchor cables, conveyor belts, magnetic
tape, boats and canoes, recreational and
sporting criteria.
Width of roads, right of way, truck
loads.
Height of columns, masts and towers,
waterfalls, hydraulic head, diving
boards, survey heights, conduit bend
radius and depth of cover.
Thickness of aquifer, well drawdown
and level.
cm centimetre Dimensions of human body, clothing,
linen, cookware, household appliances,
shipping container, paper cut size.
Length of sporting accessories shoe
lace, slide fastener, knitting needles.
Width of carpet, cloth, paper rolls,
sporting accessories.
Diameter of paper roils, balls and bats
in sports.
mm millimetre Dimensions in buildings, of building
components, equipment racks and
frames, machinery, vehicles, tools,
fasteners, wood knots; also on technical
drawings.
Height of curb, carpet pile.
Width of conveyor belt, cloth (if less
than 30 cm), curb, slide fastener.
Thickness of baking utensils, conveyor
belt, cable sheath, insulation film, ice
formation on towers and masts, drilling
fluid filter cake, fabric, yarn, panel
materials, sheet metal and plate,
sapwood.
Diameter of anchor cables, cables,
wires, conductors, conduit, ropes, bars,
pipes.
Radius of drilled wells. Deflection of
beams.
Length of conduit couplings, fibres.

31
Quantity Unit Symbol Unit Name Typical Applications

dimensions, linear pm micrometre Thickness of coatings (paint,

(continued) galvanizing, etc.); thin sheet materials;
size of fine aggregate.
displacement m3 cubic metre Pumps.
L litre Pumps, compressors, engines.
ml millilitre Pumps.
dissipation, power W watt Electrical and electronic components.
mW milliwatt
MW microwatt
distance km kilometre Transportation (water, land, air);
transmission tower spacing; radio links;
long-distance race courses.
m metre Surveys; sports and games; automobile
braking; loading point intervals of
transmission cable; manhole spacing.
mm millimetre Electrical creepage.
nautical mile Nautical and aeronautical navigation
and meteorology.
dosage, chemical mg/L milligram per litre Water treatment plants.
dosage, soil, mass kg/ha kilogram per hectare Agricultural chemicals.
kg/m2 kilogram per square
metre
dosage, soil, volume L/ha litre per hectare Agricultural chemicals.
L/m2 litre per square metre
dose equivalent Sv sievert Radioprotection
draft See depth.
drawdown m metre Wells.
drop, vertical m metre Slalom and downhill sfc
courses.
dynamic balance See moment, dynamic balance.
moment
effort, tractive N/kg newton per kilogram Vehicles.
electric field gradient See field strength, electric.
electric field strength See field strength, electric.
elevation m metre Surveys, maps and charts.
energy GJ gigajoule Mechanical and thermodynamic
calculations, bulk sale of gas.
—quantity of heat MJ megajoule Heating; refrigeration; air conditioning;
—work kinetic energy absorbed by aircraft
wheel brakes; energy of explosive
source; bulk sale of gas.
kJ kilojoule Biology; dietetics; energy of spark
source (geophysics); absorbed energy
in impact testing of materials.
joule Mechanical and thermodynamic
calculations.
microjoule Scientific and research work.
TW.h terawatt hour System electrical energy production and
GW.h gigawatt hour generation.
MW.h megawatt hour Electrical energy production and
consumption; thermal energy of process
steam.
kW.h kilowatt hour Electrical energy consumption and
billing; battery energy storage.
energy, per unit volume M J/m3 megajoule per cubic metre Volumetric heating value of gaseous
fuel.
J/m3 joule per cubic metre Strain energy per unit volume.

32
 Quantity Unit Symbol Unit Name Typical Applications

energy, per unit volume MJ/L megajoule per litre Volumetric heating value of liquid fuel.
(continued)
energy, specific MJ/kg megajoule per kilogram Psychrometric calculations; specific
energy of fuel.
energy, surface mJ/m2 millijoule per square metre Chemical analysis.
enthalpy MJ megajoule Engineering and scientific calculations.
kJ kilojoule Gas processing.
enthalpy, molar J/mol joule per mole Gas processing.
enthalpy, specific MJ/t megajoule per tonne Steel.
kJ/kg kilojoule per kilogram Petroleum pipeline.
entropy kJ/°C kilojoule per degree Refrigeration and air conditioning.
Celsius
J/°C joule per degree Celsius Fuel.
entropy, specific kJ/(kg.°C) kilojoule per kilogram Refrigeration and air conditioning.
degree Celsius
exposure, light lx.s lux second Photography.
field strength, electric MV/m megavolt per metre Electrical strees in gas, liquid and solid
media; dielectric value of insulating
materials.
kV/m kilovolt per metre Gradient of electric fields.
V/m volt per metre
rnV/m millivolt per metre Broadcasting and antenna field
patterns; magnetotellurics.
pV/rn microvolt per metre Broadcasting and antenna field
patterns; magnetotellurics; radio noise
measurements.
field strength, A/mm ampere per millimetre Transformer leakage field strength.
magnetic
fineness See specific surface.
finish, surface mm millimetre Coated abrasives.
Mm micrometre Machining.
flow rate See rate.
2
flux, heat mW/m milliwatt per square metre Geothermics.
flux, magnetic mWb milliweber Magnetic circuits.
flux, radiant mW milliwatt Antennae; continuous wave laser.
force MN meganewton Rope pull force in hoists; buckling force
(load) in columns; downhole
equipment bearing load.
kN kilonewton Forces in columns, piles, ties,
prestressing tendons, cables; rated
dead load of drilling equipment.
daN decanewton Drilling mechanics, e.g. load on bit
N newton Automobile hand brake lever effort,
pedal effort, clutch spring force;
drag bar pull force; frictional force in
drilling fluids testing.
force per unit length MN/mm meganewton per millimetre Roll force per unit width in rolling mill.
N/mm newton per millimetre
kN/m kilonewton per metre Corrugated board ring crush; linear
force distribution.
fraction, mass Note: It is recommended that these
fraction, mole fractions be expressed as
fraction, volume dimensionless numbers, i.e. without any
associated unit.
frequency GHz gigahertz Electronics and communications.
MHz megahertz Electronics and communications; radio
interference; ultrasonics.
33
Quantity Unit Symbol Unit Name Typical Applications

frequency kHz kilohertz Electronics and communications; radio

(continued) interference; ultrasonics; acoustics;
geotechnical studies; vibration studiesl
Hz hertz Electric power systems; acoustics;
vibration studies.
frequency, rotational r/min revolution per minute Rotating machine speeds; electrical,
hydraulic, or pneumatic tools; automatic
control instruments; bit rotation speed
of downhole equipment.
r/s revolution per second High speed rotating machines and tools.
gradient electric field See field strength, electric.
gradient, elevation Usually expressed as a ratio.
gradient pressure kPa/m kilopascal per metre Petroleum production operations;
reservoirs.
Pa/m pascal per metre Mine ventilation friction loss.
kPa/km kilopascal per kilometre Pipelines.
gradient temperature °C/km degree Celsius per kilometre Geothermics.
°C/m degree Celsius per metre Refrigeration.
2
grammage g/m gram per square metre Paper and paperboard.
3
hardness, water g/m gram per cubic metre See also concentration, mass.
head m metre Fluid mechanics.
heat dissipation See dissipation, power.
heat flow intensity See intensity, heat flow.
heat flux See flux, heat.
heat flux density See density of heat flow rate.
head of hydration kJ/kg kilojoule per kilogram Cement.
heat, latent, specific kJ/kg kilojoule per kilogram Steam; evaporation.
(Also commonly
called latent heat.)
heat transfer See coefficient heat transfer.
coefficient
height See dimensions, linear.
2
hiding power m /L square metre per litre Paint and coatings.
hydrodynamic See permeability, hydrodynamic.
permeability
illuminance dalx decalux Lighting.
impact energy See energy.
impedance, acoustic Pa.s/m3 pascal second per cubic metre Ultrasonic testing and noise,
impedance, acoustic G Pa.s/m gigapascal second per metre Geophysics.
specific
Note: This is acoustic impedance per unit area and therefore the use of the term specific is questionable.

impedance, electric ohm (multiples, Electric circuits and components,

sub-multiples)
*A range of prefixes is used, depending on magnitude.

inductance (also self H henry Electric circuits and components.

and mutual) mH millihenry
MH microhenry
inductance per unit MH/m microhenry per metre Transmission cables, conductors.
length
inertia, rotational kg.m2 kilogram metre squared Dynamics of flywheel.
2
intensity, heat flow kW/m kilowatt per square metre Heat calculations.
2
W/m watt per square metre Heat calculations.
(See also density of heat flow rate.)

34
 Quantity Unit Symbol Unit Name Typical Applications
intensity, luminous cd candela Lighting,
intensity, magnetic See density, magnetic flux.
2
intensity, sound W/m watt per square metre Acoustics.
length See dimensions, linear.
level elevation m metre Surveys, maps and charts.
linear expansion See coefficient, linear expansion.
coefficient
load or loading See mass, force or stress.
load carrying capacity See capacity, load carrying, or capacity,
mass.
loss, fluid See volume, fluid loss.
luminance cd/m2 candela per square metre Lighting.
magnetic field See field strength, magnetic.
strength
magnetic flux See flux, magnetic.
magnetic flux density See density, magnetic flux.
magnetic permeability See permeability, magnetic.
mass Mg megagram Large masses; air cargo; rating of hoists
and cranes.
tonne Large masses such as grain, coal, fuel,
structural steel, reinforcement, concrete,
wood, heavy equipment, ship's cargo,
truck loads, dead load on structures;
rating of lifting equipment.
kg kilogram Mass of items in general.
g gram Mass of small items such as mail,
groceries, etc.
mg milligram Mass of very small items such as
Pharmaceuticals.
mass concentration See concentration, mass.
mass fraction See fraction, mass.
mass, molar mg/mol milligram per mole Gas, vapour.
2
mass per unit area kg/m kilogram per square metre See also density, area.
Slabs, plates and similar items of
uniform thickness; load distribution on
floors - not to be confused with force
and stress calculations.
g/m2 gram per square metre Thin sheet materials, coatings; fabric.
mass per unit length kg/m kilogram per metre See also density, linear.
Wire rope, electric cable, beams, bars,
tubular goods and similar items of
uniform cross-section; load on
conveyor belts, beams; ice load on
conductors.
gram per metre Cord, wire, and similar items of uniform
cross section.
modulus of elasticity GPa gigapascal Young's modulus, rigidity modulus, bulk
MPa megapascal modulus, of materials.
modulus, section m3 cubic metre Midship section of ship.
3
mm cubic millimetre Properties of structural shapes and
sections (beams, columns, etc.)
modulus, tensile kPa kilopascal Properties of materials.
molality mol/kg mole per kilogram Anion and cation (drilling fluid).
molar concentration See concentration.
molar enthalpy See enthalpy, molar.

35
Quantity Unit Symbol Unit Name Typical Applications

molar mass See mass, molar.

moment bending MN.m meganewton metre Mechanical engineering calculations.
kN.m kilonewton metre
N.m newton metre
moment, dynamic mN.m millinewton metre Mechanical engineering calculations.
balance
moment of inertia kg.m2 kilogram metre squared Mechanical engineering calculations.
moment, dipole C.m coulomb metre Electrical engineering calculations.
2
moment magnetic A.m ampere square metre Electrical engineering calculations.
4
moment of inertia, m metre to the fourth power Ship's midship section.
area
(Also known as
second moment of
area.)
mm4 millimetre to the fourth Properties of structural shapes and
power sections (beams, columns, etc.),
pipelines.
moment overturning kN.m kilonewton metre Mechanical engineering calculations.
N.m newton metre Mechanical engineering calculations.
moment static g.mm gram millimetre Mechanical engineering calculations.
balance
moment torsional kN.m kilonewton metre Mechanical engineering calculations.
momentum kg.m/s kilogram metre per second Mechanical engineering calculations;
fluid flow in sedimentology.
momentum, angular kg.m2/s kilogram metre squared Mechanical engineering calculations.
per second
mutual capacitance See capacitance, electric.
offsets mm millimetre Drilling, downhole equipment.
overtravel mm millimetre Pumps, drilling mechanics.
overturning moment See moment overturning.
permeability, ng/(Pa.s.m) nanogram per pascal Water vapour transmission.
hydrodynamic second metre
permeability, H/m henry per metre Magnetic circuits.
magnetic mH/rn millihenry per metre
permeance ng/(Pa.s.m2) nanogram per pascal Water vapour transmission through
second squared metre walls.
permittivity pF/m picofarad per metre Electric circuits, capacitors.
pitch mm millimetre Screw threads; pumps.
pollution See concentration, mass.
potential, electric MV megavolt Very high voltage testing and lightening
studies.
kV kilovolt Generation, transmission, distribution.
V volt Secondary distribution; appliances;
batteries; calibration; low voltage
circuits; potential or emulsion stability
of drilling fluids.
mV millivolt Low voltages for electronics,
thermocouples, calibration; corrosion
potential; spontaneous electric potential
in well logging and perforating.
microvolt Very low voltages for electronics,
telecommunication, noise
measurements; geophysics.
kA kiloampere Calculation of transformer and reactor
A ampere characteristics.
potential, magnetic Wb/m weber per metre Magnetic circuits.
vector

36