SI decimal prefixes
Prefix symbols specify decimal scale factors.
Key knowledge
SI prefixes multiply a unit by an exact power of ten: kilo (k) gives 10³, milli (m) gives 10⁻³ and micro (μ) gives 10⁻⁶. The complete adopted range extends from quecto (q, 10⁻³⁰) to quetta (Q, 10³⁰).
Conditions and scope
- Prefixes are decimal; they do not define binary information prefixes.
- Apply an exponent to the whole prefixed unit: (mm)² means (10⁻³ m)².
Sources · 4
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM)2 sources
- Metric (SI) PrefixesNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)Reference guide
- O Sistema Internacional de Unidades (SI) · 2ª edição luso-brasileiraInmetro and Instituto Português da QualidadeReference guide · PDF
Evidence and review
SI Brochure chapter 3, Table 7 and 2022 prefix resolution; NIST current table.
2026-10-10 · Named prefix factors, case and exponent rule only; the entire prefix table is available at the source.
Foundational review
2026-10-10 · Fresh primary-source inspection of the complete compact record, including every statement, equation, quantity and material condition, followed by independent AI editorial review. This check does not certify all linked lessons or every passage of every cited publication.
Sources from other places
Agreement within this scope
SI prefixes are decimal factors from 10−30 to 10^30; powers apply to the complete prefixed unit.
Decimal prefixes do not become binary factors in computing.
Inmetro and Instituto Português da Qualidade
- O Sistema Internacional de Unidades (SI) · 2ª edição luso-brasileira Brazil and PortugalPortugueseShared standard
3 Table7 and following paragraphs, printed pp19–20
- O Sistema Internacional de Unidades (SI) · 2ª edição luso-brasileira
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- measurement-si-prefixes
- Revision
- core.1
- Structured reference record
- Essential core · first collection