The metric system (SI) is the most widely used measurement system. This guide covers its history, base units, advantages, and everyday use.
The History of the Metric System
Originated in France during the French Revolution to standardize measures with a logical, decimal‑based approach.
Base Units in the Metric System
- Meter (m) — length
- Kilogram (kg) — mass
- Second (s) — time
- Ampere (A) — electric current
- Kelvin (K) — temperature
- Candela (cd) — luminous intensity
- Mole (mol) — amount of substance
Advantages of the Metric System
Key benefits include:
- Decimal structure simplifies math
- Prefixes (kilo‑, milli‑, etc.) work across units
- Internationally standardized
- Used in science and engineering globally
Common Conversions and Usage
Everyday conversions:
- 1 kilometer = 1000 meters
- 1 meter = 100 centimeters
- 1 kilogram = 1000 grams
- 1 liter = 1000 milliliters
Pro Tip
Each prefix is a power of 10. Up scales (kilo‑, mega‑) ×1000; down scales (milli‑, micro‑) ÷1000.