The BIPM’s SI brochure states “The numerical value always precedes the unit and a space is always used to separate the unit from the number.” and says that the space, not a comma or a dot, shall be used for the thousands separator. There are several space characters in computing, but the brochure does not state what kind of space you should use when typing. Ideally, you would use a non-breaking space to ensure that no line break separates the numerical value from the unit. Users face the same issue when using a space for the thousands separator.
Continue reading “Space dilemmas for writing metric symbols and thousands separators”Category: Technical
One proposed solution to improve writing of metric symbols
In the third of the series of articles on writing metric symbols, I propose a practical solution to improve the writing of metric symbols. My solution addresses one major source of metric symbol errors that I identified in my previous article.
Continue reading “One proposed solution to improve writing of metric symbols”Too many take the easy way out when writing metric symbols
Following the previous article about the limited impact of UKMA’s Metric Style Guide and the widespread mistakes in writing metric symbols, we look at one major source of these mistakes. Too many avoid the use of awkward characters that cannot be found on a standard keyboard and end up writing metric symbols incorrectly.
Continue reading “Too many take the easy way out when writing metric symbols”Metric Style Guide – has it had any effect?
Despite the best efforts of UKMA to promote correct usage, the writing of metric symbols leaves much to be desired. Former UKMA Chair Robin Paice reflects on the impact of the UKMA’s Metric Style Guide since its publication, evaluates other style guides, comments on the teaching of measurement units in schools and makes suggestions for UKMA’s committee to improve the situation.
Continue reading “Metric Style Guide – has it had any effect?”The central role of the metric system in the UK National Measurement System
In December 2022, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) published a report called “UK Measurement Strategy for the National Measurement System”. It describes the importance of measurement in our everyday lives but says little about the central role of the metric system in the UK National Measurement System (NMS). In fact, it barely mentions it.
Continue reading “The central role of the metric system in the UK National Measurement System”Indestructible metric standards
All seven base units in the metric system are based on constants of nature. This means that they can never be destroyed. The seven SI base units are the metre, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, mole and candela. All other SI units are derived from these base units. Hence, they are called SI derived units. Anyone with the right laboratory equipment and expertise can reproduce any of these base units. The problem with tying units to physical objects is that they can be destroyed, and they tend to degrade over time.
Continue reading “Indestructible metric standards”Limitations of body-based measurements
The Daily Mail recently published an article on University of Helsinki research about the merits of body-based measurements. The article says that they are easily accessible, enable us to make approximate measurements and give us valuable insights into the history of measurement. However, body parts do not make good measuring devices because everyone is different and even tailors use tape measures. The historical use of body-based measurements led to the proliferation of different handspans, cubits, feet and inches. This caused problems for international trade and co-operation.
Continue reading “Limitations of body-based measurements”BIPM and OIML issued joint press release and Directors’ message to mark World Metrology Day
20 May 2023 was World Metrology Day, commemorating the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875. To mark the occasion, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) issued a joint press release and Directors’ message.
Continue reading “BIPM and OIML issued joint press release and Directors’ message to mark World Metrology Day”Why count in tens rather than twelves?
Martin Vlietstra looks at our counting system and explains why we count in tens and not in twelves. Our counting system and the metric system are both decimal based (i.e. they use base 10). The entire metric system is based on tens and powers or ten, which fits in neatly with our counting system and makes calculations easy.
Continue reading “Why count in tens rather than twelves?”The metric system’s contribution to computing
One of the most notable contributions that the metric system has made to computing is the widespread use of metric prefixes for various computer specifications. Where would the computer industry be without the metric system? It is hard to imagine what it would have looked like without the metric system.
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Metric Views 