Space dilemmas for writing metric symbols and thousands separators

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.

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Eurocodes for structural design, and that decimal marker

Britain is currently adopting European codes for structural design and allowing British Standard codes to lapse. This raises the issue of the preferred decimal marker – should imperial or continental practice be followed?

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