IEEE/ASTM SI 10™-2002 American National Standard for
Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric
System -Description
Abstract: Guidance for the use of the modern metric system
is given. Known as the International System of Units (abbreviated
SI), the system is the basis for worldwide standardization of measurement
units. Information is included on SI, a list of units recognized
for use with SI, and a list of conversion factors, together with
general guidance on proper style and usage.
Keywords: conversion factors, International System, International
System of Units, metric practice, metric system, rounding, SI, Système International d’Unités
Content
1. Overview
2. SI units and symbols
2.1 Classes of units
2.1.1 Base units
2.1.2 Derived units
2.1.3 Coherence
2.2 SI prefixes
2.2.1 Unit of mass
3. Use of the SI
3.1 General
3.2 Application of SI prefixes
3.2.1 General
3.2.2 Selection
3.2.3 Compound prefixes
3.2.4 Powers of units
3.2.5 Prefixes defined as powers of two
3.3 Other units
3.3.1 Units from other systems
3.3.2 Units in use with SI
3.3.3 Units and names that are not to be used
3.4 Some comments concerning quantities and units
3.4.1 Mass, force, and weight
3.4.2 Temperature
3.4.3 Nominal dimensions
3.4.4 Quantities and units used in rotational mechanics
3.4.5 Energy and power
3.4.6 Impact energy absorption
3.4.7 Pressure and vacuum
3.4.8 Quantities expressed as pure numbers
3.5 Style and usage
3.5.1 Rules for writing unit symbols
3.5.2 Rules for writing unit names
3.5.3 Units formed by multiplication and division
3.5.4 Numbers
3.5.5 Attachments to unit symbols
Annex A Tables of conversion factors
A.1 General
A.2 Notation
A.3 Use
A.4 Tables
A.4.1 Organization
Annex B Rules for conversion and rounding
B.1 Terminology
B.2 Introduction to conversion
B.3 Significant digits
B.4 Operations on data
B.4.1 Addition and subtraction
B.4.2 Multiplication and division
B.4.3 Integers
B.5 Accuracy and rounding
B.5.1 General conversion
B.5.2 Special cases
B.5.3 Conversion and tolerances
B.5.4 Temperature
B.6 Rounding values
Annex C Comments concerning the application of the International System of Units (SI)
C.1 Advantages of SI
C.1.1 Unique unit for every physical quantity
C.1.2 Decimal relationships among SI units
C.1.3 Coherence of SI units
C.2 Note concerning the liter
C.3 Definitions of SI base units
C.4 Definitions of SI derived units with special names
C.5 Comment on spelling
C.6 Comments on mass, force, and weight
C.6.1 Distinction between units for mass and force
C.6.2 Weight
C.6.3 Load
C.6.4 Capacity rating
Annex D Development of the International System of Units (SI)
D.1 History
D.2 The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM)
