This article provides an understanding of a metric system and a standard that describes a universal, international language of measurement. Essentially, all units created in modern times are metric in every country of the world, including the United States. The evolution is coordinated by an international committee in which the United States has participated since 1875. The modern system of measurement is properly called SI, not metric. Individually, they measure such basic physical quantities as length, mass, or time. Alone or in combination, they let mankind measure anything. Many derived units can be expressed in more than one form, but professional use usually settles on a single convention. The degree Celsius is an alternate name for the Kelvin when a temperature increment is meant. It is also a name that designates a temperature on the Celsius scale. If each symbol is written according to the SI rules distinguishing between uppercase and lowercase letters, and between the Latin and Greek letters—it will be intelligible anywhere, regardless of the script and language a nation uses.

You do not currently have access to this content.