Metric Prefix Table

posted on: 13 Aug, 2012 | updated on: 19 Sep, 2012

Metric prefix is also called as SI prefix and is defined as a prefix used before any of the unit to indicate a fraction of unit. Each of the prefix is represented by a unique symbol. For instance, prefix kilo to indicate multiplication of unit with one thousand to represent it in gram since one kilogram is equals to one thousand grams. Prefixes are standardized by SI unit system (International System of Units). When we write kilogram or kilowatt or kilometer then we use a prefix (103) on account of removing kilo. Then terms will become:
103 gram or 103 watt or 103.
When we multiply prefixes they attain new values such as, 6 µ V × 5 µ A ≠ 30 µ W. Correct calculation is: 6 µ V × 5 µ A = 6 × 10-6 V × 5 × 10−6 A = 30 x 10−12 W = 30 p W.
Let’s see that how metric prefix table can be created.

Multiplier	Thousand power	Exponential	Prefix	Symbol
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000	1000⁸	10²⁴	yotta	Y
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000	1000⁷	10²¹	zetta	Z
1,000,000,000,000,000,000	1000⁶	10¹⁸	exa	E
1,000,000,000,000,000	1000⁵	10¹⁵	peta	P
1,000,000,000,000	1000⁴	10¹²	tera	T
1,000,000,000	1000³	10⁹	giga	G
1,000,000	1000²	10⁶	mega	M
1,000	1000¹	10³	kilo	k
100	1000^2/3	10²	hecto	h
10	1000^1/3	10¹	deca	da
1	1000⁰	10⁰	base
0.1	1000^−1/3	10^-1	deci	d
0.01	1000^−2/3	10^-2	centi	c
0.001	1000⁻¹	10^-3	milli