Unit Prefix
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A unit prefix is a word used in front of a unit that changes its size.
About Unit Prefixes
There are several unit prefixes you should know:
- kilo (k) - 1000 times bigger.
- centi (c) - 100 times smaller.
- milli (m) - 1000 times smaller.
- micro (µ) - 1000,000 times smaller.
Examples
- A kilowatt is 1000 times bigger than a watt.
- A centimetre is 100 times smaller than a metre.
- A millilitre is 1000 times smaller than an litre.
- A microvolt is 1000,000 times smaller than a volt.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
A unit prefix is a word used in front of a unit that changes its size.
About Unit Prefixes
There are several unit prefixes you should know:
- mega (M) - 1000,000 times bigger. (106)
- kilo (k) - 1000 times bigger. (103)
- deci (d) - 10 times smaller. (10-1)
- centi (c) - 100 times smaller. (10-2)
- milli (m) - 1000 times smaller. (10-3)
- micro (µ) - 1000,000 times smaller. (10-6)
- nano (n) - 1000,000,000 times smaller. (10-9)