IEEE SI 10-1997

This document is the primary American National Standard for use of the International System of Units, a system developed and maintained by the General Conference on Weights and Measures (abbreviated as CGPM from the official name, Conférence Générale des Poids et Mesures) as a basis for worldwide standardization of measurement units. The name International System of Units and the international abbreviation SI (from Le Système International d’Unités) were adopted by the 11th CGPM in 1960. SI is a complete, coherent system that is being universally adopted. This document includes information on SI, a limited list of units recognized for use with SI, and a list of conversion factors, together with general guidance on style and usage.

The United States is alone among developed nations in not having fully adopted the metric system. Large sectors of government, industry, and the technical and scientific professions are, however, in the process of converting. A standard is needed to guide the process. In 1976 ASTM and IEEE jointly produced a common document, which was widely accepted as the primary American National Standard on the subject. In later years, however, the two societies have produced separate standards, which have diverged somewhat. This project is attempting to re-consolidate IEEE Std 268 and ASTM E380; the product will be submitted to ANSI.

New IEEE Standard - Superseded. Guidance for the use of the modern metric system is given. Known as the International System of Units (abbreviated SI), the system is intended as a 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.