Unit Symbols and Names
- Shira Nagel
Analytics
These tables show the correct format for unit symbols and names:
Base Units
Base units are the building blocks of SI – all other units of measure can be derived from the base units.
Unit name | Unit symbol | Quantity name | Dimension symbol |
metre | m | length | L |
kilogram | kg | mass | M |
second | s | time | T |
ampere | A | electric current | I |
kelvin | K | thermodynamic temperature | Θ |
mole | mol | amount of substance | N |
candela | cd | luminous intensity | J |
Derived units
Derived units are formed by powers, products or quotients of the base units.
Name | Symbol | Quantity |
radian | rad | angle |
steradian | sr | solid angle |
hertz (both singular and plural) | Hz | frequency |
newton | N | force, weight |
pascal | Pa | pressure, stress |
joule | J | energy, work, heat |
watt | W | power, radiant flux |
coulomb | C | electric charge or quantity of electricity |
volt | V | voltage (electrical potential difference), electromotive force |
farad | F | electric capacitance |
ohm | Ω | electric resistance, impedance, reactance |
siemens (both singular and plural) | S | electrical conductance |
weber | Wb | magnetic flux |
tesla | T | magnetic field strength |
henry (plural: henries) | H | inductance |
degree Celsius (plural: degrees Celsius) | °C | temperature relative to 273.15 K |
lumen | lm | luminous flux |
lux (both singular and plural) | lx | illuminance |
becquerel | Bq | radioactivity (decays per unit time) |
gray | Gy | absorbed dose (of ionizing radiation) |
sievert | Sv | equivalent dose (of ionizing radiation) |
katal | kat | catalytic activity |