ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984 (R2008)

An American National Standard

IEEE Recommended Practice for

Preferred Metric Units for Use in
Electrical and Electronics Science and
Technology

Sponsor
IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee 14 on Quantities and Units

Reaffirmed September 25, 2008

Approved March 10, 1982

IEEE Standards Board

Approved July 22, 1983

American National Standards Institute

Copyright 1984 by
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc 345 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017, USA
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without the
prior written permission of the publisher.

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Acceptance Notice

This non-Government document was adopted on 25 September 1984, and is approved for use by the DoD. The
indicated industry group has furnished the clearances required by existing regulations. Copies of the document are
stocked by DoD Single Stock Point, Naval Publications and Forms Center, Philadelphia, PA 19120, for issue to DoD
activities only. Contractors and industry groups must obtain copies directly from IEEE, 345 East 47th Street, New
York, NY 10017.

Title of Document: IEEE Recommended Practice for Preferred Metric Units for Use in Electrical and
Electronics Science and Technology

Document No: ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984

Date of Specic Issue Adopted: September 25, 1984

Releasing Industry Group: The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc

Custodians:

Army AR
Navy SH
Air Force 11

Military Coordinating Activity:

Army AR
Project MISC-0038

NOTICE: When reafrmation, amendment, revision, or cancellation of this standard is initially proposed, the industry
group responsible for this standard shall inform the military coordinating activity of the proposed change and request
participation.

AREA MISC

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CLAUSE PAGE
1. Purpose................................................................................................................................................................1

2. Space and Time ...................................................................................................................................................2

3. Periodic and Related Phenomena........................................................................................................................4

4. Mechanics ...........................................................................................................................................................4

5. Heat .....................................................................................................................................................................8

6. Electricity and Magnetism ................................................................................................................................10

7. Light and Related Electromagnetic Radiations.................................................................................................14

8. Acoustics ...........................................................................................................................................................15

iv

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An American National Standard

IEEE Recommended Practice for

Preferred Metric Units for Use in
Electrical and Electronics Science and
Technology

1. Purpose

The purpose of this recommended practice is to aid in the selection of metric units so as to promote uniformity in the
use of metric units and to limit the number of different metric units that will be used in electrical and electronics
science and technology. ANSI/IEEE Std 268-1982, American National Standard Metric Practice, prescribes how
metric units are to be used and gives guidance concerning correct metric practice.

Table 1Multiples and Submultiples of SI Units

Letter
Multiplying Factor Prefix Symbol
1 000 000 000 000 000 000 = 1018 exa E
1 000 000 000 000 000 = 1015 peta P
1 000 000 000 000 = 1012 tera T
1 000 000 000 = 109 giga G
1 000 000 = 106 mega M
1 000 = 103 kilo k
100 = 102 hecto* h
10 = 101 deka* da
0.1 = 10-1 deci* d
0.01 = 10-2 centi* c
0.001 = 10-3 milli m
0.000 001 = 10-6 micro m
0.000 000 001 = 10-9 nano n
0.000 000 000 001 = 10-12 pico p
0.000 000 000 000 001 = 10-15 femto f
0.000 000 000 000 000 001 = 10-18 atto a
*To be avoided where practical. See ANSI/IEEE Std 268-1982 .

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 ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984 IEEE RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR PREFERRED METRIC UNITS FOR USE

2. Space and Time

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes
2.1 plane angle rad (radian) Engineering and scientific calculations
(degree) Measurement of angles in surveys,
plans, electrical calculations
(Use of decimal divisions of degrees
instead of minutes and seconds is
encouraged)
2.2 solid angle sr (steradian) Engineering and scientific calculations
2.3 length (width, height, m (meter) km (kilometer) When coverting to SI, the meter
thickness, radius, generally replaces the yard and foot,
diameter, depth) cm (centimeter the kilometer replaces the mile, the
mm (millimeter) centimeter replaces the inch, and
smaller submultiples replace the
mm (micrometer) fractions of an inch. The hectometer,
dekameter, and decimeter are used
nm (nanometer) only rarely and are not
recommended for general use.
In many engineering applications the
centimeter is avoided for fear of
confusion or of proliferation of
different unit multiples. Thus, all
dimensions on mechanical
engineering drawings are expressed
in millimeters; dimensions for
construction projects are expressed
in meters or millimeters, but not in
centimeters.
2.4 area m2(square meter) Area of floors, walls, and small
property size
ha (hectare) Surveying and land measurement
km2 (square kilometer) Drainage area, watershed, or lake area
cm2 (square centimeter)
mm2 (square Cross sectional area of conductors
millimeter)
2.5 volume m3 (cubic meter) All volumes
The expression of 106 m3 should be
used for volumes of reservoirs
dm3 (cubic decimeter) L (liter) 1 dm3 = 1 L
1 mL = 1 cm3
cm3 (cubic centimeter) mL (milliliter) NOTE: Use of the liter is restricted to
volumetric capacity, dry measure,
and measure of fluids (both liquid
and gases).
mm3 (cubic millimeter) mL (microliter)

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 IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes
2.6 time s (second) Preferred unit for all time derivative
functions for engineering and
scientific measurements and
calculations.
ms (millisecond) Geophysical measurements, electrical
device operating time
ms (microsecond) Ultrasonic testing, electrical transients
ns (nanosecond) Computer and communications
ps (picosecond) technology
a (year) Statistics, planning
month Work time, statistics
week
d (day) Work time, statistics
h (hour)
min (minute)
NOTE: In engineering measurements
and calculations, these non-SI units
should be used in time derivative
functions only when second
related quantities become
impractical.
2.7 angular velocity rad/s (radian per second) Engineering calculations
NOTE: See also 3.3, rotational
frequency
2.8 velocity m/s (meter per second) Conveyor speed, wind and water
speed, ventilation, hoist speed, crane
travel speed, elevator speed, and
engineering calculations
cm/s (centimeter per Tape speeds and recorders
second)
mm/s (millimeter per Wire feed for welding, chart speeds
second)
mm/a (millimeter per Wear rates of motor brushes,
year) bearings, etc
mm/d (millimeter per Chart speeds
day)
km/h (kilometer per Vehicle speed, wind speed
hour) (meteorological)
2.9 acceleration m/s2 (meter per second mm/s2 (millimeter per Mechanical vibrations, engineering
squared) second squared calculations
mm/s2 (micrometer per
second squared)
2.10 angular acceleration rad/s2 (radian per Engineering calculations, design, and
second squared analysis of machines
NOTE: See also 3.5, rotational
acceleration

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 ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984 IEEE RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR PREFERRED METRIC UNITS FOR USE

3. Periodic and Related Phenomena

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes
3.1 period s (second) ms (millisecond) NOTE: Many unit multiples are used
(See also item 8.1) for this quantity, as appropriate. The
conversion to SI has no effect on
current practice.
3.2 frequency Hz (hertz) GHz (gigahertz) NOTE: Many unit multiples are used
(See also item 8.2) for this quantity, as appropriate. The
MHz (megahertz) conversion to SI has no effect on
kHz (kilohertz) current practice.

3.3 rotational frequency s-1 (1 per second) Not favored

r/s (revolution per Preferred for rotating machine speeds;
second) electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic
tools; automatic control instruments.
r/min (revolution per
minute)
3.4 wavelength m (meter) cm (centimeter) NOTE: Many unit multiples are used
for this quantity, as appropriate. The
mm (millimeter) conversion to SI has no effect on
nm (nanometer) current practice.

See also 7.1 and 8.3

3.5 rotational r/s2(revolution per Rotating machinery
acceleration second squared)

4. Mechanics

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes
4.1 mass kg (kilogram) Equipment and materials, transport
and handling, construction elevator
loads
Mg (megagram) t (metric ton) Mass of coal and other bulk materials
NOTE: The name metric ton may be
used as an alternative to megagram
g (gram) Mass of small items
mg (milligram)
4.2 linear density (mass kg/m (kilogram per g/m (gram per meter) Mass load on conveyor belt or on a
per unit length) meter) mg/m (milligram per beam
meter) Conductor mass per unit length
4.3 area density (mass kg/m2 (kilogram per Mass loads on floor
per unit area) square meter)
g/m2(gram per square Metallic coatings, plating
meter)

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 IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes
4.4 density (mass per unit kg/m3 (kilogram per Mass density of gases, solids or liquids
volume) cubic meter)
4.4.1 mass concentration mg/m3 (milligram per Air pollution data
(mass per unit cubic meter)
volume)
g/L (gram per liter) Mass concentrations in liquids
4.4.2 mass per unit energy kg/J (kilogram per g/GJ (gram per Contaminent production related to fuel
joule) gigajoule) burning process
4.4.3 relative density 1 (one) NOTE: The terms specific weight and
specific gravity should be replaced
by the term relative density.
Mercury has a relative density of
13.6, meaning that it is 13.6 times as
dense as water. Water is implied as
the reference substance unless
indicated otherwise. Relative
density is a ratio and has no units; it
is always just a number.
4.5 momentum kgm/s (kilogram meter
per second)
4.6 moment of kgm2/s (kilogram meter
momentum squared per second)
4.7 moment of inertia kgm2 (kilogram meter
(See also item 4.13) squared)
4.8 force N (newton)
MN (meganewton) Reactions on structures
kN (kilonewton) Forces in columns, conductor tension,
loading on insulators, braces, and
struts
mN (millinewton) Forces of small magnitude
mN (micronewton)
4.8.1 force per unit length N/m (newton per meter) Wind loading on conductors
4.9 moment of force, Nm (newton meter) Engineering calculations, bolt
torque tightening torque, motor torque
MNm (meganewton Bending moments on structures
meter)
kNm (kilonewton Bending moments on structures
meter)
NOTE: This unit can result in
confusion with the unit for work or
energy (see 4.20) which is also
newton meter but which in the later
case is called the joule. It is
important to recognize the
difference between torque and
energy; the joule should never be
used to express torque.

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 ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984 IEEE RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR PREFERRED METRIC UNITS FOR USE

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes
4.10 pressure Pa (pascal) Both gauge pressure and absolute
pressure are properly expressed in
pascals, using SI prefixes as
appropriate.
kPa (kilopascal) The kilopascal (kPa) is the unit
recommended for fluid pressure for
almost all fields of use, such as
barometric pressure, tire pressure,
water pressure, and steam pressure.
A notable exception is in air
conditioning, where pressure
differentials in air ducts are more
conveniently measured in pascals
(Pa).
4.11 stress Pa (pascal)
MPa(megapascal) Compressive, tensile, and shear
stresses on structures
N/mm2 (newton per 1 N/mm2 = 1 MPa
square millimeter)
kPa (kilopascal) Static and dynamic stresses in low-
strength materials (wood). Dynamic
stresses on stator bar packing
4.12 modulus of elasticity Pa (pascal)
MPa (megapascal) Elastic moduli of structural materials
4.13 second moment of m4 (meter to the fourth cm4(centimeter to the Properties of structural shapes
area power) fourth power)
mm4 (millimeter to the
fourth power)
4.14 section modulus m3 (meter cubed) cm3 (centimeter cubed) Properties of structural shapes
mm3 (millimeter cubed)
4.15 viscosity (dynamic) Pas (pascal second) NOTE: Use of the centipoise is to be
avoided.
mPas (millipascal Hydraulic model studies lubrication
second) 1 mPas = 1 cP (centipoise)
4.16 kinematic viscosity m2/s (meter squared per NOTE: Use of the centistokes is to be
second) avoided
mm2/s (millimeter Hydraulic model studies, lubrication,
squared per second) viscosity of oils and other liquids
1 mm2/s = 1 cSt (centi-stokes)
4.17 surface tension N/m (newton per meter)

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 IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes
4.18 (volume) flow rate m3/s cubic meter per River flow rate, pump and pipeline
second) capacity
dm3/s (cubic decimeter L/s (liter per second) Liquid and gas flow rates up
per second to 1000 L/s
cm3/s (cubic centimeter mL/s (milliliter per Pneumatic control and in- strument
per second) second) usage, control fluid leakage, oil flow
rate in cables
mm3/s (cubic millimeter mL/s (microliter per Very low gas leakage rates
per second second)
NOTE: Volume flow rate will be used
for measure- ments for air flow in
ventila- tion and air-conditioning
systems and for calculations for the
sizing of piping and ducts for all
types of liquid and gas flow.
4.19 mass flow rate kg/s (kilogram per Boiler steam, feed water and
second) associated systems, coal and
g/s (gram per second) aggregate handling design and
kg/h (kilogram per hour) instrumentation.

NOTE: Mass flow rate will be used for

the instrumentation of all liquid flow
in nuclear and heavy water in-
stallations and for the calcu- lation
and instrumentation of flows in such
systems as heat transport, boiler
feed- water, and steam systems,
where changes in pressure and
temperature result in substantial
changes in volume for a given mass
flow rate.
4.20 energy, work (for J (joule) All mechanical, thermal, and electrical
electric energy, calculations involving energy;
see 6.35) studies of energy economics. A very
wide range of energy values is
encountered in practical applications
and SI multiples from picojoule (pJ)
to tera- joule (TJ) are in common
use.
MJ (megajoule) Heating, refrigeration, and air
conditioning. Thermal energy of
process steam. Energy of heating
fuels.
4.21 power W (watt) All mechanical, thermal, and electrical
calculations involving power or
energy flow. A very wide range of
power values is encountered in
practical applications, and SI
multiples from pico- watt (pW) to
gigawatt (GW) are in common use.
4.22 fracture toughness Pam1/2 (pascal square
root meter)
MPam1/2 (megapascal Thick section plates, turbine blades,
square root meter) forgings, and pipings

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 ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984 IEEE RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR PREFERRED METRIC UNITS FOR USE

5. Heat

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes

5.1 thermodynamic K (kelvin) Thermodynamic calculations,

temperature radiative heat transfer
measurements, noise temperature in
radio receivers.

NOTE: The name degree kelvin and

symbol K are no longer used.

5.2 Celsius temperature C (degree Celsius)

5.3 temperature interval K (kelvin)

C (degree Celsius)

5.4 linear expansion K-1 (1 per kelvin)

coefficient C-1 (1 per degree
Celsius)

5.5 heat, quantity of heat J (joule) GJ (gigajoule) Heat loss calculations, heating,
MJ (megajoule) refrigeration, air conditioning
kJ (kilojoule)
mJ (microjoule) Microelectronics

5.6 heat flow rate W (watt) Thermodynamic calculations, heating

and air conditioning

MW (megawatt) Heat flow calculations

kW (kilowatt)

5.6.1 density of heat flow- W/m2 (watt per square Heat flow calculations
rate meter)

5.7 radiant intensity W/sr (watt per

steradian)

5.8 thermal conductivity W/(mK) (watt per

meter kelvin)

W/(mC) (watt per

meter degree Celsius)

5.9 thermal insulance m2K/W (square meter NOTE: Thermal insulance is

kelvin per watt) temperature difference divided by
density of heat flow rate.
m2C/W (square meter
degree Celsius per
watt)

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 IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes

5.10 thermal resistance K/W (kelvin per watt) NOTE: Thermal resistance is the
temperature difference divided by
C/W (degree Celsius heat flow rate.
per watt)

5.11 coefficient of heat W/(m2K) (watt per NOTE: Coefficient of heat transfer is
transfer square meter kelvin) the density of heat flow rate divided
by temperature difference.
W/(mg2C) (watt per
square meter degree
Celsius)

5.12 heat capacity J/K (joule per kelvin)

kJ/K (kilojoule per

kelvin)

kJ/C (kilojoule per

degree Celsius)

5.13 specific heat capacity J/(kgK) (joule per

kilogram kelvin)
kJ/(kgK) (kilojoule per
kilogram kelvin)

kJ/(kgC) (kilojoule per

kilogram degree
Celsius)

5.14 entropy J/K (joule per kelvin) kJ/K (kilojoule per

kelvin)

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 ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984 IEEE RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR PREFERRED METRIC UNITS FOR USE

6. Electricity and Magnetism

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes

6.1 electric current A (ampere) NOTE: Many unit multiples are used
for this quantity, as appropriate. The
conversion to SI has no effect on
current practice.

6.2 electric charge, C (coulomb) NOTE: Many unit multiples are of

quantity of electricity used for this quantity, as
electricity appropriate. The conversion to SI
has no effect on current practice.

6.3 volume density of C/m3 (coulomb per

charge, charge cubic meter)
density

6.4 surface density of C/m2 (coulomb per

charge square meter)

6.5 electric field strength V/m (volt per meter) Antenna field patterns, gradient of
electric fields

N/C (newton per MV/m (megavolt per Preferred unit for electrical stress in
coulomb) meter) gas, liquid, and solid media

NOTE: The values of MV/m and kV/

mm are numerically equal. Both will
be used for convenience.

kV/mm (kilovolt per Preferred unit for dielectric stress in

millimeter) insulation

mV/m (microvolt per Radio noise measurements

meter)

NOTE: Predicted and actual effective

field strength (particularly in am
broadcasting) is to be expressed as
millivolts per meter at one
kilometer.

6.6 electrical potential, V (volt) NOTE: Many unit multiples are used
voltage for this quantity, as appropriate. The
conversion to SI has no effect on
current practice.

6.7 electric flux density, C/m2 (coulomb per

displacement square meter)

6.8 electric flux C (coulomb)

6.9 capacitance F (farad) mF (microfarad)

pF (picofarad)

6.10 permittivity F/m (farad per meter)

6.11 electric polarization C/m2 (coulomb per

square meter)

6.12 electric dipole Cm (coulomb meter)

moment

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 IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes

6.13 current density A/m2 (ampere per

square meter)
MA/m2 (megaampere
per square meter)

A/cm2 (ampere per Current density in semiconductors

square centimeter)

A/mm2 (ampere per Current density in counductors

square millimeter)

NOTE: The values of MA/m2

(megaampere per square meter) and
A/mm2 (ampere per square
millimeter) are both numerically
equal. Both will be used for
convenience.

6.14 linear current density A/m (ampere per meter)

6.15 magnetic field A/m (ampere per meter) Calculation of transformer and reactor
strength characteristics

NOTE: Interpret as ampere turns per

meter

6.16 magnetomotive force A (ampere) NOTE: Often called ampere turns

6.17 magnetic flux T (tesla)

density, magnetic
induction mT (millitesla)
mT (microtesla)
6.18 magnetic flux Wb (weber)

6.19 magnetic vector Wb/m (weber per meter)

potential

6.20 self-inductance, H (henry)

mutual inductance
mH (millihenry)

mH (microhenry)
6.21 permeability H/m (henry per meter) Self inductance calculations (iron
core)

mH/m (millihenry per Self inductance calculations (air core)

meter)

6.22 electromagnetic Am2 (ampere meter

moment, magnetic squared)
moment

6.23 magnetization A/m (ampere per meter) Magnetic circuit calculations

6.24 magnetic polarization T (tesla) Magnetic circuit calculations

6.25 magnetic dipole Nm2/A (newton meter

moment squared per ampere)

Wbm (weber meter)

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 ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984 IEEE RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR PREFERRED METRIC UNITS FOR USE

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes

6.26 resistance W (ohm) NOTE: Many unit multiples are used

for this quantity, as appropriate. The
conversion to SI has no effect on
current practice.

6.27 conductance S (siemens) Liquids

MS (megasiemens) Conductors

ms (microsiemens) Insulators

6.28 resistivity Wm (ohm meter)

GWm (gigaohm meter)

mWm (milliohm meter)

6.29 conductivity S/m (siemens per meter) Conductivity of aqueous solutions and
natural water

MS/m (megasiemens Conductivity of metals

per meter)

mS/m (millisiemens per Conductivity of aqueous solutions and

meter) natural water

mS/m (microsiemens per Demineralized water

meter)
6.30 reluctance H-1 (1 per henry) Magnetic circuit design

6.31 permeance H (henry) Magnetic circuit design

6.32 impedance W (ohm) NOTE: Many unit multiple are used

for this quantity, as appropriate. The
conversion to SI has no effect on
current practice.

6.33 admittance S (siemens) Electric circuits and components

mS (millisiemens) Electric circuits and components

ms(microsiemens) Electric circuits and components

6.34 power

6.34.1 active power W(watt) Appliance rating, dissipation in

electronic components

Power system capability

Station, machine, line rating

Appliance rating

Dissipation in electronic components

Telecommunications and
microelectronics

NOTE: Many unit multiples are used

for this quantity, as appropriate. The
conversion to SI has no effect on
current practice.

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 IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes

6.34.2 apparent power VA (voltampere) MVA Apparent power in substations,

(megavoltampere) generating stations, and ac
generators

kVA (kilovoltampere) Apparent power in systems, plants,

electrical apparatus, and transformer
rating

6.34.3 reactive power var (var)

Mvar (megavar) Reactive power in substations,

generating stations, and generators

kvar (kilovar) Reactive power in systems, plants, and

electrical apparatus

6.35 electric energy J (joule) Energy calculations

GJ (gigajoule) Energy calculations

MJ (megajoule) Energy calculations

kJ (kilojoule) Energy calculations

MWh (megawatthour) Electrical energy production and

consumption

kWh (kilowatthour) Electrical energy consumption

6.36 resistance per unit W/m (ohm per meter) Soil resistance
length
mW/m (milliohm per Resistance of transmission conductors
meter) and control cable
W/km (ohm per
kilometer)

NOTE: The values of mW/m and W/

km are numerically equal. Both will
be used for convenience.

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 ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984 IEEE RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR PREFERRED METRIC UNITS FOR USE

7. Light and Related Electromagnetic Radiations

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes

7.1 wavelength m (meter) Radio waves, antenna design

cm (centimeter) Microwave systems

mm (micrometer) Infrared spectroscopy

nm (nanometer) Light wavelengths, fiber optics

See also 3.4 and 8.3.

7.2 radiant energy J (joule) Antenna and pulse laser technology

7.3 radiant flux, radiant W (watt) Antenna and continuous wave laser
power technology

mW (milliwatt) Antenna and continuous wave laser

technology

7.4 radiant intensity W/sr (watt per

steradian)

7.5 irradiance W/m2 (watt per square

meter)
kW/m2 (kilowatt per Calculation of solar radiation effect on
square meter) conductors, water bodies, etc

7.6 luminous intensity cd (candela) Lighting calculations

mcd (millicandela) Electronic displays, fiber optics, and

photodiodes

7.7 luminous flux lm (lumen) Lighting calculations

7.8 quantity of light lms (lumen second) Lighting calculations

7.9 luminance cd/m2 (candela per Lighting calculations

square meter)

7.10 luminous exitance lm/m2 (lumen per Lighting calculations

square meter)

7.11 illuminance lx (lux) Lighting calculations

7.12 light exposure lxs (lux second) Lighting calculations, photography

7.13 luminous efficacy lm/W (lumen per watt) Lighting calculations

7.14 attenuation dB/km (decibel per Fiber optics

kilometer)

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 ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984

8. Acoustics

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes

8.1 period s (second)

ms (millisecond)

8.2 frequency Hz (hertz)

(See also item 3.2)
MHz (megahertz) Ultrasonic transducers and fault
locaters

kHz (kilohertz) Sound and vibration

8.3 wavelength m (meter) Sound and vibration studies

mm (millimeter) Sound and vibration studies

See also 3.4 and 7.1

8.4 density (mass kg/m3 (kilogram per Sound and vibration studies
density) cubic meter)

8.5 static pressure Pa (pascal)

(instantaneous)
sound pressure mPa (micropascal) See also 8.14

8.6 sound particle ms (meter per second)

velocity
(instantaneous) mm/s (millimeter per Preferred for characteristics of sound
second) waves
8.7 volume velocity m3/s (cubic meter per Sound studies
(instantaneous) second)

8.8 velocity of sound m/s (meter per second) Sound and vibration

8.9 sound energy flux, W (watt) Sound calculations, ultrasonic testing,

sound power and noise studies. A wide range of
values is encountered in practical
applications, and SI multiples from
picowatt (pW) to kilowatt (kW) are
in common use.

8.10 sound intensity W/m2(watt per square Sound calculations

meter)

8.11 specific acoustic Pas/m (pascal second Product of density and velocity in
impedance per meter) medium

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 ANSI/IEEE Std 945-1984 IEEE RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR PREFERRED METRIC UNITS FOR USE

Other Units Typical and Recommended

SI Symbol Preferred Multiples Permitted for Applications and
Item Quantity (Unit) of the SI Units Use with SI Explanatory Notes

8.12 acoustic impedance Pas/m3 (pascal second Sonic and ultrasonic testing
per cubic meter)

8.13 mechanical Ns/m (newton second Sound and vibration studies

impedance per meter)

8.14 sound pressure level dB (decibel) Amplifiers, communications,

industrial noise (occupational and
environmental)

NOTE: If the reference pressure is not

clear from the context, it should be
explicitly indicated: for example, 12
dB (20/mPa).

8.15 sound power level dB (decibel) Sound power output of compressor,

ventilating systems, amplifiers, and
communication systems.

NOTE: When required in an absolute

sense, the reference power level
should be clearly stated: for
example, 20 dB (ref 1 pW)

8.16 equivalent absorption m2 (square meter) Architectural acoustics

(area of a surface or
object)

8.17 reverberation time s (second) Architectural acoustics

8.18 signal gain, dB (decibel) Ultrasonic testing, communications

attenuation

8.19 sound reduction dB (decibel) Amplifier, communications, sound

index, sound studies
transmission loss

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