STANDARDS ADVISORY

THE METRE

In the Metric system, the unit used for measuring length, thickness and distance is the metre (m).

Here are the units used for measuring length, thickness and distance.

            Millimetre (mm)         -           Used for measuring very small distances.  For                                                                example, the thickness of a book.

                                                            10 millimetres (mm) equals one centimeter (cm).

            Centimetre (cm)         -           Used for measuring small distances. For example,                                                                      one’s height, the width of fabric and body                                                                                  measurements.

                                                            One centimeter is equal to ½ an inch.

            Metre (m)                   -           Used for measuring intermediate distances and                                                              length. For example, the height of a building, the                                                                        length of a bridge or the amount of fabric for a

                                                            dress.

                                                            The metre replaces the yard.

                                                            One metre is equivalent to 39 inches, it is 3                                                                         inches longer than one yard.

            Kilometre (Km)          -          Pronounced (Kill-oh-meet-ur) used for measuring                                                                     long distances.  For example, the distance from                                                                         Georgetown to Timehri Airport is 40 Kilometres.

                                                            One Kilometre is a little more than ½ mile (0.6                                                                   miles)

Guyana National Bureau of Standards

Flat 15 Sophia Exhibition Complex, Sophia.

Telephone No:  227-7072,  225-9013,  225-6226

Web:  www.gnbs.info