Dictionary · Standards & Units
Quantity calculus
The set of mathematical rules applied to quantities rather than bare numbers — the algebra by which units propagate through equations.
Related terms
More from Standards & Units
Unit equation
A mathematical relation between base and derived units — N = kg·m·s⁻².
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 1.23
Conservation of a measurement standard
The set of operations necessary to preserve the metrological properties of a standard within stated limits — storage, handling, surveillance, and use discipline.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 5.11
Transfer measurement device
A device used as an intermediary to compare measurement standards — transferring, not holding, the quantity value.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 5.9
Numerical value equation
A relation between numerical values that holds only for stated units — the form most spreadsheet formulas quietly are, and the reason unit discipline matters.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 1.25
Primary measurement standard
A standard established using a primary reference measurement procedure, or created as an artifact chosen by convention — not calibrated against another standard for the same quantity.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 5.4
Quantity dimension
The expression of a quantity's dependence on the base quantities as a product of powers of their dimensions — force has dimension L·M·T⁻².
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 1.7