Dictionary · Standards & Units
Quantity-value scale
The ordered set of values that quantities of a given kind may take — the scale a thermometer or hardness tester reports on.
Related terms
More from Standards & Units
Multiple of a unit
A unit obtained by multiplying a given unit by an integer greater than one — the kilometre from the metre.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 1.17
International System of Units (SI)
The system of units based on the ISQ, with unit names, symbols, prefixes, and rules for their use, adopted by the CGPM. Since the 2019 revision all seven base units are defined by fixing the numerical values of seven defining constants.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 1.16
Derived quantity
A quantity in a system of quantities defined in terms of the base quantities of that system — speed, force, pressure.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 1.5
Conversion factor between units
The ratio of two units for quantities of the same kind — 25.4 mm/in; the numerical value changes, the quantity does not.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 1.24
Coherent derived unit
A derived unit that is a product of powers of base units with no numerical factor other than one — the newton is coherent in the SI; the kilometre per hour is not.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 1.12
Intrinsic measurement standard
A standard based on an inherent and reproducible property of a phenomenon or substance — the triple point of water cell, the Josephson voltage standard.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 5.10