MEASURES

Use standard measurements except in a quote or in natural history and science articles where metric is appropriate. If metric measurements are used, provide enough conversions to help the reader.

40-mile journey

11-minute walk

measured six feet two inches tall

measured six feet two, measured six two

six-foot-two-inch logger

five-foot-eight-incher

a 2-by-4 eight feet long

a 15-to-20-foot killer whale

a 15-to-20-foot-long whale

15-, 20-, and 25-ton whales

six-gram lump of gold

15-foot-6-inch ladder

five hours 10 minutes

a three-year-old child

a three-year-old

16-mm film, 16 mph

0.5 cubic meter

three-by-five card or a three-by-five

4 x 6 inch print or 4 x 6 print

Unless the text specifies otherwise, miles are statute not nautical and tons are short, or net, tons (2,000 pounds) not long tons (2,240 pounds) or metric tons (2,204.6 pounds).

Nautical miles are often used in marine or aeronautical context, but specify when using nautical miles. One nautical mile equals 1.15 statute miles or 1.852 kilometers.

A knot is a measurement of speed equivalent to one nautical mile per hour:

The boat reached a top speed of 20 knots.