METRIC AND INTERNATIONAL MEASUREMENT

METRIC AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL UNITS OF MEASUREMENT

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC uses standard measurements except in natural history and science articles where metric, if appropriate, may be substituted. When using measurements in reference to climate change, the use of metric tons for carbon and Celsius to express temperature change are preferred. 

Supplement maps generally use standard measurements; metric equivalents are not generally given but may be added in parentheses if needed.

Weight and measures may be abbreviated in credit lines and map notes. Such abbreviations do not take periods; plurals do not add s or es:

            vase 12 cm, 16 mm, f/22, 11 sq mi, three hr, 8-in snake, 11 min 30 sec, 49-yr span.

International Units of Measurement

* To be used only for fluids (both gases and liquids) and for wet ingredients in recipes.

** Note abbreviations for kilowatt-hour (kWh), megawatt-hour (MWh), gigawatt-hour (GWh), terawatt-hour (TWh).

Conversion of U.S. units of measurement to international units

Conversion of international units to U.S. units of measurement

See also kilometer, km,  meter, m, centimeter, cm, cubic centimeter, cc,  millimeter, mm