10K

Ten thousand, or 10k, is the integer that follows 9,999 and precedes 10,001. In decimal notation it is written as 10,000, and the term “kilo” (from Greek) is commonly used to denote multiples of a thousand. In everyday usage, 10k appears in finance, data, and informal shorthand to indicate a large but not enormous quantity.

The Form 10-K is an annual comprehensive report filed by publicly traded companies with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. It provides a detailed overview of the company’s business, risk factors, financial statements, and management’s discussion and analysis. Public companies are required to file a 10-K within specific time frames after fiscal year-end, with the filing containing audited financial statements.

In jewelry, 10K (or 10-karat) gold denotes an alloy containing approximately 41.7% gold and 58.3% other metals. The karat system measures purity, with higher karat values indicating greater gold content. 10K gold is notably harder and more durable than higher-purity gold alloys such as 14K or 18K, making it popular for everyday wear in various markets, though its color is typically paler than purer gold alloys.

In athletics, a 10K race is a road running event covering 10 kilometers, about 6.2 miles. It is a common distance in road racing and charity events, offering a mid-length challenge that tests both speed and endurance relative to shorter 5K races and longer half-marathons.

Beyond these uses, 10k appears in various technical, financial, and cultural contexts as shorthand for ten thousand or for versioning and identifiers in product design.