1K

1k is a numeric expression that commonly denotes the value of one thousand in decimal notation. The lowercase letter k is used as a prefix symbol for the SI prefix kilo-, meaning 10^3. In many contexts, 1k and 1,000 are interchangeable shorthand for the same quantity.

Prefix and units: In scientific and engineering notation, 'k' is appended to a unit to indicate multiplication by 1,000, as in 1 kW (one kilowatt) or 1 km (one kilometer). The prefix is part of the International System of Units (SI). Conversely, when used in uppercase, 'K' often denotes kelvin, the unit of thermodynamic temperature, so case matters.

On computers and data storage, the meaning can differ. Historically, 'k' or 'KB' has been used to mean 1,024 bytes (2^10). More precise standards distinguish between kilobyte (1,000 bytes) and kibibyte (1,024 bytes), abbreviated KiB. In casual computing language, 1k may still be used to refer to 1,024.

Financial and everyday usage: In finance, marketing, and online discourse, '1k' is common shorthand for 1,000 units of currency or items, e.g., $1k, 2k followers. The term is also used in gaming and sports statistics to denote thousands of occurrences or points.

Other uses: The symbol 'k' also appears in electronics as kiloohm, written as 1 kΩ, denoting 1,000 ohms. The general informal usage of 'k' to indicate thousands spans various domains. The context typically clarifies whether 'k' means 1,000 or 1,024.