mittayksiköjärjestelmää

The mittayksiköjärjestelmä, or metric system, is a decimal-based system of measurement widely used in science, industry, and everyday life across most of the world. Originating in France during the late 18th century, it was introduced to standardize measurements and simplify trade and commerce. The system is based on powers of ten, making conversions between units straightforward through multiplication or division by ten.

The metric system’s core units include the meter for length, the kilogram for mass, and the second for time. These units are defined by precise physical constants or standards, ensuring consistency and accuracy. Derived units, such as the liter for volume and the ampere for electric current, are also part of the system. Prefixes like kilo- (thousand), centi- (hundredth), and milli- (thousandth) allow for easy scaling, enabling measurements ranging from astronomical distances to microscopic particles.

Adoption of the metric system began in France in 1799 and gradually spread globally. While the United States and a few other countries retain traditional imperial units for everyday use, the metric system is the official standard in most nations, including the European Union, Canada, and nearly all scientific and technical fields worldwide. Its simplicity, universality, and compatibility with modern technology have solidified its dominance in international communication and collaboration.