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The metric system is formally referred to as the International System of Units (SI), and it is acceptable to use the two terminologies interchangeably.

After you acquire a basic knowledge of the metric system, it a simple system to use because all of the units are based upon decimal mathematics. For example, a kilometer (km) is equal to one thousand meters (1000 m), and conversely, a meter is equal to one thousandth of a kilometer, or 0.001 km. Going from the larger unit of measurement, the kilometer, to the smaller unit of measurement, the meter, is simply a matter of moving the decimal point. No longer will you be faced with such a multitude of measurement units as inches, feet, yards, chains, rods, furlongs, and miles, all of which represent the same thing - length, or distance.

To help you get started in the metric system, here are some of the fundamental items that you should know.

Meter [m]: The basic unit for the measurement of length in the metric system is the meter. It is slightly longer than a yard and generally used for measuring short distances. The length of a football field is approximately 91 m.

Kilometer [km]: The metric unit used to denote longer distances is the kilometer. The kilometer is equal to 1000 meters and is slightly longer than half of a mile.

Millimeter [mm]: Applied to the measurement of small distances or thicknesses is the millimeter. The millimeter is equal to one thousandth of a meter, or 0.001 meter. An inch is approximately 25.4 mm.

Square meter [m2]: The unit commonly used for the measurement of area is the square meter. A square meter is approximately 20% larger in area than a square yard. A room ten feet long and ten feet wide has a floor area of approximately 9 m2.

Hectare [ha]: To express the area of land or bodies of water use the hectare. A hectare is equal to 10,000 square meters (approximately 2.5 acres).

Cubic Meter [m3]: The unit of volume in the metric system is the cubic meter. The cubic meter has approximately 30% more volume than a cubic yard.

Liter [l]: The unit that is used for the measurement of liquids or gasses is the liter. A liter is slightly more than a quart. Ever purchased a soft drink in a 2 L bottle?

Kilogram [kg]: The basic unit that is used to express the mass of large items is the kilogram. A kilogram is a little more than two pounds.

Gram [g]: The unit used to express the mass of small items is the gram. A gram is equivalent to one thousandth of a kilogram (0.001 kg). The mass of a penny is about 3 g.

Metric ton [t]: Used to express the mass of very large items or quantities, the metric ton. The metric ton is equivalent to 1000 kg, or approximately 2200 pounds.

Second [s]: The second is the fundamental unit of time and is the same unit as currently used in everyday terminology.

Temperature [C]: Widely used in the measurement of temperature is the degree Celsius [C]. On a hot summer day when the temperature is 95 F (Fahrenheit scale), the metric equivalent would be 35 C.

Velocity [km/h]: Velocity, or speed, is expressed in kilometers per hour (km/h). A residential speed limit of 25 miles per hour (mph) is approximately 40 km/h.

Pascal [Pa]: The basic unit of pressure in the metric system is the pascal. An automobile tire pressure of 32 pounds per square inch (psi) is approximately equal to 220,000 Pa, or 220 kPa (kilopascals).

Money [$]: Money and its notation will not change in the metric system. It is a decimal based system with 1 dollar made up of 100 pennies or 10 dimes.