# Metric Prefix Converter

> Metric prefix converter: kilo, mega, giga, tera and friends. Free metric prefix converter with the formula shown - runs entirely in your browser, no signup.

- **Canonical URL:** https://boringtoolskit.com/metric-prefix-converter/
- **Category:** Converters
- **Evidence level:** authored-methodology
- **Reviewed:** 2026-09-20
- **Last verified:** 2026-10-12
- **Privacy:** Inputs and results stay in this browser unless the page clearly labels an external request.

## How it works

Base units = value x 10^(prefix power): kilo 10^3, mega 10^6, giga 10^9, tera 10^12, peta 10^15; deci 10^-1, centi 10^-2, milli 10^-3, micro 10^-6, nano 10^-9, pico 10^-12.

## Assumptions

- Inputs are treated as exact decimal values.
- Standard (not historical or survey) unit definitions are used.
- The calculation uses the factors at the precision shown in the formula panel; rounding beyond that is display-only and adds no accuracy.

## Common questions

### Do metric prefixes multiply or divide?

Multiplying prefixes (kilo, mega, giga) scale up, so 1 kilo = 1000 base units. Dividing prefixes (milli, micro, nano) scale down, so 1 milli = 0.001 base units. The exponent is positive for the first group and negative for the second.

## Sources

- [SI Brochure, 9th ed, Table 7 SI prefixes](https://www.bipm.org/en/publications/si-brochure)

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