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Understanding the Metric System – Using the Units of Mass

Jul 23, 2017 Features / Columnists, Standards in Focus

The Metric System, which is the legal system of measurement in Guyana, conforms to the Standard International (SI) units including the kilogram that is used to measure mass. This system is simple to learn and easy to use because of its decimal nature.
Today, almost all of the countries in the world use the metric system, especially in scientific research, manufacturing and trade. Only a few countries still use the imperial system of measurement or a combination of both measuring systems, which include Guyana.
Nevertheless, most of our local sectors have fully adopted the use of the metric system, even though there continues to be a wrestle between the two systems in the retail sector. Over the years, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has conducted painstaking work to educate vendors and shopkeepers to use the metric system and monitored same to ensure only verified metric measuring instruments are used in trade.
The GNBS has recognized that the adoption of the metric system should start from the top – Policymakers, Ministries of Government and Government Agencies should lead the metric drive. At the other end, our school system has already fully adopted the used of the metric system and the younger generation has a good understanding of its application.
Let’s look at the metric units used for measuring mass commonly referred to as weight by retailers and consumers.
The metric base unit for measuring mass is the Kilogram. When the Kilogram is divided by 1000 the result is 1 gram and when the Kilogram is multiplied by 1000 the result is 1 metric tonne. (Note the difference in spelling for tonne)
The units of Mass (Weight) – For everyday transactions especially in the conduct of commerce, there are four commonly used units namely, the milligram, gram, kilogram and tonne.
Milligram (mg) – This unit is used for measuring very small amounts of substances for example, ingredients in medicines or drugs and some ingredients in recipes. It is the equivalent of 1 gram divided by 1000.
Gram (g) – The gram is used for measuring intermediate amounts. For example, 100 grams of butter, 250 grams of cheese, 500 grams of peas, sugar, flour, etc.
Kilogram (kg) – The Kilogram is used for measuring larger amounts. For example, 1 kilogram of potatoes, 10 kilogram of bananas, 25 kilogram of rice, etc.
One kilogram is equivalent to two pounds, three ounces.
Tonne (t) – This unit is used for measuring very large amounts, for example, truckloads of sand or stone, bulk sugar or rice.
Remember!
1000 milligrams (mg) equal 1 gram (g)
1000 grams (g) equal 1 kilogram (kg)
1000 kilograms (kg) equal one tonne (t)
Consumers, you are urged to start requesting solid goods such as rice, peas, onions and potatoes in grams and kilograms. These units should also be used to weigh solid hardware items such as nails, putty and glues that are sold by weight. These goods can be easily and accurately weighed on verified metric devices used in the market place.
Wholesalers and retailers have a significant role to play by packaging and selling their solid goods in metric quantities. Advertise your goods and prepare and display pricelists in metric quantities.
For further information please contact the GNBS on Tel: 219-0062, 219-0065, 219-0066, 219-0069 or visit the GNBS Website: www.gnbsgy.org

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