Micrometer is a length unit used to express distance, size or travel range in practical measurement work.
The prefix micro- (one millionth, from Greek mikros, small) was formally adopted with the SI in 1960; the micrometer (often called a micron) is used for cell sizes, fiber diameters and machining tolerances.
Measurement system: Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage. SI equivalent: 1 µm = 0.000001 m.
Micrometer facts
- Unit name
- Micrometer
- Symbol
- µm
- Category
- Length
- Measurement system
- Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage
- SI equivalent
- 1 µm = 0.000001 m
- Common uses
- Distance, dimensions, navigation and physical measurement
Definition of the micrometer
Micrometer is a length unit used to express distance, size or travel range in practical measurement work.
Measurement system and SI relationship
Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage
SI equivalent: 1 µm = 0.000001 m
History of the micrometer
The prefix micro- (one millionth, from Greek mikros, small) was formally adopted with the SI in 1960; the micrometer (often called a micron) is used for cell sizes, fiber diameters and machining tolerances.
Where is the micrometer used?
Distance, dimensions, navigation and physical measurement