What are the symbols that indicate a base 10 multiple in SI units called?

The symbols that indicate a base 10 multiple in SI units are known as metric prefixes. These prefixes are used to create decimal multiples or submultiples of SI units, allowing for a standardized way to express large and small measurements in a manageable form. For example, the prefix "kilo-" represents a factor of 1,000, so a kilometer is 1,000 meters. Similarly, "milli-" denotes one-thousandth, meaning that a millimeter is one-thousandth of a meter.

Understanding metric prefixes is essential for working with measurements in science and engineering, as they simplify communication and ensure clarity in expressing quantities. Other terms such as measurement indicators, metric multipliers, and SI modifiers may describe various aspects of measurement but do not specifically refer to the established system of prefixes that denote multiples or fractions of base SI units. This clear structuring through metric prefixes enhances accuracy and consistency in scientific communication.