The metric system is based on the decimal (base-10) number system. This means that units in the metric system convert from one to another by multiplying or dividing by powers of 10, making calculations straightforward and consistent
. For example, 1 kilometer equals 1,000 meters, and 1 millimeter equals 0.001 meters, reflecting this base-10 structure
. This decimal foundation was established during the creation of the metric system in France in the late 18th century, aiming to replace the many traditional units with a rational system based on multiples of ten
. The metric prefixes (kilo-, centi-, milli-, etc.) represent powers of ten, further emphasizing the system's base-10 nature
. In summary, the metric system is fundamentally a base-10 number system.
