Definition
Metre
A metre is the SI base unit of length, equal to 100 centimetres.
What it means
Use metres for lengths around the size of rooms, people, or short outdoor distances. Measure from zero and keep the unit with the number.
Remember it
A metre is 100 one-centimetre steps.
Example
Eight ribbons are each 25 cm long. Together they measure 8 × 25 cm = 200 cm = 2 m.
Watch for
The US spelling 'meter' can also mean a measuring device; this page means the unit of length.
Common mix-up
m is metre; min is minute.
Exact meaning
The metre (m) is the SI base unit of length. One metre equals exactly 100 centimetres or 1000 millimetres.