Using Measurements in Graphics

Many of our training courses contain graphics that feature numbers, measurements, tables, or charts. Whenever you write out a measurement, it is important that to make sure you are abbreviating the measurement the same way in each graphic. Consistency is key!

When using measurements in graphics, always follow these guidelines:

1. Never write out the full name of the measurement.

• Incorrect:  332 pounds, 1 pound
• Correct: 332 lbs, 1 lb

2. Don't include the metric measurement, unless the writer includes it in their mock-up, or specifically requests it.

• Incorrect:  20 ft (6 m)
• Correct: 20 ft

3. Always keep abbreviations lowercase, unless the correct abbreviation requires capital letters.* 

• Incorrect: 25 Ft
• Correct: 25 ft

*Note: Some abbreviations require the use of capital letters to be recognizable. For example, the proper abbreviation for Fahrenheit and Celsius are always capitalized. If you were to write 34 c. instead of 34 °C, the reader may think you meant 34 cents.

A few others abbreviations that require capitalization are: Volts (V.), kilovolts (kV.), and kilopascal (kPa). When including a measurement not found in the list below, do a quick google search for its proper abbreviation to know if you need to have a letter capitalized.

4. Always use symbols if the measurement has one.

• Incorrect: 15 degrees
• Correct: 15°

5. Don't add a period at the end of an abbreviated measurement. 

• Incorrect: 87 lbs
• Correct: 87 lbs or 54 ft³

The reason that we do this is not only to maintain consistency, but also because it best aligns our writing with the AP Style guide, which is used on a daily basis in our trainings for all stylistic writing and grammar choices. 

Here is the list of correct abbreviations for many common measurements you may come across. Notice that while we keep most abbreviations lowercase, there are some that require capital letters to express the correct measurement. 

• Feet = ft
• Meters = m 
• Kilometers = km 
• Miles = mi
• Yard = yd
• Inches = in 
• Centimeters = cm 
• Pounds = lb or lbs 
• Kilograms = kg  
• Gallon = gal
• Liter = ltr
• Ampere = amp 
• Volt = V
• Kilovolt = kV
• Percentage = % 
• Kilopascal = kPa
• Degrees = ° or deg
• Fahrenheit = °F  
• Celsius = °C
• Pounds per Square Inch (Unit of Pressure) = psi

When you need to write a square measurement, always add a small 2 like this: 32 ft²

Here are some examples of graphics where measurement abbreviations are used correctly: