Study Guides/Dictionary/Meter vs Metre
Study Guide · Dictionary

Meter vs Metre — What is the Difference?

'Meter' and 'Metre' are two spellings of the same base word, but they are used differently depending on the context and the variety of English.

Question (Click to Flip)

Is kilometre or kilometer correct in India?

Answer

In India (following British English), kilometre is the preferred spelling. In American English, 'kilometer' is used.

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Key Facts

The metre is the base unit of length in the SI (International System of Units). It is defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second.

The Core Difference

Meter (American English)Metre (British English)
Unit of lengthMeter ✓Metre ✓
Measuring deviceMeter ✓Meter ✓

Key rule:

  • Metre = the British/International spelling for the SI unit of length (1 metre = 100 cm).
  • Meter = the American spelling for the unit, AND the universal spelling for any measuring instrument (e.g., thermometer, speedometer, electricity meter, parking meter).

Practical Usage in India

India follows British English conventions in education. So in Indian school textbooks and CBSE/NCERT books, the correct spelling for the unit of length is metre (not meter).

However, in casual use and signboards in India, both spellings are seen.

Examples

  • 'The room is 5 metres wide.' (unit of length — British/CBSE)
  • 'The electricity meter showed 400 units.' (measuring device — universal)
  • 'The speedometer and barometer are examples of meters.' (instruments)

Questions and Answers

Is kilometre or kilometer correct in India?+

In India (following British English), **kilometre** is the preferred spelling. In American English, 'kilometer' is used.

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