Names and letter symbols for prefixes that denote multiplication of a unit by the binary multiplier 2 10n, where n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 are defined. Although the prefixes may be used with all units in all fields where multiplication by a binary multiplier is found to be appropriate, their primary use is in the field of information technology.

This standard defines prefixes and letter symbols that denote multiplication of a unit by the binary multiplier 1024 (equal to 210) and integral powers thereof. The prefixes and letter symbols are for use with all units and their symbols, in all fields where multiplication by a binary multiplier is found to be appropriate.

This standard provides a basic reference for application of prefixes for binary multiples. It is intended to be used by producers of technical documents and for the interpretation of such documents and is prepared with two goals in mind: To preserve the SI prefixes as unambiguous decimal multipliers - To provide alternative prefixes for those cases where binary multipliers are needed.