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Apply the metric scale
The tonne here is the metric tonne, not a short ton or another mass convention.
| Kilograms | Metric tonnes |
|---|---|
| 4,800 | 4.8 |
| 1 | 0.001 |
| 0.0001 | 0.0000001 |
Retain the original metric
A kg CO2 record becomes tonnes CO2 under this conversion. A kg CO2e record becomes tonnes CO2e. Division by one thousand does not perform a multi-gas equivalence calculation.
Keep small nonzero values visible
A small calculated mass can round to zero at a fixed display precision. Preserve adequate precision or scientific notation when that distinction matters. A rounded display should not become evidence that no emissions occurred.
Use compatible scales in a total
Convert component amounts to the same mass scale before adding them. Record which tonne convention is used so an imported dataset cannot silently change the total’s unit.