What Is a Running Metre and How Does It Differ From a Metre?
The Difference Between Running Metre And Metre is often tested in school and entrance exams, as both units are common in practical measurements. Understanding this distinction helps students answer application-based questions correctly, particularly in physics and mathematics.
Definition of Running Metre
A running metre is the length of a material measured in a straight, continuous line, typically without considering the width or thickness of the item. It is most commonly used for products sold by length, such as fabric or cables.
Running metres are especially important when the width remains uniform, which is why they are widely applied in textile and construction industries. For more precise measurements covering different aspects, other units like square metre may be used.
Definition of Metre
The metre is the SI base unit for length, defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum during $\frac{1}{299{,}792{,}458}$ of a second. It is internationally accepted and widely used for general measurement of length.
The metre is essential for scientific, engineering, and everyday measurement tasks. It is the standard measurement unit associated with concepts like Difference Between Distance And Displacement.
Difference Table
| Running Metre | Metre |
|---|---|
| Measures length of continuous material | Standard SI unit for length |
| Used for goods with fixed width | Used in all fields of length measurement |
| Ignores width and thickness | Does not ignore width in context |
| Common in textiles and carpeting | Used globally for distances and objects |
| Not an SI unit | Defined by the SI system |
| Length of material as supplied or purchased | Fixed measurement: 1 metre = 100 centimetres |
| Denoted as running metre (rm) | Symbol: m |
| Dependent on material’s uniform width | Independent of material’s width or type |
| Helps estimate cost for continuous items | Used for length, area, and volume calculations |
| Different industries have unique interpretations | Consistent definition worldwide |
| Frequently used in sale of cloth, wires | Used in physics, engineering, daily life |
| Running metre can vary depending on material | Metre is always the same length |
| No strict standard, except length | Strictly defined by SI standards |
| Useful for estimating continuous supply | Useful for any linear measurement |
| Mainly applied in commercial transactions | Applied in scientific and academic contexts |
| Only considers one dimension of measurement | Basis for multi-dimensional measurements |
| May be used interchangeably with linear metre | No other equivalent in SI |
| Requires standard width for cost calculation | No accessory width for unit |
| Buyers often specify both running metre and width | Specification only about length |
| Convenient for fabrics and similar goods | Suitable for measuring any length |
Key Differences
- Running metre measures length of continuous goods
- Metre is a universal SI length unit
- Running metre does not consider material width
- Metre can be used for any kind of object
- Running metre is common in fabric and wiring
- Metre is applied in scientific measurements
Examples
If a shopkeeper sells 7 running metres of carpet, it means the buyer receives 7 metres of carpet of fixed width. If a wire roll is labelled as 50 running metres, this indicates 50 metres of wire supplied in an unbroken piece.
When measuring the height of a door using the standard unit, one would use the metre and state its height, such as 2 metres. For similar concepts, see Difference Between Speed And Velocity.
Applications
- Running metre is used in textile and carpet sales
- Metre is used in construction and distance measurement
- Running metres help buyers estimate material required
- Metre facilitates scientific and academic calculations
- Running metre basis for certain commercial transactions
- Metre standardizes length measurement worldwide
One-Line Summary
In simple words, running metre measures the continuous length of materials without considering their width, whereas metre is the universal SI unit for measuring any length.
FAQs on Understanding the Difference Between Running Metre and Metre
1. What is the difference between running metre and metre?
Running metre (rm) and metre (m) both measure length, but running metre specifically refers to the measurement of length in a single straight line regardless of width.
- Running Metre (rm): Used when buying materials like fabric or pipe; you buy as many continuous metres as you need, without considering width.
- Metre (m): General unit of length in the metric system, used for any measurement.
2. What is a running metre?
Running metre refers to a continuous measurement of length along a single direction, often used in trading materials like cloth, pipes, or cables.
- One running metre equals exactly one metre in length.
- The width and thickness can vary; only the continuous length is considered.
- Common in textile and construction industries.
3. Is there a difference between metre and running metre?
Yes, there is a subtle difference between metre and running metre:
- Metre is any unit of length equal to 100 cm in the metric system.
- Running metre specifies the length in a single, continuous line, usually for materials sold by length (e.g., fabric).
4. How do you calculate running metre?
To calculate a running metre, you simply measure the linear, continuous distance from one end to the other in a straight line.
- Lay the material flat and use a ruler or measuring tape.
- Each continuous metre counts as one running metre.
- Ignore the width and focus only on the length.
5. Where is running metre used?
Running metre is used in industries where materials are sold or billed by continuous length.
- Textile (fabric, carpet, curtain cloth)
- Construction (wires, pipes, rods)
- Retail (tapes, ribbons)
6. What does 1 running metre mean?
1 running metre means exactly one metre (100 cm) in length measured continuously along the material.
- The width or thickness is not fixed; only the continuous length matters.
- It is a standard unit for buying materials where length is the main variable.
7. Can running metre and square metre be the same?
No, running metre measures only continuous length, while square metre measures area.
- Running metre (rm): Used for linear measurement.
- Square metre (m2): Used for two-dimensional area.
8. Why is running metre important in textile industry?
Running metre is important in textiles because fabric is usually sold by continuous length, allowing buyers to purchase exactly the length required while choosing their preferred width.
- Facilitates efficient usage and minimal waste.
- Makes pricing transparent and easy to understand.
- Covers custom requirements for tailoring and upholstery.
9. What is the difference between running feet and running metre?
Both running feet and running metre refer to continuous length, but in different units.
- Running feet: Measures length in feet (1 running foot = 30.48 cm).
- Running metre: Measures length in metres (1 running metre = 100 cm).
10. How do you convert running metre to square metre?
To convert running metre (linear length) to square metre (area), you must know the width of the material.
- Formula: Area (in m2) = Running metre × Width (in metres)
- For example, 5 running metres of fabric that is 1.2 metres wide = 5 × 1.2 = 6 m2
