> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.fielddoc.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.fielddoc.org/help-center/metrics/metrics-concepts/what-does-unit-mean-for-a-metric.md).

# What does “unit” mean for a metric?

**Unit = the measurement type for a metric value (e.g., acres, feet, pounds, dollars, or count).**

In FieldDoc, a metric **unit** is the **label that tells you what the metric is measured in**—so the number you enter has clear meaning and can be compared or summed correctly.

#### What a “unit” does

* **Clarifies the value**: “10” *of what*? Acres, feet, trees, pounds, dollars, etc.
* **Keeps reporting consistent**: Everyone records the same kind of quantity the same way.
* **Prevents bad rollups**: You can safely total **acres + acres**, but not **acres + feet**.

#### Common examples

* **Acres** (e.g., “Acres treated”)
* **Linear feet / miles** (e.g., “Stream restored (feet)”)
* **Count** (e.g., “Trees planted (count)”)
* **Square feet** (e.g., “Impervious area removed (sq ft)”)
* **Pounds / tons** (e.g., “Nutrients reduced (lbs)”)
* **Dollars** (e.g., “Match funding ($)”)
* **Each / sites / structures** (e.g., “Rain gardens installed (each)”)

#### A quick rule of thumb

If you can’t read the metric out loud as:

> “**\[number] \[unit] of \[metric name]**”\
> …then the unit probably needs to be clarified.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.fielddoc.org/help-center/metrics/metrics-concepts/what-does-unit-mean-for-a-metric.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.