# Units
Units are the units of measure used to buy, sell, and stock items (e.g. Piece, Box, Kilogram). Each unit is either a base unit or is linked to a base unit with a multiplier, so quantities and values can be converted between related units.
Overview & List View
Go to Inventory → Settings → Units from the left menu.
Units are master data. A base unit stands on its own (e.g. Piece). A non-base unit (e.g. Box) is defined against a base unit using a multiplier (e.g. 1 Box = 12 Piece).
List columns
| **Column** | **Description** |
|------------|-----------------|
| Id | Unit record ID. |
| Name | Unit name (e.g. Piece, Kilogram). |
| Short Form | Abbreviation shown on screens and prints (e.g. Pcs, Kg). |
| Decimal Point | Number of decimal places allowed for quantities. |
| Is Base Unit | Whether the unit is a standalone base unit. |
| Base Unit | Parent base unit when this is a derived unit. |
| Status | Active or Suspended. |
Quick filter tabs
| **Tab** | **Shows** |
|---------|-----------|
| Active | Active units (default). |
| Suspended | Suspended units. |
Advanced filters
| **Filter** | **Description** |
|------------|-----------------|
| Name | Filter by unit name. |
| Base unit | Filter by linked base unit. |
| Status | Active or Suspended. |
| Created Date | Date the unit was created. |
List widgets
| **Widget** | **Description** |
|------------|-----------------|
| Quick search | Fast text search across the unit list. |
List row actions
| **Action** | **Description** |
|------------|-----------------|
| View | Opens the unit in read-only view. |
| Suspend / Activate | Disables or re-enables the unit (from the view screen). |
Quick Start
1. Navigate
Go to Inventory → Settings → Units and click New.
2. Fill the form
Enter a Name and Short Form. Set Decimal Point if fractional quantities are needed. Leave Is base Unit ticked for a standalone unit, or untick it and choose a Base Unit and Multiply by value to link it to a base unit.
3. Save
Click Save. The unit becomes available on items, conversions, and transactions.
Fields
| **Field** | **Description** |
|-----------|-----------------|
| Name * | Unique unit name (e.g. Piece, Kilogram). |
| Short Form * | Abbreviation shown on screens and prints (e.g. Pcs, Kg). |
| Decimal Point | Number of decimal places allowed for quantities in this unit. Use 0 for whole-number units. |
| Is base Unit | When ticked, the unit is a standalone base unit. When unticked, Base Unit and Multiply by appear and are required. |
| Base Unit | Shown only when Is base Unit is off. The base unit this unit converts to (only base units can be selected). |
| Multiply by * | Shown only when Is base Unit is off. How many base units equal one of this unit (e.g. 12 if 1 Box = 12 Piece). |
How It Works
- Base vs non-base — A base unit has no parent. A non-base unit is tied to one base unit with a multiplier, allowing the system to convert quantities and values between the two automatically.
- Conversion — Standard conversions use the base unit and multiplier. Item-specific conversions between unrelated units are set up in Item Unit Conversion.
- Decimals — Decimal Point controls how precisely a quantity can be entered for the unit on transactions.
- Locked once used — The base unit and multiplier cannot be changed once the unit has been used on stock-affecting transactions, to protect existing balances.
Actions
List header: New
| **Action** | **Description** |
|------------|-----------------|
| View | Opens the unit in read-only view |
| Suspend / Activate | Disables or re-enables the unit (from the view screen) |
Form buttons: Save / Update, Reset, Cancel
FAQ
Why can't I change the base unit or multiplier?
Once a unit has been used on inventory transactions, its base unit and multiplier are locked so existing stock and values stay correct. Create a new unit if you need different conversion rules.
How do I allow decimal quantities, like 1.5 Kg?
Set Decimal Point to the number of decimals you need (e.g. 2 or 3). Set it to 0 to force whole numbers.
What is the difference between Units and Item Unit Conversion?
Units and their base-unit multipliers handle standard conversions. Item Unit Conversion defines conversion factors for a specific item where the standard relationship does not apply.
Can two units share the same name?
No. Unit names must be unique.
Can I change an item's unit after it has stock?
No. The item's base unit cannot be changed once inventory movements exist. Plan units before go-live or use alternate units on the item.
How do alternate units appear on transactions?
Enable multiple units on the item and define unit rows or Item Unit Conversion for purchase, sale, and stock UOMs.