View source for Help:Convert messages

{{short description|Help page}}
{{Wikipedia how-to|H:CONM}}
This page describes the error and warning messages reported by [[Module:Convert]] if a problem is detected while using {{tl|convert}} to convert a value from one unit of measurement to another.

*[[Help:Convert]] • Overview
*[[Help:Convert units]] • Simplified list of some commonly used units

== <span id="ask_for_help">Asking questions</span> ==
If a problem cannot readily be resolved, please report it at one of the following.
*[[Template talk:Convert]] • Questions on using the convert template, or discussion of any problems encountered
*[[Wikipedia:Help desk]] • General questions
*[[Module talk:Convert]] • Discussion concerning the convert modules

== Error and warning messages ==
=== <span id="needs_number">Needs a number</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|m|ft}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|123|m|ft}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert||m|ft}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert||m|ft}}
An input number is required. In the first example above, the input number is <code>123</code>.

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="needs_another_number">Needs another number</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|10|x|20|m|ft}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|10|x|20|m|ft}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|10|x| |m|ft}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|10|x| |m|ft}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|10|x|20|x| |m|ft}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|10|x|20|x| |m|ft}}
The first input number was specified, but the range used requires another number.

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="invalid_number">Invalid number</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha"  name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|1|km|ft}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|1|km|ft}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|km|ft}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|km|ft}}
A number to be converted can be entered as in these examples: <code>1.23</code> or <code>1,234</code> or <code>-0.9</code>.

Fractions are entered as in these examples: <code>1+2/3</code> ({{frac|1|2|3}}) or <code>-1-2/3</code> (−{{frac|1|2|3}}) or <code>2/3</code> ({{frac|2|3}}).

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="number_overflow">Number overflow</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|1e290|m|ft}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|1e290|m|ft}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|1e310|m|ft}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|1e310|m|ft}}
This error occurs if a number exceeds the range of values available for calculations. The number 1e290 means 1<span style="margin:0 .15em 0 .25em">×</span>10<sup>290</sup>.

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="invalid_precision">Invalid precision</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|21455|acre|ha|2}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|21455|acre|ha|2}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|21455|acre|ha|-2}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|21455|acre|ha|-2}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|21455|acre|ha|2.5}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert/warning|21455|acre|ha|2.5}}
A precision value is entered after the conversion information. For example, {{para||2}} gives a result that is rounded to two decimal places, while {{para||-2}} rounds to the nearest 100 so that two zeroes occur at the end of the number. This message will only appear if warnings have been enabled.

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="precision_too_large">Precision too large</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|m|ft|2}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|123|m|ft|2}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|m|ft|200}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|123|m|ft|200}}
Generally there is no reason to use a precision of more than a few decimal places, however, larger values may be used. The error shown occurs if the requested precision is higher than the maximum supported by the server.

A negative precision rounds to the nearest 10 (parameter {{para||-1}}), or nearest 100 ({{para||-2}}), or nearest 1000 ({{para||-3}}), etc. A large negative precision produces a zero output.
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|m|ft|-2}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|123|m|ft|-2}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|m|ft|-200}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|123|m|ft|-200}}

Using a very small input value can cause the default precision to exceed the limit (<code>1.234e-200</code> is 1.234<span style="margin:0 .15em 0 .25em">×</span>10<sup>−200</sup>). For such very small values, it is better to use the {{para|sigfig}} option.
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|1.234|m|ft}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|1.234|m|ft}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|1.234e-200|m|ft}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|1.234e-200|m|ft}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|1.234e-200|m|ft|sigfig=3}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|1.234e-200|m|ft|sigfig=3}}

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="invalid_fraction">Invalid fraction</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|12.31|m|ftin|frac=8}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|12.31|m|ftin|frac=8}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|12.31|m|ftin|frac=1}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|12.31|m|ftin|frac=1}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert/warning|12.31|m|ftin|frac=on}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert/warning|12.31|m|ftin|frac=on}}

A fraction denominator can be specified to display results with a fraction where appropriate. For example, {{para|frac|8}} specifies that the value should be rounded to the nearest eighth, and that a fraction should be included if necessary. A fraction denominator must be a whole number with value 2 or more. This message will only appear if warnings have been enabled.

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="invalid_sigfig">Invalid sigfig</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />

*<code><nowiki>{{convert|1234|ft|m|sigfig=2}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|1234|ft|m|sigfig=2}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|1234|ft|m|sigfig=0}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert/warning|1234|ft|m|sigfig=0}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|1234|ft|m|sigfig=2.5}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert/warning|1234|ft|m|sigfig=2.5}}
The number of significant figures in the result can be specified. For example, {{para|sigfig|2}} requests two significant figures. The number of significant figures must be a whole number with value 1 or more. This message will only appear if warnings have been enabled.

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="deprecated_option">Deprecated option</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the asterisk after the convert result to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|m|ft|sortable=on}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|123|m|ft|sortable=on}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|m|ft|sortable=out}}</nowiki></code> → <span style="display:none">7002123000000000000</span>123 metres (404&nbsp;ft)<sup class="noprint Inline-Template" style="white-space:nowrap;">[[Help:Convert messages#deprecated_option|<span title="Convert: Option &quot;sortable=out&quot; is deprecated">*</span>]]</sup>

The option {{para|sortable|on}} outputs a hidden sort key for use in a [[Help:Sorting|sortable table]]. The option {{para|sortable|out}} is now the same as {{para|sortable|on}}, and the latter should be used. See [[Help:Convert#Deprecated|deprecated options]] for information regarding which options should be used to replace those that are being phased out.

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="empty_option">Empty option</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|m|ft|sp=us}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|123|m|ft|sp=us}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|m|ft|sp=}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert/warning|123|m|ft|sp=}}
The option {{para|sp|us}} specifies that US spelling should be used ("meters" instead of "metres"). However, {{para|sp}} has no effect as no value is specified. This message will only appear if all warnings have been enabled.

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="invalid_option">Invalid option</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|m|ft|abbr=off}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|123|m|ft|abbr=off}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|m|ft|abr=off}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert/warning|123|m|ft|abr=off}}
The option {{para|abbr|off}} specifies that abbreviations are off, that is, unit names will be used instead of symbols. By contrast, {{para|abr|off}} is ignored because "abr" is not the name of an option. This message will only appear if warnings have been enabled.

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="needs_unit_name">Needs unit name</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|12|ft}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|12|ft}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|12}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|12}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|12||ft}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|12||ft}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|12|x|20|ft}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|12|x|20|ft}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|12|x|20}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|12|x|20}}
A unit code must be specified following the input number or numbers.

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="unknown_unit">Unknown unit</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|12|ft|mi}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|12|ft|mi}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|12|Ft|mi}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|12|Ft|mi}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|12|ft|m i}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|12|ft|m i}}
Each unit code must exactly match a known unit, case sensitive. A simplified list of unit codes is at [[Help:Convert units]], and all available unit codes are [[Module:Convert/documentation/conversion data/doc|here]].

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="unit_mismatch">Unit mismatch</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|psi|Pa}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|123|psi|Pa}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|psi|ha}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|123|psi|ha}}
It is only possible to convert between units that have the same type. For example, <code>psi</code> and <code>Pa</code> are each of type "pressure" so a <code>psi</code> value can be converted to <code>Pa</code>. However, a <code>psi</code> value cannot be converted to a unit of a different type, such as <code>ha</code> (hectare) which has type "area".

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="ambiguous_unit">Ambiguous unit</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|21|mpgus|L/km}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|21|mpgus|L/km}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|21|mpg|L/km}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|21|mpg|L/km}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|21|USpt|L}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|21|USpt|L}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|21|pt|L}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|21|pt|L}}
Some unit codes are not supported; using them results in an message indicating that a different unit code should be chosen.

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="unit_invalid_here">Unit invalid here</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|K|C F}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|123|K|C F}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|123|C F|K}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|123|C F|K}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|12345|ft|mi km}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|12345|ft|mi km}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|12345|ft|yd+mi+km}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|12345|ft|yd+mi+km}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|12345|ft|yd+mi km}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|12345|ft|yd+mi km}}
Some units can only be used as outputs. For example "<code>C&nbsp;F</code>" displays a temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit. Such a unit cannot be used with an input value, because, for example, there is no such temperature as "<code>123&nbsp;C&nbsp;F</code>". Some output combinations are predefined—"<code>C&nbsp;F</code>" is one example, and "<code>mi&nbsp;km</code>" (miles and kilometres) is another. It is also possible to construct an output combination by joining unit codes with "<code>+</code>". However, individual units have to be specified, and an output combination cannot be used.

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="wikidata_problem">Wikidata problem</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|input=P123}}</nowiki></code> → <sup class="noprint Inline-Template" style="white-space:nowrap;">[<i>[[Help:Convert messages#wikidata_problem|<span title="Convert: Unable to access Wikidata">convert: wikidata problem</span>]]</i>]</sup>
An unexpected error occurred while attempting to use the Wikidata modules to read property or item information. This error should not occur; the above is a simulation of what would be displayed if, for example, the Wikidata modules were not available, or if they contained an error.

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

=== <span id="invalid_input">Invalid input</span> ===
{{ombox |small=yes |style=width:100px; |smallimage=[[File:Icon apps query.svg|25px]] |text=Questions?<br />See [[#Asking questions|above]].}}
Mouseover the message to see further information.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover" />
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|input=whatever}}</nowiki></code> → <sup class="noprint Inline-Template" style="white-space:nowrap;">[<i>[[Help:Convert messages#invalid_input|<span title="Convert: input &quot;whatever&quot; must be a number and unit">convert: invalid input</span>]]</i>]</sup>
Convert is configured to display any input text without error if a conversion fails, so this error should not occur. The above is a simulation of what would be displayed if convert were configured to show problems when a conversion was not possible.

The following examples use the <code>input</code> parameter. The unit <code>mV</code> is known to convert, but since no useful conversion is possible, there is no output. There is no <code>boxes</code> unit, so the input is displayed as given. The final example follows the same rule because <code>P123.</code> is not a valid property identifier.
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|input=12 mV}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|input=12 mV}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|input=12 mV|abbr=on}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|input=12 mV|abbr=on}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|input=12 boxes}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|input=12 boxes}}
*<code><nowiki>{{convert|input=P123.}}</nowiki></code> → {{convert|input=P123.}}

Pages with this error are automatically placed in [[:Category:Convert errors]].<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories" />

== Notes ==
{{reflist |group=lower-alpha |refs=
<ref group="lower-alpha" name="categories">A category is only included if the page is an article (a page in the main namespace).</ref>
<ref group="lower-alpha" name="mouseover">If the mouse pointer is positioned over the convert message ([[mouseover]]), extra information will appear in a popup window.</ref>
}}

{{Wikipedia help pages}}