Why is the metric system called a decimal-based system?

The metric system is a called a decimal-based system because it is based on multiples of 10. Any measurement given in one metric unit (such as a kilogram) can be converted to another metric unit (such as a gram) simply by moving the decimal place. For example, if your father told you he weighed 82,500.0 grams (181.8 pounds), you can convert this to kilograms simply by moving the decimal three places to the left; in other words, your father weighs 82.5 kilograms.