Dimensional Analysis is a Gauge Theory

Abstract

I argue that dimensional analysis can appropriately be thought of as a gauge theory. This picture naturally leads to the usual quantity calculus through inherent properties of Lie groups, Lie algebras, and representation theory. The gauge theory interpretation is perhaps strongest for non-constant units. I explain how Stevens's classification of scales of measurement can be understood by choices of different gauge groups. Finally, I reinterpret and rephrase the Buckingham-Π Theorem in a way that also applies to typical gauge theories. Counting the number of ''Π''s becomes a well-known problem of invariant theory.