Is the Metric System Really That Hard, or are we just lazy to learn something else? Why do people find the metric system so hard to use, if you can multiply by 10 then you know how it works. 1 Kilometer = 1000 Meters, 1 kilometer = 0.6 miles, 1 meter = 3.2 Feet.

What is the Metric System?

The metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement units. Units for a given quantity, such as length or mass, are related by factors of 10. Calculations involve the simple process of moving the decimal point to the right or to the left. This modern system is called Le Système International d’Unités or the International System of Units, abbreviated SI.

Is the metric system hard to learn and use?

No. In everyday usage, the most common metric units are the meter (m) to measure length, the second (s) to measure time, the kilogram (kg) for mass (or weight*), the liter (L) for volume, and the degree Celsius (EC) for temperature. The metric system avoids confusing dual-use of terms, such as the inch-pound system’s use of ounces to measure both weight and volume. The metric system also avoids the use of multiple units for the same quantity; for instance, the inchpound system’s multiple units for volume include teaspoons, tablespoons, fluid ounces, cups, pints, quarts, and gallons.

Will “thinking metric” be difficult?

Not really. For example, “thinking metric” for temperature means relating zero degrees Celsius (0 ˚C) with the freezing point of water, 20 degrees Celsius (20 ˚C) with room temperature, 37 degrees Celsius (37 ˚C) with body temperature, and 100 degrees Celsius (100 ˚C) with the boiling points of water. One millimeter (1 mm) is about the thickness of a dime, and a centimeter (1 cm) is about the width of a fingernail. Almost everyone easily recognizes one liter (1 L) and two liter (2 L) soda bottles. The contents of that unopened one liter soda bottle “weighs” approximately one kilogram (1 kg)

Why should the United States convert to the metric system?

Since trade and communication with other nations is critical to the health of our economy, adopting the measurement system used by 95 percent of the world’s population is not a matter of choice, but a matter of necessity for the United States

Why didn’t we convert before?

Support for a decimal-based measuring system has existed in the United States since the 1700s. However, there was no compelling reason to switch because of our geographical isolation and because our principal trading partner, England, did not use metric units. In time the United States became a dominant force in world trade and was able to impose its products, manufactured in their unconventional units, on other nations. Times have changed. We no longer overwhelmingly dominate world trade and must recognize the need to “fit” our goods and services into other strong markets, including the European Union, the new markets of Eastern Europe, and the expanding market of the Pacific Rim. These markets continually stress their preference for products and services based on the metric system of measurement

What are the advantages of conversion for U.S. industry?

During conversion to the metric system, U.S. companies are able imultaneously to streamline their operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and reduce their inventories. Because products destined for both foreign and domestic markets can be designed and manufactured to the same (metric) specifications, overlapping product lines can be eliminated. The standardization of fasteners, components,and sub-assemblies increases the efficiency and productivity of all manufacturing processes. When firms convert fully to the metric system, they are often surprised to discover how much the conversion has increased their profits. “Converted” firms frequently report finding new customers for their new metric products and services