Imperial vs. Metric: Understanding the Differences
Why do some countries still use feet and pounds? We break down the key differences between the Imperial and Metric systems.
The world is largely divided into two camps: those who use the Metric system and the few who stick to Imperial (or US Customary) units. But what are the actual differences?
Base 10 vs. Arbitrary Numbers
The beauty of the metric system lies in its simplicity. Everything is based on the number 10. 100 centimeters in a meter, 1000 meters in a kilometer. The Imperial system, however, uses 12 inches in a foot, 3 feet in a yard, and 1760 yards in a mile.
Scientific Consistency
In metric, water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C. In Fahrenheit, it freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F. This logical consistency is why the scientific community universally uses metric.
Why the US Sticks to Imperial
The cost of industrial retooling and cultural inertia are the primary reasons the US hasn't fully switched, despite passing the Metric Conversion Act in 1975.
Contributing writer at MetricConv, covering measurement science, unit history, and practical conversion guides.