Metric System

Why does almost everyone in the world use metric except the US and a few other countries? Why are we still using our lame system?

What's the American system like?

Over here, although we went metric in 1980, we're still taught a few Imperial measurements in school. As a result, a large majority of the population uses a strange mixture of metric and Imperial.

For example, I'm much happier to work things out in feet and inches, stones, and miles than metres and centimetres, kilograms, and kilometres. However, I use litres and millilitres, as well as centimetres, metres, kilograms, grams and whatever else if the situation dictates. Basically, I can swap between the two whenever I feel like it.

1 cubic decimeter = 1 liter of water = 1 kg

What else could you possibly ask for?

Actually, I think the U.S. is the only country that uses the imperial system so much. I'm pretty sure any other industrialized country is metric.

I prefer our system anyways, so who cares about the rest of the world?

Mmm, liters of Alize!


I'm not sure I'd enjoy switching over to the metric system after growing up with the imperial system. It'd be easy enough to do, but I could see riots happening in the deep South.

Actually, I think the U.S. is the only country that uses the imperial system so much. I'm pretty sure any other industrialized country is metric.

I tis some small country in Africa I think that uses our system.

Here is how dumb it is:
There are 5280 feet in a mile
and 63360 inches in a mile.

I had to go to a couculator to get the 63360 because I had to multiply 5280 by 12. Metric is based around the number 10 wich is a very easy number to work with.


How many millimeters in 1.3 meters? Just move the decimal four places. 13000.

If you move the decimal four places, it would be 13,000. Unless I read that wrong.

Miles > Kilometers

I prefer our system anyways, so who cares about the rest of the world?

You prefer it because you've been raised around it. The metric system is much easier though. Since I've also been raised around it and the metric system, I use both for varieties of measurements.

europeans are viewed as lame to americans so we distance ourselves from their corny and nerdy aspects

for example, "kilometer" sounds much more nerdy than "mile", so if you say kilometer you just killed the mood. way to kill the mood you fat nerd. etc.

Seriously, convert already. It made high school math (and life) alot easier.

I like our system. :3

Yes, since it's easily convertible and pretty easy to work with in the realm of science.


lol, jk.

for example, "kilometer" sounds much more nerdy than "mile", so if you say kilometer you just killed the mood. way to kill the mood you fat nerd. etc.

That's why you call a kilometer a "click." "Ten Clicks South of your position" sounds more badass than "Ten Miles South of your position." Military got me using metric in distanes, and college sciences sealed the deal. It's a pain converting back and forth. I think we are converting (read labels on canned goods and water bottles), but just slowly. Just until everyone kind of 'gets it,' or everyone that grew up without the system is school is dead .

ten clicks huh? what are we using computer mice here? oh look its the WoW nerd and his 8800gt look go get him

whats next, ten drag and drops? ten system32's? ten linuxes? instead of joining the military maybe they should just write newegg customer reviews all day

I've been taught both, however I just like ours more, no real reason. If everyone preffered everything because it is easier nobody would be married, all 100% of the populations around the world would be on welfare and mexicans would take over.

You're exaggerating...Europeans own Americans

If you move the decimal four places, it would be 13,000. Unless I read that wrong. Miles > Kilometers

Oops. Looks like my computer didn't type one number. I'll fix that now.

You're exaggerating...Europeans own Americans

Exaggerated, possibly. Europeans owning Americans? I'd say you take the cake there.

I still like our system. =|