Metric vs. Imperial System

Quickly, how many pounds are there in 100 ounces? How many feet are there in a mile? Which is greater: 5.5 pints, 94 fluid ounces, or 3 quarts? How many square yards are there in an acre? If you’re like most Americans you stumbled over a few of those answers, if you could answer them at all without looking up conversions. If we were referring to measurements based on the metric system these questions would not be so difficult. So why then do we as Americans still use the imperial system of measurement?

    The United States is one of the few countries that does not use the metric system. Other countries have managed the switch over to that system. Why, you might ask. It is because the metric system is superior to the imperial system we are using now. The metric system was designed by scientists and is therefore a more exact and logical means of measurement. It is based on units of ten which makes calculations easier and faster. Most researchers, doctors, and scientists even in the United States use this system for this reason. The metric system was designed to be simple. There are only 7 base units of measurement. When you compare that to the twenty base units found in our current system of measurement you’ll find that metric is far easier to remember.

    Because most of the world uses the metric system the United States are out of sync with the rest of the world when it comes to manufacturing. This causes extra work to make the conversions on any imports or exports which costs us money. One could argue that it doesn’t matter if there is an international standard of measurement, but consistent standards are sought by many and ignored by Americans in this one area.   In early America we started putting up railroads throughout the country. Each railroad had a different width and made the transporting of people and goods difficult because not all trains could commute on all tracks. Though it cost money to implement it and make the change Americans created a...