Should the US Adopt the Metric System?

[Teallaura]

It seems to me that it would make sense for the U.S. to adopt the metric system as its official system of units. It is much easier to convert units in the within the metric system, and it would (eventually) end the need to convert from the U.S. customary system to the metric system. With only one set of units needed for manufacturing products, foreign trade would also be easier. While there would be some costs to adopt it, it seems as though the time saved from no longer having to use the old system would eventually pay off.

I figure we should pick up where we left off and finish changing all the highway signs to metric. There are already a couple highways with metric signs that were put up when the U.S. first tried to switch in the 1970s (eg. I-19).

And just for reference, here is a history of the metric system in the United States: http://science.howstuffworks.com/why...ric-system.htm

No. It wastes a lot of materials, time and energy because very quickly you end up having to replace all the new signage, et al in order to eliminate the rampant confusion.

We tried it. We didn't like it. So no. Besides, three feet make a yard is just not that complicated. The only time most people need to convert miles to kilometers is when looking at a foreign map - which they are probably doing on Google so how hard is it to use Google for the conversion assuming you even really care. Industries that want to use metric are free to do so - and some do. You can buy bolts in either system from any hardware store (and it's easy to tell who is fixing a foreign made product or building their own ). If you don't own a calculator, Dollar Tree is just down the street - you don't even have to do the math anymore.

Y'all keep your danged metrics to yourselves. You got the Coke bottles years ago - why ya gotta take everything?

[Raphael]

No. It wastes a lot of materials, time and energy because very quickly you end up having to replace all the new signage, et al in order to eliminate the rampant confusion.

We tried it. We didn't like it. So no. Besides, three feet make a yard is just not that complicated. The only time most people need to convert miles to kilometers is when looking at a foreign map - which they are probably doing on Google so how hard is it to use Google for the conversion assuming you even really care. Industries that want to use metric are free to do so - and some do. You can buy bolts in either system from any hardware store (and it's easy to tell who is fixing a foreign made product or building their own ). If you don't own a calculator, Dollar Tree is just down the street - you don't even have to do the math anymore.

Y'all keep your danged metrics to yourselves. You got the Coke bottles years ago - why ya gotta take everything?

'cause the rest of the Civilised World uses the Metric system.

[Jedidiah]

Fixed it for you, there is no civilization anywhere in this world.

'cause the rest of the Civilised World uses the Metric system.

When I was a kid I thought it was a great idea. Now that I am old, not so much.

[Raphael]

Fixed it for you, there is no civilization anywhere in this world.

Meh, probably right.

When I was a kid I thought it was a great idea. Now that I am old, not so much.

I've only lived in countries with Metric

[Cow Poke]

When you are dying in the hospital the IV drip and meds you're on will be in metric.

Yeah, I referenced that in post #9. You REALLY have no sense of humor.

If you die in a car accident, all the parts in the car are metric.

No, not all. It's a mixture.

If you are speared by a two by four in a tornado, that would still be the relict of the antiquated English system that killed you.

You must be a real buzzkill at parties.

[Teallaura]

Don't worry CP, 2x4's haven't been really 2x4 in decades.

[shunyadragon]

No, not all. It's a mixture.

I believe the auto and truck industry is pretty much on metric. There is some old measurement names, such as wheels, but I believe the manufacture specs are metric.

[One Bad Pig]

It seems to me that it would make sense for the U.S. to adopt the metric system as its official system of units. It is much easier to convert units in the within the metric system, and it would (eventually) end the need to convert from the U.S. customary system to the metric system. With only one set of units needed for manufacturing products, foreign trade would also be easier. While there would be some costs to adopt it, it seems as though the time saved from no longer having to use the old system would eventually pay off.

I figure we should pick up where we left off and finish changing all the highway signs to metric. There are already a couple highways with metric signs that were put up when the U.S. first tried to switch in the 1970s (eg. I-19).

And just for reference, here is a history of the metric system in the United States: http://science.howstuffworks.com/why...ric-system.htm

Going metric would make too much sense.

[One Bad Pig]

by English, I take it you mean the Imperial system?

Not quite. The US gallon is different than the Imperial gallon: A US gallon = 3.785 liters; an imperial gallon = 4.54609 liters.

[Cow Poke]

I believe the auto and truck industry is pretty much on metric. There is some old measurement names, such as wheels, but I believe the manufacture specs are metric.

What you believe often differs from what actually is. I actually WORK on my vehicles, and I know what tools are required.

[Cow Poke]

Don't worry CP, 2x4's haven't been really 2x4 in decades.

EGGzackly! In mm it would be... "can you please hand me that 38.1 x 88.9"

[Sparko]

Even though the UK is officially metric, they still use imperial units in everyday life, like miles, inches, pints (as in a pint of beer) pounds (unit of weight) and so on.

motorway-pmt.jpg

[Jedidiah]

You must be a real buzzkill at parties.

That would only be true if anyone listened to him.

[Jedidiah]

Not quite. The US gallon is different than the Imperial gallon: A US gallon = 3.785 liters; an imperial gallon = 4.54609 liters.

My gallons are 4 quarts.

[Raphael]

Not quite. The US gallon is different than the Imperial gallon: A US gallon = 3.785 liters; an imperial gallon = 4.54609 liters.

Then why call it English?