# Why Hasn't The USA Switched To Metric? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 2, 2009, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970 "2009-03-02T05:49:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/21 "2009-03-02T08:09:12Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > Then there are parts of the world who still say they weigh (x) stone. > What in the hell is that? They do this in England. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/22 "2009-03-02T08:10:26Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > One kilo is only 2 pounds exactly in European measurements. The US has the odd 2.2 lbs for one kilo. Even our pounds are different here. You learn this quickly when saying your weight in Europe, in pounds, and having people look at you oddly and saying, “No, you are not THAT fat!” That’s liters/litres vs gallons/pints you’re thinking about. The US pint is 12 fl oz while the British pint is 16 fl oz. Lb =\> Kg is universally 2.2(ish) lbs. We still measure our weight in stone (14 lbs), beer in pints, and our distances and speeds in miles, but mostly day-to-day we use metric - for temperature, cooking, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Alex\_Dubinsky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dbc845/32.png) [@Alex\_Dubinsky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alex_Dubinsky)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/23 "2009-03-02T08:11:50Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > but yes, there was apparently rampant optimism in the '70s that it was going to happen, and soon. yeah, just as soon as the age of aquarius rolls in Harmony and understanding Sympathy and trust abounds Mystic crystal revalation And the mind’s true liberation Celsiuuus! ---
**Author:** ![Alex\_Dubinsky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dbc845/32.png) [@Alex\_Dubinsky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alex_Dubinsky)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/24 "2009-03-02T08:22:07Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > The US pint is 12 fl oz while the British pint is 16 fl oz. Umm, a US pint is 16 fl oz. A US _beer_ is 12 oz, you alcoholics. And Celsius is really easy for temperatures. 0C is freezing of course, 10C is barely above cold (50F), 20C is the threshold for t-shirts (68F), 30C is hot (86F), 35C is really hot. ---
**Author:** ![Sefton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Sefton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sefton)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 8:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/25 "2009-03-02T08:28:51Z")
Because we’re working on our _own_ system of measurement, and we’ll be damned before we give in to the Europeans. Yes, it’s a top-secret effort, but from what I hear, all of the measurements are based on units of…freedom. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/26 "2009-03-02T10:35:05Z")
There’s really no benefit to dumping miles and yards and whatnot, nor is there much help in dumping Fahrenheit. However, I’m surprised that the Auto industry hasn’t switched all of their nuts and screws to metric. It’s such a headache to have two sets and it’s got to be a long term savings for both repair shops and manufacturers. I’m surprised that the FDA or USDA hasn’t switched to metric too, for all the emphasis on clear food labeling and the complexity of standard measures in recipes it seems there’s be an appreciable benefit. Maybe they should toss a metric conversion provision in the Auto bailout. There’d be some jobs and long term benefit there. ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/27 "2009-03-02T12:59:56Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > One kilo is only 2 pounds exactly in European measurements. The US has the odd 2.2 lbs for one kilo. Even our pounds are different here. You learn this quickly when saying your weight in Europe, in pounds, and having people look at you oddly and saying, “No, you are not THAT fat!” Huh? I always thought a kilo was 2.2 pounds. [Here.](http://www.merriam-webster.com/table/dict/metricsy.htm) ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/28 "2009-03-02T13:08:06Z")
> [@Cicero](#): > > Huh? I always thought a kilo was 2.2 pounds. > [Here.](http://www.merriam-webster.com/table/dict/metricsy.htm) [Metric pounds](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pound_(mass)#Metric_pounds) ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/29 "2009-03-02T13:12:53Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > One kilo is only 2 pounds exactly in European measurements. The US has the odd 2.2 lbs for one kilo. Even our pounds are different here. You learn this quickly when saying your weight in Europe, in pounds, and having people look at you oddly and saying, “No, you are not THAT fat!” I was under the impression _that_ was mostly an artifact of the word “pound” or “livre” or whatever having been reassigned in the continent as a synonym for a half-kilo (500grams) rather than whatever value of (mass)x(gravity) the actual traditional unit of weight used to be. Sort of calling a 750ml bottle of liquor a “fifth” (however, in the latter case, it’s so close it IS equivalent for practical purposes of commerce – within 6ml in US liquid measure). And **Omniscient** , a LOT of the us auto industry is at least partially metrified (when was the last time you heard of an engine displacement in cubic inches?) by necessity of having to deal with a multinational supply/sales chain. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/30 "2009-03-02T13:13:43Z")
> [@cmyk](#): > > And a Kilogram is a shitload of cocaine. Okay, it’s just under half a pound. Why is coke measured in kilos but weed is measured in lbs and oz? ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/31 "2009-03-02T13:19:25Z")
> [@GorillaMan](#): > > [Metric pounds](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pound_(mass)#Metric_pounds) From your quote a pound is 0.45359237 kilograms. So does that make a kilogram 2.2 pounds or 2 pounds? ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/32 "2009-03-02T13:34:43Z")
> [@Alex\_Dubinsky](#): > > Umm, a US pint is 16 fl oz. A US _beer_ is 12 oz, you alcoholics. > . Right, I think that beer in Britain is poured by the imperial pint, which is 20oz, while the US pint is 16oz. I think **jimm** just got his numbers messed up there. ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/33 "2009-03-02T13:36:03Z")
> [@Cicero](#): > > From your quote a pound is 0.45359237 kilograms. So does that make a kilogram 2.2 pounds or 2 pounds? Oh, I see, rereading **DMark** ’s comment, you’re right, it makes it sound like the kilogramme changes rather than the pound. ---
**Author:** ![Mops](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mops/32/16494_2.png) [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/34 "2009-03-02T14:24:03Z")
It looks to me like the main reason is the half-assed way the SI (metric) system was introduced in the US: not as a conversion but as an additional system making the overall set of units to be learned and supported more complicated rather than less. A good way to put people off metric. Learning\_effort(SI) \< Learning\_effort(US) \< Learning\_effort(US+SI) Cost(SI) \< Cost(US) \< Cost(US+SI) Aggravation(SI) \< Aggravation(US) \< Aggravation(US+SI) ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/35 "2009-03-02T14:31:28Z")
I always thought it would just cost too much. Who’s going to pay for all of that to be changed? Don’t take my tax money. I don’t mind paying taxes, but when all of the other problems are solved then maybe we can worry about switching to metric. ---
**Author:** ![Giles](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giles/32/60_2.png) [@Giles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giles)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/36 "2009-03-02T14:40:12Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > Right, I think that beer in Britain is poured by the imperial pint, which is 20oz, while the US pint is 16oz. I think **jimm** just got his numbers messed up there. Yes, but the ounces are different too: the imperial pint is 20 imperial fluid ounces and is equivalent to 568 mL, while the U.S. pint is 16 U.S. fluid ounces and is equivalent to 473 mL. So the imperial fluid ounce is 28.4 mL, while the U.S. fluid ounce is 29.6 mL. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/37 "2009-03-02T14:58:58Z")
It was mentioned upthread, but the only way to convert the US is by gradually introducing new packaging. We really need 4 liter milk jugs. We accepted 500 ml bottles (there is one of those filled with tea at my elbow right now), 2 liter bottles, 750 ml bottles, etc. Make the adjustment in things people buy every day, but that aren’t dangerous or essential, and within a generation the switch will be complete. Then the problem becomes rewriting all the proverbs. I mean “28.3495231 grams of prevention is worth .45359237 kilograms of cure” just doesn’t _flow_! ---
**Author:** ![RandMcnally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b782af/32.png) [@RandMcnally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RandMcnally)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/38 "2009-03-02T15:28:54Z")
> [@Alex\_Dubinsky](#): > > And Celsius is really easy for temperatures. 0C is freezing of course, 10C is barely above cold (50F), 20C is the threshold for t-shirts (68F), 30C is hot (86F), 35C is really hot. An easy way to convert Celsius to Farenheit is to double the number and then add thirty. For example: 30C is 30Cx2+30 is around 90F. 35C is around 100F. It’s pretty handy if you don’t need exact measurements, you just want to get in the ballpark area. ---
**Author:** ![Sparky812](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb9ed0/32.png) [@Sparky812](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sparky812)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/39 "2009-03-02T15:47:42Z")
> [@RandMcnally](#): > > An easy way to convert Celsius to Farenheit is to double the number and then add thirty. For example: 30C is 30Cx2+30 is around 90F. 35C is around 100F. It’s pretty handy if you don’t need exact measurements, you just want to get in the ballpark area. LOL That was an old joke back in the 70’s about how to convert to metric.😃 It will give you a ballpark figure within +/- 5 degrees F, you get slighly close with Celcius" times 2 + 32" ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2009, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970/40 "2009-03-02T15:53:11Z")
I don’t see the need for changing packaging - metrication is about how you measure things, not about how much you buy. I just went on a rummage through my fridge and cupboards, looking at the measurements on packaging: figures crop up such as 570g, 250g, _‘4.4oz (125g)’_ (on paprika from Spain), and a suspicious 142ml one on a bottle of a Jamaican pepper sauce. A quick check on Google, and this works out as 4.998 imperial fluid ounces…so the identical bottle is probably on the shelves in America, just with a different label. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-usa-switched-to-metric/487970.md?page=3)