Why is there more than one system of measurement? Why have more than just metric?

Answer 1

Metric measurements are a typically European concept.

Bear in mind most people agree that Computers will play a great role in the future, and they aren't metric why should anything else be. 16 bit, 32 bit, 64 bit - do they sound metric to you?

I'd rather stick to miles and gallons, pounds and ounces etc.

Answer 2

Every area used to have their own ways of measuring things which was know as imperial. The metric system was invented as part of the French Revolution. They even has metric time! However it wasn't long before they realised that imperial time is much easier.

The reason why many countries are converting to metric [or have done so already] is because it is easier to do sums with because of our decimal number system and metric is basically decimal.

As to why we don't just use metric now. Probably because people can't be bothered to change. It would involve changing road signs and all the rest of it. Too expensive! And some people are old-fashioned, boring and hate moving forwards.

Answer 3

This has to do with evolution and progress and standardization. There were so many types and systems of measurement all over the world that scientists and mathematicians had to find a way to quanitfy everything to a standard that would make commerce (for one) more manageable. It also made communication easier when everyone had the same reference points.

Without the standardization of the measurement system it would be like the french talking to the germans and neither one knowing a word of the other's language.

Right now there are 2 systems of measurement predominant the world over --- metric and English. While the metric system is progressing slowly but surely, the English system is still putting up quite a fight.

I, for one, still find it easier to say that I am 5 feet 6 inches tall than to say I am 145.2 cms. Did I even get that right? I had to use a calculator.

Answer 4

It's all a matter of history. Before the metric system was developed, every country had it's own set of measures. The English used pounds, ounces, yards, etc. The metric system was largely developed by the French, and back in those days they didn't get along very well. So even though the metric system was a good idea, it wasn't adopted in England.

In the mean time, the United States was beginning to develop, largely isolated from the metric system in Europe. The British eventually converted (very reluctantly). The US is so powerful that they don't have to, so the conversion here has only be half-hearted.

Answer 5

The metric system came about centuries ago. The metric system is based on the distance from the poles to the equator. The meter is one-ten millionth of this distance. Scientists created this system based on measurements from Dunkirk to Barcelona. The cool thing is that we know today (by using satellite pictures) that these early scientists where only one-fifth of a mm off in their measure. And, they didn't have the complicated tools we have in this day-and-age. The metric system was meant to simplify as the basis for conversion is always ten (ie 10 mm in a cm). It was intended that most cultures would adopt the metric system in order to standardize measurement. The English and Americans are just too stubborn (with histories deep in tradition), but we have been hearing for decades that we better get ready for the change.

Answer 6

The imperial system of pounds and stone, feet and inches is an older system which was fairly arbitrarily constructed. The metric system has its basis in powers of 10 and is more logical, and is used internationally by the scientific community. The ideal is that eventually it will supercede other systems, but Joe Public has a huge resistance to this, preferring to buy in pounds and feet/ yards etc. Eventually, because of the ease with which metric can be used, it will win out, once people get their heads round how long a metre is and how heavy a kilogram is. Just look: -

IMPERIAL LENGTHS: -
12 inches = 1 foot.
3 feet = 1 yard.
22 yards = 1 chain.
10 chains = 1 furlong.
8 furlongs = 1 mile.
3 miles = 1 league.

METRIC LENGTHS
There are more prefixes than this for the metre, but for "normal" lengths we have: -

10 millimeters = 1 centimetre.
10 centimetres = 1 decimetre
10 decimetres = 1 metre.
1000 metres = 1 kilometre.

As a parallel, there was nothing wrong, initially, with the system of Roman numerals. Most societies used them, and the same resistance was met when the number system was changed as is met now in converting to metric (because everyone was used to it. Sound familiar?). And yet it took trained specialists to multiply and divide using Roman numerals.

And contrary to some opinions, metric is as accurate as the measurements you wish to make.

Answer 7

the metric system was not adopted as the use of measurment everywhere and many countries kept there old system or created a different one.

may i just add considering it is suitable for this topic.
the metric unit for lenght is meters
for time it is seconds ect
however the foolishly made the mistake of using the unit mass as kg therby breaking the system of the metric scale for 1 dimention calculations that have mass in the formulae

Answer 8

Before globalization, different countries all had their own systems of measurement, usually based on parts of the body.

The metric system is what most countries have converted to. The US is stubborn and is big/powerful enough not to have to change if they don't want to.

btw, in France, the metre was defined as being one ten-millionth part of a quarter of the earth's circumference.
I always think that's interesing... how did they come up with that?? :)

Answer 9

Yea it is weird. America is supposed to be converting to the Metric System. This a very long term thing, not sure of the "Goal" date, but, may be close as more things are being labeled with Metric. Examples; car engines and Cokes.

Answer 10

Because there is more than one person on Earth. Because there is more than one inventor. Because in America things were invented that required more than just the "metric" system of measurement! Because we breath! I'm sure that there are more reasons - I just can't think of them right now!