Why did the world choose the metric system to be the SI instead of the English system?

Answer 1

I don't know, something to do coming into a modern world.

Answer 2

For the simple reason that it is much more logical.
The metric system is based upon units of 10 and is much easier to manipulate.
Think of American system for weight:
16 oz = 1lb
14lb = 1 stone
8 stone = 1 cwt
20 cwt = 1 ton

The metric system:-
1000 g = 1 kg

American system for length
12" = 1 ft
3 ft = 1 yd
1760 yd = 1 mile
220 yd = 1 furlong

The Metric System-
10 mm = 1 cm
100cm = 1m
1 km = 1000 m

And so on!
Having been brought up on both, there is no comparison----metric is more logical by far.
When will America change?

Answer 3

Not all world systems are metric. The world still observes 12 months per year (because the word month stems from moon). Many English system measurements stemmed from physical considerations (the yard was the distance from the king's nose to thumb - and changed with the king!). A baker's dozen was 13 to avoid jail if a baker shorted a customer. The metric system is based less on the physical world we commonly experience but is easier to calculate with.

Answer 4

The metric system was originally invented to make science easier. The definitions of the basic units: second, kilogram, and meter, are much more definite than those of the english system. Instead of having to remember that there are 12 inches to a foot, 3 feet to a yard, 1760 yards to a mile, 8 ounces to a cup, etc, you only have to learn the milli, centi, deci, deca, kilo, system and the basic units. That makes it much easier to use in practice, especially for science (SI=Systeme International)

Answer 5

Sorry, what does 'SI' mean? And what's 'The English System'???

I live in Australia and we use the Metric system. It makes a lot of sense! I thought America was the only country NOT to use the Metric system?

Where do you live and which system do you use?

Answer 6

Because the SI system is rational, based on 10's and reduces errors and the English system is stupid, based on factors of 2,3,4,6,8 and 5280. More importantly, a number of the important units for science are really awkward in the English system (now should be called the American system as we are the only ones using it) because the basic definition is handy everyday units (Force) while science works with units that function off the earth (Mass)

Answer 7

SI = Système international d'Unités,
synonym is metric system.
international system of units (of measurements) uses multiple of 10, 100, etc
1 km =1000 meter
1 cm = 1/100 meter, etc

English system: system of units of measurements, the one that Americans and others are using
(i.e gallons, quarts, inches, foot, yard).
1 yard = 3 ft
1 ft = 12 inches

Americans are trying to convert to SI system for years and
they are still trying.

SI is chosen because it is easier to do calculation or express numbers with 10,100, 1/10, 1/100, etc than numbers such
as 1/3 inches, 2/3 gallons, 8 quarts, etc.

Answer 8

Because it's much easier to calculate with!

1m = 100cm = 1000mm. 1km=1000m. 1L=1000mL etc. instead of 1 yard =3 feet = 36 inches, 1 stone = 14 pounds = 14x16 ounces.

Also because the units of length, volume and mass are nicely related: 1 litre of water fills a cube of side 10cm and weighs 1kg.