Why does the rest of the world use the metric system?

Question

We Americans use the sophisticated measurement systems such as inches, feet, pounds, gallons and fahrenheit degrees.

America is the number one country, the leader and the center of the world and there's no doubt about it.

Why doesn't the rest of the world follow our measurement systems?

Why do they keep using the less intelligent measurement systems like meters, centimeters, grams, kilograms, liters and celsius degrees?

Answer 1

how is the metric system less intelligent than the inches and lb? It's base 10 and much easier to use...americans are so cocky that they think the world only revolves around them ~_~

Answer 2

When you get into higher math classes or science classes you will soon learn that actually the metric system is the better system to use. Not to say ours does not work. The metric system is more reliable when it comes to measurements as it is smaller and more accurate. With our system there is too much room for error for it to be used.

Now while we may be a great country, you need to recognize that many other countries are great nations and have given us so much. Many inventions have come from other places around the world. With out some of these inventions we would not be here today.

Thirdly the metric system did in fact come first. It is a bit presumptuous of you to think that the rest of the world should change over to follow on of the few countries using our system.

Our way is a good way I agree with you there, but you have a closed mind. It is not the only way. And you should learn to value that there are multiple ways of doing things. Stop getting mad that you have to learn to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius.  

Answer 3

the metric system makes sooooo much more sense and is soooooooo more logical. us americans need to get up to speed with the rest of the world.

Answer 4

I'm an American and have to ask what are you thinking?

First of all, most of your statements are opinions, and nothing more.  I love this country, and it has many, many positives to it, but there are many people in the rest of the world who, I am sure, feel the same way about their countries.

Regarding inches, feet, pounds, gallons, and Fahrenheit degrees being sophisticated, you have got to be kidding me.  I know those units very well, but I also know the metric system very well.

The metric system is based on 10s, where each unit of measure can be easily converted.  For example, 1000mm = 100cm = 1m, or 1000m = 1km, etc.  How is 12in = 1ft, 3ft = 1yd, or 5280ft = 1mi easier to comprehend?  How is the metric system less intelligent?

Also, the system we use is called the U.S. Customary Units, based on the old English Imperial System.  The metric system is much newer, and much easier to use.

The reason people don't change their systems is because once you have learned one system, and it works for you, there is little reason to change, and it is quite difficult to do so.  It is similar to learning a second language.

Another reason to not change is that you would need to update many, many years of already standardized systems throughout your society (everything that requires measurements in any way).  Good luck instituting that policy ;)

Answer 5

The US actually invented these systems of mesurement so they would be different. I think That was a dust-braind thing to do. which is easier to remember? 1000 yards to a kilometer 100 cenimeters to a meter.

or 5280 feet to a mile and 12 inches to a foot. its not the rest of the world thats weird, its us! I personally think we should go back to metric, Im even gonna teach my kid metric and not that U.S. B.S.

On a seprate note, whyis it we are the ONLY countrty on earth that uses this system, yet its called International?!? theres only one(two) word for that: EPIC FAIL

Answer 6

the rest of the world wonders why americans dont change ??  

Answer 7

ur cute, the imperial system that the US still uses is the least accurate system there is and has been replaced with an international system - metric or SI, the automotive industry in the US uses all metric dimensioning and tooling, the reason that most of the US is still on the old imperial system is simply because the common people are too dumb to learn anything new,  and ur obviously a perfect example of that...thanks for coming out though!

Answer 8

our sistem is more precise than yours...idiot

Answer 9

Less intellegent? As long as it works, how is it less intellegent?

And by asking that question, you can also ask why doesn't America use the metric system. The metric system is "less intellegent" and slightly easier to use. And it's what students use the most in American schools. I think we should dump our measurement system and use the metric one.

Answer 10

we are the ones who changed our way of measurement. The americas need to change.

Answer 11

As a steel designer in USA i stand tall and proud using the Standard Units of Measurement, otherwise known as Imperial. h**l yeah.

Ive had to use metric in the past, and i effing hate that ****

Answer 12

FAIL. What makes them sophisticated? And your claim of America being the number one country is an opinion. And what makes the metric system 'less intelligent'? I'd personally say it was more intelligent to use the metric system because it's simpler and easy to use. No point in doing things the complicated way, right?

Answer 13

because they hate us and want to confuse us!

Answer 14

actually, the other 'less intelligent' measurement systems are acutally better than the ones we use.

like in celsius: freezing point is 0 C instead of 32 F.... a lot easier to remember than a random number like 32...

Answer 15

I think you all suck! C'mon guys! Stop bickering like kids! Americans and the rest of the world just needs to give it a rest! We just need to take a breath, I mean C'mon! Americans out there, stand proud that you are different and unique! The world, well you got something to be proud of two! Be proud you are different form America! Stand High both of you! LOL, something so silly and simple as this has started SO many wars...Kinda like what happen to Iraq and Baghdad. A lot of people died, solders fell, women were left without husbands...I should know. All I'm trying to say is, metric system and the other system are BOTH EQUAL. Oh and for future reference to the person who asked this ques tin...Saying things like Number one country, less intelligent, your sophisticated ways....really pissed the **** out of other people. ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU MAKE IT SEEM LIKE YOUR COUNTRIES BETTER! Also to actually answer your questin America wants to be different and discourage the rest of the world to do things their way. I'm not saying that as a "Slam" or any thing so don't worry. It's just the truth, witch some people don't like...Oh and if people don't like this message, then rate me thumbs down. But if this actually makes this silly arguing stop...then in the end it was worth it.  

Answer 16

the metric system is based on units of ten, making it easier to calculate and convert units. And this system forms easier fractions.

Answer 17

that's because americans are too stupid to change quickly, so they expect everyone else to change back. the reason everyone else uses m, cm, kg, etc is because they divide nicely and they make SENSE. did you know a cubic metre of water is one metric tonne?

Answer 18

Think about it....

Shouldn't you be asking the question "Why does America NOT use the metric system?"

It is the only country in the world besides the UK who uses nonmetric systems.

Also, how is metric a 'less intelligent' measurement system? You don't go around saying that Spanish or French is a 'less intelligent' language than English. If you think about it, Celsius is actually an easier temperature measurement: The freezing point is 0, and the boiling point is 100. Fahrenheit's freezing and boiling points are the oddball numbers of 32 and 212 degrees. The metric system is the scientific way of measuring things: in what way is that unintelligent?

Just because something's different doesn't mean it's "less sophisticated or intelligent." In my opinion, if America started using the Metric system it would be a lot easier to relate to other countries. So you're proposing that the 200-something metric-using countries change their system to match the only country using nonmetric?

Answer 19

I think for the same reason that we drive on the wrong side of the road. It was mandated by Napoleon Bontepart in his conquests and he never came to America..He is the reason that they drive on the left side of the road.

Answer 20

Cause We're not that bright.  

Answer 21

we in the UK use the same as they do in america. But the metric system makes more sense. its easier to calculate, easier to learn and is based on definite sizes and lengths. the imperial system is not.

btw its called imperial system because it was the system of the british empire.... is that what you really want in america????

Answer 22

Lol.  Just pure lol.  I'm going to assume you're joking about America being the centre of the world.  

The metric system is used because it makes sense.  Its a base-10 system so every unit is 1/10th of the next largest unit.  It makes conversions easy.  I love it!  Plus, the prefixes like kilo- have meaning.  You can have kilograms, 1000g, and kilometres, 1000m, and everyone knows it.  Wtf is a yard?  And why do I care what size the king's foot was whenever they decided to stop toying around with the measures?  

Answer 23

because our system is better and newer, youre system is old.

Answer 24

the measurements you are using were our measurements before today.. then we evolved..

Answer 25

I'm American, and the Metric System is far superior.  It is SO much easier to understand.  Americans are just too lazy to change.  Deal with it.  

Answer 26

Actually the rest of the world's measurement system makes a lot more sense if you ask me. Plus Americans are the ones that changed and because we act and say that we are the higher power and expect everyone else to change their ways for us you wonder why many countries hate Americans. I think your question is just proving how self centered this country is.

Answer 27

hahahahahaha

ha

ha...

wow.

Answer 28

Stubborn and to lazy to learn. Instead of going with a system that actually makes sense. I was told in 2nd grade that we would be adopting the metric system very soon. That was 28 years ago. :0)