Why still using the imperial system?

3 years ago by Zerush to c/memes

There are numerous measurement systems in the world. Why not use a system that will be easily recognized around the world?

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MossyHabitat 4 points 3 years ago

For anything construction-scale, all supplies sold in the US are based on 4x8' sheet goods and 16-24" on-center framing. I also concede that king George the 74th's foot length is more human-scale when dealing with large measurements: 20 feet vs 6096 mm. I still use metric when possible, however - I find it easier and more accurate.

For EVERYTHING else I've switched to using metric.

Context: I grew up in the US using imperial units and only pivoted to the metric system in 2020. If I grew up thinking in metric and building supplies/standards used it, it'd be superior in every way.

TL;DR I like my imperial/metric combo tape measure.

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gentooer 2 points 3 years ago

6096 mm does sound really stupid when you could just say 6.096 m.

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MossyHabitat 3 points 3 years ago

All plans use mm exclusively. Airport blueprints, for example, are in mm. At first blush it seems excessive, but it makes sense from a consistency & accuracy POV - 6.096m takes up 2 more characters than 6096 - they don't even need to specify the units "mm", because it is assumed, and anything else introduces room for error.

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