Metric vs Standard
The word metric is a household name in most countries of the world as it is the system of measurement that is universal and applicable in all parts of the world. Before metric system of measurement came into existence, there were a plethora of systems in vogue causing a lot of difficulty in conversion, thus, interfering in international trade and commerce. It was the collaborative effort of 48 nations of the world with France leading the team that resulted in the metrification of measurement system around the world. Also known as Système International or SI system of measurements, Metric system is far simpler and more efficient than imperial system of measurement, which is in effect a system comprising both British as well as US customary units that are regarded as standard in these countries. Let us make a quick comparison.
A metric tonne contains 1000 kg, which is not only easy to remember and to find the number of kilograms in different numbers of tones. On the other hand, to have 2000 pounds in short ton, and 2240 pounds in long ton is not only confusing, it makes conversion difficult and hard to remember. In the metric system, you measure length in centimeters and go to next higher unit by multiplying centimeters with 10. Thus, it is very easy to convert from a unit into another unit of length. On the other hand, in the standard system in Britain, a foot is the basic unit of length containing 12 inches. Three feet make a yard, while 1 square foot contains 144 square inches. This is just the beginning, and the situation is confusing as one goes up while dealing with areas. So, trying to convert a mile into feet is troublesome and requires some math to be done. On the other hand, it is child’s play to tell that a kilometer contains 1000 meters.
The story is no different in weights and volume, where 16 ounces make up a pound, while it is simpler in the metric system, where 1 kg contains 1000grams. The most confusing is volume, where 2 pints make up a quart, 8 quarts a peck, and 4 pecks a bushel. When it comes to liquid volumes, no ordinary kid can remember conversions as 8 ounces make up 1 cup, 16 ounces a pint, 2 pints a quart and 4 quarts a gallon. In sharp contrast is the metric system, where a liter contains 1000 cc of liquid.