Understanding the Metric System for Easier Travel
There are two main ways to measure things, with the metric system and the imperial system. Typically a country chooses to stick to just one measurement system meaning these systems likely aren’t a big part of your everyday life. However, when you travel internationally, understanding the metric system and imperial system of measurement can become very important!
The Two Systems of Measurement
I’m sure you’re aware there are two different ways to measure things, the metric system and the imperial system. The metric system is the more common of the two, but as you travel, you may encounter both. Here are the standard measurements used.
| Measurement | Metric System | Imperial System |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Celsius | Fahrenheit |
| Weight | Gram | Ounces / Pounds |
| Distance / Length | Meter | Inches / Feet / Yards / Miles |
| Volume | Liter | Ounces / Cup / Quart / Gallon |
Understanding the metric system is much easier than the imperial system as it is very systematic. You can use kilometers (1000 meters), centimeters (1/100 of a meter), and millimeters (1/1000 of a meter) to help distinguish between distances. The imperial system on the other hand has 12 inches in 1 foot, 3 feet in 1 yard, 1760 yards in 1 mile. There is no simple calculation, you’ll just have to memorize them all!
How do the two systems of measurement make travel complex?
It may seem like you don’t use measurement that frequently in your daily life, but it really just comes so naturally that it doesn’t phase you. Suddenly, when you find yourself unfamiliar with the measurements, it becomes painfully aware how truly mystifying and important measurements can be.
The weight limit of carry-on luggage is 10 kilograms. The hotel is 300 meters ahead on your right. Do you want 0.5 liter or 1 liter of beer? It’s going to be 30 degrees Celsius outside – dress appropriately! What does that mean?!
It’s great that weather is a conversation starter except when you have no idea what the temperature is in Celsius. While it may seem absurd, before you go abroad, get a basic idea of how these convert. It will save you a lot of trouble along the way and maybe even help you blend in.
The Metric System
Often considered the International System of Units (SI), the metric system is widely used around the world. This makes understanding the metric system important for your travels – especially if you’re used to the imperial system!
Where did the metric system of measurement start?
The metric system originated a few centuries back in France as a way to unify the country. The meter was developed by measuring one-ten-millionth of the quadrant of Earth’s circumference running from the equator through the North Pole, with Paris as a central point. It has since been the standard unit of measurement for scientific and engineering work.
Read the full origin of the metric system from the US Metric Association.
Where is the metric system used?
The metric system is almost universally used. In fact, it is used in all but 3 countries in the world which are still using the imperial system: Myanmar, Liberia, and of course, the United States. This makes the metric system the standard for most places.
The Imperial System
The imperial system was also developed to standardize units of measurement back when there were no standard options across countries or even cities.
Where did the Imperial System of measurement start?
You might be shocked to know that the imperial system actually started in the United Kingdom as part of the Weights and Measurements Act of 1824. That’s right, it was in fact the British Imperial System. In 1965 the UK adopted the metric system, however you may still find the rare imperial measurement mixed in with the metric units in the United Kingdom and other commonwealth countries.
Where is the Imperial System of measurement used?
There are only three countries that still officially use the imperial system: Myanmar, Liberia, and the United States. The rest of the world uses the much more systematic metric system.
Why does the United States use the imperial system?
When the United States split from Great Britain, they opted to keep the imperial system even though the metric system was gaining popularity. This was largely due to the Industrial Revolution where the manufacturing industry in the US was started using the imperial system.
This all trickles down to today and why the US still leverages the imperial system. I have to say, as a traveler, the United States has not done us any favors by sticking to the imperial system!
Converting from the Metric System to Imperial
For the metric system challenged of the group (that’s definitely me!), the easiest way to start understanding the metric system is to work on memorizing easy conversions. This will give you an estimate close enough to the real thing to be useful when you’re caught in a jam.
Here are the numbers I find easy to use and do in my mind to give me a close enough estimate.
| Easy Estimates | True Conversions |
|---|---|
| 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds | 1 kilogram = 2.204 pounds |
| 1.6 kilometers = 1 mile | 1.609 kilometers = 1 mile |
| 50 meters = 1 length of an Olympic pool | 50 meters = 1 length of an Olympic pool |
| 2.5 centimeters = 1 inch | 2.54 centimeters = 1 inch |
| Celsius = (Fahrenheit – 32)/2 | Celsius = (Fahrenheit – 32) x 5/9 |
| Fahrenheit = Celsius x 2 + 32 | Fahrenheit = Celsius x 9/5 + 32 |
This way you can know if something is walkable (in kilometers), liftable (in kilograms), and how to dress comfortably (in Celsius).
In case you don’t have enough numbers racing through your head, another important thing to research is of course the conversion rate for currencies before you go abroad!
Continue Planning Your Trip
Now that you understand the metric system, you can start planning other parts of your trip. Here are some other great posts to help prepare you for travel:
- 9 Essential Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad
- Top 5 Sites for Finding an Affordable Hotel
- Top 10 Items I Never Travel Without
- Long Term Travel Packing List
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