Why does the US use the Customary system instead of Metric?

Question

The metric system is so simple. Only depends on powers of 10. The Customary system switches around 550 foot-pounds, 12 inches, 5280 feet, etc. The temperature system is bull crap too. in Celsius is also based on ten. 0 degrees is freezing, and 100 degrees is boiling, and the same applies for Kelvin; it's just like Celsius. In Fahrenheit 32 degrees is freezing and 212 is boiling. So much memorizing for conversions! While Metric you only need to know the basics: Milli-, Centi-, and Kilo-.(I know there's more, but it's just the basics.)So why does America need to be the odd one out?

Answer 1

What you incorrectly call the customary system is call the imperial system.



Our machines have been built on it since the industrial revolution. Where I live all the major roads are precisely 5280 feet apart on center. Are house are build with studs 16 inches apart. Our cars take have 5/8 and 3/4 inch spark plugs.



Changing all this would be very costly, what's more, most Americans understand what we are used to much better than metric and celcius.



If you want to build your house based on metrics then by all means do so. Good luck finding mirrors or cabinets that will bolt onto your walls.

Answer 2

Why does the US use the Customary measurements instead of metric?



1) Most Americans see no reason or advantage, in adopting the metric system.

2) They are comfortable, using US Customary measures (USC).

3) That is what they learned as children, and used as adults, and continue to do so.

4) Because USC has been learnt from a young age, its difficult to, "unlearn it", and learn the metric system. Conversion from metric back to USC, cause errors and roundings, which can be to course, or to accurate.

5) Its difficult to use metric, when everyone around you is using USC.

6) There is perception that the US, is world leader, and others should follow its standards.

7) There is a perception that metric is foreign, and therefore inferior and evil.

8) There is a perception that converting to metric, would be very costly, and offer minimal advantages compared with USC.

9) There is no political will, direction, or plan to adopt the metric system.



I hope this answers your question.

Answer 3

A correction: the "original" process is effectively known as the "Imperial" procedure. A number of makes an attempt to introduce the metric process in the U.S. Have failed to yield massive outcome, as a rule due to the fact that of social inertia. Small alterations exist, nevertheless; speedometres are marked with both MPH and KPH as are some roadway indicators; metric measures for bottled water and different drinks are rather long-established; most thermometres provide readings in each C and F. Feet and inches are still close to universal in all however scientific settings inside the U.S..

Answer 4

There is No Point in Changing a system that has WORKED since Independence Just to satisfy a few Europeans



I am An Australia who went through the expense of Converting and to No advantage



Our Military especially the Air Force is Imperial Our Neighbours were forced to change because we Did



I am a Firm Believer It It Aint Broke Don't Fix it

Answer 5

Because we do.



Do you have any idea the numbers of documents, plans, specifications, etc. that are NOT in metric that would need to be converted?

Answer 6

Customary. Americans refuse to change.

Answer 7

Just history. Besides that, it helps teach the use of conversions in chemistry and whatnot.

Answer 8

because in the US we can count higher than ten.