Metric vs. Imperial Systems: Understanding the Differences
Omni Editorial Team
Our editorial team researches, tests, and recommends the best conversion tools and methods to help you make accurate conversions every time.
The world primarily uses two systems of measurement: the metric system and the imperial system.
The metric system (also known as the International System of Units or SI) is used by most countries worldwide and is based on powers of 10, making conversions between units relatively simple.
The imperial system is primarily used in the United States and has historical roots in British units of measurement. It includes units like inches, feet, pounds, and gallons.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Length | meters (m) | feet (ft), inches (in) |
| Weight/Mass | kilograms (kg) | pounds (lb), ounces (oz) |
| Volume | liters (L) | gallons (gal), quarts (qt) |
| Temperature | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
Understanding both systems is valuable, especially for international travel, cooking with recipes from different countries, or working in global industries.
