The Metric System Versus the Imperial System

Let’s face it—most Americans would admit that the metric system makes more sense than the Imperial system. It’s logical, consistent, and based on the number ten. One hundred centimeters make a meter. One thousand meters make a kilometer. Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius and boils at 100. It’s all so clean and intuitive. Compare that to the Imperial system, where a mile is 5,280 feet, and water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and boils at 212 degrees. Every American child has to memorize these oddly specific numbers in elementary school.

And yet, here we are in America, still using it.

Now, before the rest of the world rolls their eyes or makes fun of us in the comment section, let’s clear something up: it’s not really our fault. The Imperial system wasn’t invented by Americans—it came from the British Empire. Hence the name “Imperial.” Back during colonial times, we inherited their system of measurement. Then, after we gained independence, we just… never changed it. Meanwhile, the UK eventually adopted the metric system, leaving us stuck with their old ways. So, when people from the UK, Europe, or Australia make fun of Americans for using miles, feet, and Fahrenheit, just remember: this whole thing started with them.

Still, we have to admit, using the Imperial system in 2025 feels a bit like carrying around a flip phone while everyone else has smartphones. It’s not exactly efficient. Most Americans don’t actually know how long a meter is, or that 32 degrees Celsius is a warm summer day. Ask someone how many kilometers it is to the next town, and you’ll probably get a blank stare. We just don’t use the metric system in our daily lives, so it never really stuck.

That said, the Imperial system isn’t completely without logic. If you stretch your imagination a bit, you can think about it in terms of percentages. For example, if you’re driving 55 miles per hour, you’re going 55% fast. If it’s 85 degrees Fahrenheit outside, you could say it’s 85% hot. Sure, it’s not scientifically accurate, but it makes sense and easy.

Personally, I like the metric system. It’s easier to learn and far more consistent. But the moment a smug European pops up on the internet to lecture Americans about how “backward” we are for using inches and pounds, I become quite patriotic. Suddenly, I’m all in for the Imperial system. Give me gallons, give me feet, and give me Fahrenheit. Because at the end of the day, we’re not wrong—we’re just stubborn. And if anyone’s to blame, it’s the British.

So, next time someone makes fun of Americans for not going metric, remind them: we didn’t start this. We just haven’t ended it yet.