Should the United States implement the metric system?

[Mystrick]

I've been thinking about this for awhile. Not only would it eliminate conversions in school, it would eliminate confusion between us and every country (except that other third world country).

But, the cons are that it would be a hassle to phase it in, in the future it'll benefit, but American's don't really like to think about the future, do they?

So I'm asking my fellow American's and fellow Canadians, Austrailians, Europeans, etc, if we should do the metric system, and why.

[lucky644]

Metric is more accurate, refusal to change is just being stubborn.

[Mystrick]

Yes, but I can also see 100% of the South and other states/people being pissed off at the change. It would also help our bonding with foreign countries, would it not?

[GusButts]

It'll also cost a LOT of money.

I posted in the Firebox.

[Col.Kurtz]

Metric is more accurate, refusal to change is just being stubborn.

thats kinda what hitler said when jews resisted.

[Mystrick]

It would cost money at first I guess. But we would eliminate conversion charts! And we could force other countries to send us their metric products.

[Walnut]

Not worth it. Metric is used when it's important for it to be used. Otherwise, it doesn't matter enough to bother changing it.

Metric is more accurate, refusal to change is just being stubborn.

It's not more accurate, it's just based off of measures that make sense, and works by 10's rather than random numbers.

[Army GI]

Fuck that shit. Like someone else said, it's not important to bother changing unless someone really made a big stink about it.

We use metric in the US military anyway, so it's infiltrating no matter what. Big whoop.

[FaKToR]

It's not more accurate, it's just based off of measures that make sense, and works by 10's rather than random numbers.
There are reasons for why we count things in certain ways, it just happens to be a bit outdated that's all.

[Col.Kurtz]

i will never call 223., 5.56 ever

[Krispy Joe]

Most scientific and math professions use the metric system anyway (I've never even seen grains used in place of grams in science experiments or in a math book), it doesn't make much sense to make it manditory for every Joe Six-Pack. Almost everybody knows how long a mile is on the road (Driving for a minute at 60mph = 1 mile), but if we switched to KM and whatnot, everyone would be like OMGWTF?>>!>! Besides, we already tried this in the 70s, and it really didn't work too well.

[GoatChomper]

One effect it had in Mexico when they converted to metric from the old system of leguas and varas.....somebody got filthy rich from making more highway signs. Come up to a crossover (cambio de rasante) on a highway and inevitably you will have signs informing you of the crossover's presence at five klicks, four klicks, three klicks, two klicks, one klick, five hundred meters, four hundred meters, three hundred meters, two hundred meters, one hundred meters, and CAMBIE AQUI.....even on flat stretches where you can see it from miles away.

[Toastar]

thats kinda what hitler said when jews resisted.

You're a dumbass.

[nojmaster]

Not using the metric system is like using a different unit of time.

[Modest Genius]

well, im certainly a propenant of its use in science. in other areas, there are more intuitive units.

unit systems should be easy to use (which metric undoubtably is) and intuitive (which metric is usually, but not always)

it has undeniable benefits over imperial measures overall, despite one or two counterexamples (miles for distant places, feet for height etc). however, once youre locked into a system its difficult to change, even if there is a better one available.

btw im quite happy with the hybrid system used in the UK atm

[Captain Colon]

Yeah...like MG said, we've been using it for years. I don't really care either way...it would be nice not to be confused for about 5 seconds by speed limit signs in canada, but for most important things we already use metric stuff, and everything else I don't think is worth the money to change (ie. car companies would have to get all-new metric machinery).

[Mystrick]

Yeah, that's why I said I see both sides. Metric would eliminate all confusion between countries, allow ease of information, and make conversion charts from metric to US useless.

But, as what MG and CC said, we are locked into this system and it would probably cost too much.

I do believe though, in the long run it would be best for us.

[Modest Genius]

on the other hand, if its going to happen at some point, it may as well be as soon as possible

[Shinobi]

I can just see oreilly going off about the metric implementation beign the result of some sort of french infiltration

[spartan]

That's a lot of money to spend on something that can be solved with a few seconds worth of arithmetic.

[Mystrick]

But yet, millions spent on teaching those kid's not only the US set, but to convert, and the metric set.

And spent on rulers with double sides, when you can have just one side made, same with other measuring tools.

[Stig]

Most of us learned both in School. It really wouldn't matter one way or the other.

Personally, we should keep it how it is just to spite people.

[Degree:N]

Well, since Metric is the International system, it makes sense to switch to it.

I agree with Modest Genius that if the Metric system were to be implemented, sooner is better that later. I have a couple of US textbooks and its a pain in the ass to do conversions for most of the formulas/examples etc.

[Agent Law]

Though U.S. should implement the metric system, some things done seem to be a lot simpler when done in imperial. For building and making things, it seems the most easiest to do in imperial, but that might be just me.

[Degree:N]

Were you taught in Imperial or Metric (or both)? And if you were taught both unit standards, at what year in school was this? I myself have only been taught Metric but can use Imperial units if I have to.

[Toastar]

For building and making things, it seems the most easiest to do in imperial, but that might be just me.

Uhhhhh noooo way.

Doing simple math with integers is much better than fractions.

[HarryB]

Yeah, about the only thing that I use Imperial for is height, just because everyone else does it. But for volume, weight, and distance, meteric is just so much easier.

[Agent Law]

Uhhhhh noooo way.

Doing simple math with integers is much better than fractions.
Doing simple math with decimals is much better than fractions, you mean? Of course, you can get integers by going to finer and finer units, but there has to be a standard.

[marty]

We're already using both...

I say we switch to Metric exclusively... Imperial is a pain in the ass except for length

[Dave]

I don't think the US will change to the metric system anytime soon. I don't blame them either. That is A LOT of industrial equipment to switch over to metric and my guess is that i'ts going to be more hassle than it's worth.

Fractions have an advantage over decimals. A fraction isn't prone to rounding errors like decimals are. 1/3 is 1/3 whereas 1.33333333333...repeating is 1/3. I mean, if they've got along this long with it, there is no reason to switch where it isn't neccessary.

Mind you, I would never want to survey in imperial... *shiver*

[marty]

A LOT of our industrial equipment is already manufactured in metric... A lot of us like being able to sell our products internationally :-o

Imperial can be used with decimals... Mechanical Engineer's scale, I think

[SpecialForces]

In aviation tech, we used both. But for all US constructed aircraft, it is only in the standard American system. In the instruction manuals, all the blue prints, everything is in feet/inches. Sometimes they make a metric version, but not always.. the designs for the UH-1 Huey has enough documents/blueprints to fill 3 file cabinates. Works good for us, but when we send it to foreign countries they have no idea what the fuck to do with it...

But here’s a interesting fact, all of Mcdonald Douglas's airplanes are manufactured with the standard system. But the AH-64D Apache Longbow, is mostly made in metric for the military... weird huh? :)

[StandingCow]

We are the US everyone should speak english and use our system!

[marty]

We are the US everyone should speak english and use our system!Yeah :(

[GoatChomper]

Works good for us, but when we send it to foreign countries they have no idea what the fuck to do with it...
They could try converting it to Imperial units like we convert metric to Imperial.....surely that's no difficulty for anybody who can do basic arithmetic and if that's a stumbling block, then I'd prefer not to see such people getting their hands on things that could fall out of the sky anyway.
But here’s a interesting fact, all of Mcdonald Douglas's airplanes are manufactured with the standard system. But the AH-64D Apache Longbow, is mostly made in metric for the military... weird huh?
Not weird at all.....as previously noted, DoD has used metric for decades.

[Shinobi]

after doing 6 years of carpentry in imperial, I'm just too used to it... I can eye a foot no problem, meters fuck with me..

[Maddog]

wasnt there a movement in the 80s or early 90s to switch to metric... and everyone just sorta gave up trying after a while?

[pro kossu]

They could try converting it to Imperial units like we convert metric to Imperial.....surely that's no difficulty for anybody who can do basic arithmetic and if that's a stumbling block, then I'd prefer not to see such people getting their hands on things that could fall out of the sky anyway.


Like NASA? :)

[GoatChomper]

Surely you know the difference between inability and just plain forgetting.

[nyarlathotep]

wasnt there a movement in the 80s or early 90s to switch to metric... and everyone just sorta gave up trying after a while?

IIRC yes on a minor scale, everyone ignored it so we reverted. I thought it was in the 70s though.

No need to change, since conversions work.

[Toastar]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metrication

[nyarlathotep]

Our logo is stupid. Just an M.

UK is cool, looks like a key, a key to the future. Or a key to a door. That you don't want to open.

[vecdran]

I think we should convert to metric, but I fear it really is too late to implement such a massive change. Yes many of the industries of this country have already converted to metric, but we are still deeply entrenched in the Imperial system :/

The idiocy of the Imperial system makes me hurt though. Metric...base 10...it makes sense. Versus what, 5238whatevertthefuckitis feet per mile?

[GoatChomper]

They're both based on arbitrary criteria.....what after all is a meter?

[Discobird]

They're both based on arbitrary criteria.....what after all is a meter?
Every practical measurement system begins with arbitrary base units. Given that, the system that consistently uses powers of 10 in its derived units is preferable to a more irregular system, all else being equal.

[Daywalker]

It'd be a big hassle. I am fond of the imperial system, if you not dumb its easy to get along.

[Degree:N]

It'd be a big hassle.What would be a big hassle? Changing to Metric or teaching and converting both systems for eternity?

[[Political] Slayer]

after doing 6 years of carpentry in imperial, I'm just too used to it... I can eye a foot no problem, meters fuck with me..
same here, building the lobster boat, I can eyeball how long things are, even from a distance, and I can pretty much tell what size bolt it is by eyballing it too... metric sockets would be too wierd to convert to.

[mahhag]

From what I remember the meter is a certain percent from the equator to the north pole. But yeah, I really think we should convert to the metric system. There are only three other countries which still use the imperial system, and it's a pain in the ass to goto other countries and not know any measurements.

[[Political] Slayer]

From what I remember the meter is a certain percent from the equator to the north pole. But yeah, I really think we should convert to the metric system. There are only three other countries which still use the imperial system, and it's a pain in the ass to goto other countries and not know any measurements.
A meter is 100 centimeters.

[Daywalker]

What would be a big hassle? Changing to Metric or teaching and converting both systems for eternity?


well, speed limits, spedos in cars, odometers, distance markers on the entire highway system. So that would be a real bitch to change almost every sign along the nations road ways. Then theres the nation's gas stations, they run in gallons and pricing is based on gallons. Milk is in imperial, butter is sold in imperial. Cooking recipes are done usually done in imperial. If you don't think the switch would be difficult, i don't think you comprehend the importance of systems of weights and measure in a society. People also think in imperial not metric. I know a foot, not a cm, I can estimate a gallon not a liter.


I don't see the big problem with imperial. Anyone who isn't a retard should be able to remember the common imperial measurements, you have been using them since you were a child.

[Degree:N]

Cooking recipes are done usually done in imperial. If you don't think the switch would be difficult, i don't think you comprehend the importance of systems of weights and measures in a society.
I did not say it wouldn't be difficult, just exploring the reasons that Americans have against changing to metric. And I do comprehend the importance of systems of weights and measure in a society.

People also think in imperial not metric. I know a foot, not a cm, I can estimate a gallon not a liter.Who are "people"? I think in metric.


I don't see the big problem with imperial. Anyone who isn't a retard should be able to remember the common imperial measurements, you have been using them since you were a child.Who is "you"? I have been learning metric for the main part (school, uni), with references every so often to imperial units (US TV, movies etc).

[Mr. Fiend]

I have no problems doing conversions, and thus feel no need to change the whole system. Besides, it's an excuse to have more tools. I find metric to be easier at times, however, and after all, a quarter is still a quarter regardless of whether it is 1/4 or .25. Slayer']A meter is 100 centimeters.Centimeter being derived, of course, from meter.Who are "people"? I think in metric.*SHAZAM* METRIFIED!

[Daywalker]

I did not say it wouldn't be difficult, just exploring the reasons that Americans have against changing to metric. And I do comprehend the importance of systems of weights and measure in a society.

Saying "what would be a big hassle?" obviously shows you don't apprectiate the complexities of switching from one system to another.

Its a lot easier just to go down to the science department, grab a gradated cylinder, meter stick, and a triple beam balance, then convert everything in imperial in the enitre country to metric.

Who are "people"? I think in metric.

Ok, so you may not be american, so you think in metric. Thanks for proving my point. People think in the system that they use. To change our measurement system would cause massive confusion. It'd be like making someone speak in a different language if they wanted to say anything pertaining to something covered by the metric system.

Who is "you"? I have been learning metric for the main part (school, uni), with references every so often to imperial units (US TV, movies etc).

fine, you was a bad choice, it should have been american school children. Either way, they are taught imperial and use imperial since they learn to talk. To in the middle of their lives just tell them to switch to metric would create lots of problems, its comprable to switching languages.

Once again, if they've been using it for their entire life and aren't retarded, imperial measurment isn't that hard to use.

Just to pre-empt anyone wishing to pull out little used units like leagues and such. Don't even try, there are many units in metric that I doubt the normal person knows, unless for some occupational reason they work with them.

[Evil Superstar]

Most of europe managed to convert to the Euro and after 5 or so years you're pretty much used to it.

[HarryB]

From what I remember the meter is a certain percent from the equator to the north pole. But yeah, I really think we should convert to the metric system. There are only three other countries which still use the imperial system, and it's a pain in the ass to goto other countries and not know any measurements.


The old way to determine the length of the meter as that way. Now they use (IIRC) the distance a cesium atom vibrates, which is more reliable.

[Agent Law]

The old way to determine the length of the meter as that way. Now they use (IIRC) the distance a cesium atom vibrates, which is more reliable.
It is defined as the length of the path travelled by light in absolute vacuum during a time interval of 1/299,792,458 of a second.
That fraction is 1 metre. A second is vibrations of a cesium atom.

[Dave]

Or rubidium sometimes.

[Walnut]

FYI, guys, we don't use the imperial system, we use the US customary system. It's similar but different. The length measures are the same, but the liquid and weight measures are different (even though they use the same names. For example, the US gallon is 3.79 liters, the Imperial gallon is 4.55 liters).

I just can't see how switching to metric for common use is worth the amount of money and hassles it would cause. It's already used in science, and sometimes in manufacturing, and US units can always be converted when dealing with other countries.

[Degree:N]

Saying "what would be a big hassle?" obviously shows you don't apprectiate the complexities of switching from one system to another.
I used the term "hassle" simply because you used it, and I was using it as a comparison to the "hassle" of staying with the same system. You keep thinking that I do not appreciate the complexities of switching from one system to another. I do. Please believe me Mr Internets it would be ever so nice.

Ok, so you may not be american, so you think in metric. Thanks for proving my point. People think in the system that they use. To change our measurement system would cause massive confusion. It'd be like making someone speak in a different language if they wanted to say anything pertaining to something covered by the metric system.Actually to say I think in metric puts limitations on what the process is. More acurate would be to say its the system I use in calculations and as a communication tool.


fine, you was a bad choice, it should have been american school children. Either way, they are taught imperial and use imperial since they learn to talk. To in the middle of their lives just tell them to switch to metric would create lots of problems, its comprable to switching languages.
Yes switching wouldn't be easy, as I have said previously. The point you bring up is a valid one, the approach I would take in addressing it would entail education of metric units in schools and a 10 year preparation period.

Once again, if they've been using it for their entire life and aren't retarded, imperial measurment isn't that hard to use.
The same argument can be used for metric, although I would never use it.
I don't think you should keep saying "retarded", apparently its not PC anymore.

[Krispy Joe]

1 ml of water = 1 gram. Easy enough to remember.

[Grunt]

Not using the metric system is like using a different unit of time.

Better burn all those lunar calanders then.

[Daywalker]

I used the term "hassle" simply because you used it, and I was using it as a comparison to the "hassle" of staying with the same system. You keep thinking that I do not appreciate the complexities of switching from one system to another. I do. Please believe me Mr Internets it would be ever so nice.

Degrading to personal insults, please grow up. In these discussions you're suppose to act like an adult. I'll believe that you appreciate the complexities, when you show that you do.


Actually to say I think in metric puts limitations on what the process is. More acurate would be to say its the system I use in calculations and as a communication tool.

You say potatoe, I say patatoe. You're just nit-picking the wording.

Yes switching wouldn't be easy, as I have said previously. The point you bring up is a valid one, the approach I would take in addressing it would entail education of metric units in schools and a 10 year preparation
period.

Already is taught in schools, its the massive social change that would be hard. People use it for certain jobs, but for the regular transactions between people is where it will cause a lot of confusion and misunderstanding. Thats why I don't see the point, when it metric needs to be used it is, theres no point in making it a switch across the board.

but while we're standardizing everything. Maybe the U.S. should also start forcebly teaching English to all citizens.

The same argument can be used for metric, although I would never use it.
I don't think you should keep saying "retarded", apparently its not PC anymore.

Once again, lets not degrade to a grade school arguement here. If you don't have a valid point, just agrue the PC-ness of a statement. Its irrelevent, its the message, not the wording that is important in the discussion.

Many people have sighted the complexities of the current U.S. system as a need to switch. Thats why my statement is relevent. Anyone who actually is of competent mind and payed half attention during school should be able to use the U.S. system. Switching will do nothing to aid this, those that did not pay attention the first time when they were taught, will not pay attention just becuase they are teaching metric now. You don't cure stupid by switching languages.

[Degree:N]

Err, I don't know where your getting all this, can someone other than Daywalker shed some light on the above post?

-Edit-
Degraded to personal insults? Your the one who keeps questioning my ability to comprehend the complexity of a measurements system change.* You are in effect, telling me what I am thinking! The Mr Internets phrase is an expression used when a party to a discussion keeps overlooking something repeatedly stated as you have done. Whats even funnier is that you try to sound like an adult, but based on a completely false premise!

Once again, lets not degrade to a grade school arguement here. If you don't have a valid point, just agrue the PC-ness of a statement. Its irrelevent, its the message, not the wording that is important in the discussion.
Grade school argument? How is "Anyone who isn't a retard should be able to remember the common imperial measurements" even an argument to begin with? The disrespect implicit in that statement aside, what does it even mean? Does it mean that students who aren't mentally impaired will learn units of measurement? How is this even a point?


*This seems to be a continual sticking point with you. I'll go over what has been posted previously:
You said "It'd be a big hassle. I am fond of the imperial system, if you not dumb its easy to get along."
I picked up on this post for a couple of reasons:
1. The "big hassle" statement was unqualified, and while obvious, seemed flippant at best. The "if you not dumb its easy to get along" is rather harsh (I feel sorry for "dumb" americans now), and seemed unsupporting of staying with imperial units. It also seemed to be an admission that imperial is more complex than metric.
My reply "What would be a big hassle? Changing to Metric or teaching and converting both systems for eternity?" was designed to make you put forth reasons to further define what your point of view was, and as a comparison between two options. Somehow in the above statement you have made the following incorrect assumptions:
1. I know nothing about the complexities of changing a measurement standard;
2. I don't think changing a measurement standard is difficult.
Ok, so you made those assumptions, what then? I simply try to notify you of said assumptions but you totally ignore it!
If you don't think the switch would be difficult
^^ That is what I'm talking about, nowhere have I said that a measurement system change wouldn't be difficult. How you mananged to draw that conclusion boggles the mind!

[Walnut]

Err, I don't know where your getting all this, can someone other than Daywalker shed some light on the above post?

The metric system is taught in schools. It's just not what most people like using/are used to using.

[kingcobra]

I think it should, it's already being taught in schools, if most of europe can manage to change their currency, it wouldn't be hard to convert to the metric system. But then daywalker brings up a good point about having to change just about every single highway sign in the nation.

[DunNa]

For common everyday type things (distances, and wieghts) I find imperial easier to deal with. I do see how meteric is better for situations where you'll be converting amounts often and such (math, science and such).

In other words I see no reason to change, metric is used where its needed and imperial is used where it works best. Granted thats just me being a ignorant southerner I guess.

[Daywalker]

Err, I don't know where your getting all this, can someone other than Daywalker shed some light on the above post?

-Edit-
Degraded to personal insults? Your the one who keeps questioning my ability to comprehend the complexity of a measurements system change.* You are in effect, telling me what I am thinking! The Mr Internets phrase is an expression used when a party to a discussion keeps overlooking something repeatedly stated as you have done. Whats even funnier is that you try to sound like an adult, but based on a completely false premise!


Grade school argument? How is "Anyone who isn't a retard should be able to remember the common imperial measurements" even an argument to begin with? The disrespect implicit in that statement aside, what does it even mean? Does it mean that students who aren't mentally impaired will learn units of measurement? How is this even a point?


*This seems to be a continual sticking point with you. I'll go over what has been posted previously:
You said "It'd be a big hassle. I am fond of the imperial system, if you not dumb its easy to get along."
I picked up on this post for a couple of reasons:
1. The "big hassle" statement was unqualified, and while obvious, seemed flippant at best. The "if you not dumb its easy to get along" is rather harsh (I feel sorry for "dumb" americans now), and seemed unsupporting of staying with imperial units. It also seemed to be an admission that imperial is more complex than metric.
My reply "What would be a big hassle? Changing to Metric or teaching and converting both systems for eternity?" was designed to make you put forth reasons to further define what your point of view was, and as a comparison between two options. Somehow in the above statement you have made the following incorrect assumptions:
1. I know nothing about the complexities of changing a measurement standard;
2. I don't think changing a measurement standard is difficult.
Ok, so you made those assumptions, what then? I simply try to notify you of said assumptions but you totally ignore it!

^^ That is what I'm talking about, nowhere have I said that a measurement system change wouldn't be difficult. How you mananged to draw that conclusion boggles the mind!



I'll keep this simple

-U.S. system is not that difficult.
-Metric already taught in schools
-People say chaning to metric would eliminate confusion
-Confusion is not caused by the complexity of the U.S. system, but a lack of students to pay attention
-In general, those that have trouble with the u.s. system also don't know metric. Its not that its hard, but that they just don't apply themselves in school.

conclusion:
Switching would do nothing to help the situation since for the most part those confused by the current system are also confused by metric.

Hows that?

[Toastar]

But metric is a LOT less confusing because it's based on the decimal system, not fractions and on 10s not random numbers.

You have 1000m to a kilometre (one metre being 100 cm), not 5280 feet to a mile (one foot being 12 inches)

[Degree:N]

Hows that?
Thats nice, but as I have stated before, I realise all this. The point I was getting at is that future use of an International Standard would be in the best interest of a country that did business internationally. And believe it or not I do want what is in the best interest of the US. Sure, you're going to have kids that won't pick up on Imperial units, but if there are a proportion of kids that don't pick up on either system, what has changed? Those that do will be better off (imo). When implementing any new system there will be those who do not understand it as quickly as others, but that has never been a reason to not do something.

An illustration of impediments to international trade:
"The traditional French measuring system was chaotic, with size of units differing in each small town, and often even within towns."

As to what will happen in the future, unless there is a major global economy change, I think the US will changes systems. It would have to be a time when there is little military activity as the change will obviously cost a lot. It will depend on the attitude of the Government at the time.


General question: If the cost of changing units of measurement was zero, would the US change?

[Discobird]

General question: If the cost of changing units of measurement was zero, would the US change?
Do you mean monetary cost to the government, the cost to citizens of adjusting to a new system, or what?

[DunNa]

General question: If the cost of changing units of measurement was zero, would the US change?


For certain things I would say sure like volume and/or weight. Though I really like imperial distances. Inchs, feet, yards, and miles FTW!

[SinistralRifleman]

i will never call 223., 5.56 ever

.223 Remington and 5.56 NATO are different cartridges

.223 can be safely fired out of 5.56mm chambered barrels, it is not reccomended to shoot 5.56mm out of .223 chambered barrels as this can result in unsafe pressures and decreased reliability.

[FaKToR]

But metric is a LOT less confusing because it's based on the decimal system, not fractions and on 10s not random numbers.
They're not random, it's just that the reasoning is antiquated. For example you might say a dozen is random, but it makes sense in that you can count up to 12 on one hand.

[Daywalker]

They're not random, it's just that the reasoning is antiquated. For example you might say a dozen is random, but it makes sense in that you can count up to 12 on one hand.


how?

[Degree:N]

Do you mean monetary cost to the government, the cost to citizens of adjusting to a new system, or what?
I mean the cost to the Government e.g. road signs, education system syllabus changes/development, contracts/documents changes, software development, employee training etc.

[Discobird]

They're not random, it's just that the reasoning is antiquated. For example you might say a dozen is random, but it makes sense in that you can count up to 12 on one hand.
Where are you getting this from? I can count up to at least 27 on one hand.

[FaKToR]

how?
Using your thumb to point you count the segments on each of your fingers, each of which has three segments. That counts up to twelve and it's very easy. It's an old form of counting and it's still used though not as common.

Where are you getting this from? I can count up to at least 27 on one hand.
I'm sure you can but AFAIK no one has based a unit of measurement on that. My stat teacher told us about a dozen being based on how people can count to twelve on one hand and I'm inclined to believe him cause it takes a math geek to specialize in statistics.

[Discobird]

Sounds like ex post facto reasoning, at least one source (http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/custom.html) attributes the inch:foot relation to body proportions while another (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_measurement) says it's derived from the cubit. Whatever the original reasoning, the units of the Imperial / US customary systems look pretty random to modern eyes while it's unlikely we'll stop using base-10 math.

[FaKToR]

Well if we're gonna nit pick then it isn't random, it's arbitrary.