Different Types of Measurement: Metric Ruler vs. Inch Ruler and More (2024)

Miles, yards, feet, inches: these are all everyday units of measurement in the United States. When asked how tall you are, how do you respond? In feet and inches! The American football field even boasts its length in yards. But why does the U.S. use completely different types of measurement than the rest of the world? And what is the real difference between a metric ruler vs inch rulers? We have the answers you’re looking for!

Table of Contents:

• Imperial vs. Metric Measuring Systems
• A Brief History of the Metric System
• Understanding the Imperial System of Measurement
• Understanding the Metric System
• Converting Imperial Measurements to Meters
• How to Convert Between Metric and Imperial Measurements
• Free Measurement Charts
• The Metric and Imperial Measuring Systems At-A-Glance
• Understanding Measurement Tools Like the Ruler
• Understanding How to Read a Ruler in CMs and Inches
• Other Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rulers
• Different Types of Rulers and Other Measuring Tools

Imperial vs. Metric Measuring Systems

The metric system is the most commonly used measuring system outside of the United States. In fact, only two countries other than the United States don’t use the metric system: Myanmar and Liberia.

The metric system is practically a universal system of measurement.

A Brief History of the Metric System

Just thirteen years after the United States of America claimed independence, the French Revolution erupted. Much like the American Revolution where citizens wanted greater control over their day-to-day lives, the French Revolution fostered innovation and change. In 1795, The National Assembly of France requested a standardized system of weights and measurements. This led to one of the most significant innovations to arise from the French Revolution: the metric system.

The French Academy of Sciences stepped up and began working on a more logical standard on which to base their measurements. They ultimately decided on the length of the Earth from pole to pole, intersecting in Paris. This length was then divided, coming to 39.37 inches. They named this measurement “the meter” from the Greek word “metron”which means “a measure.” From the meter, the French developed the gram, based on a cubic centimeter of water.

Over time, other European countries adopted this system to help aid in trade.

So, Why Didn’t the United States Adopt the Metric System?

To make a long story short: Thomas Jefferson and other U.S. leaders thought the metric system would be short-lived because of its association with France and the French Revolution.

After it became apparent that the metric system was here to stay, many senators presented bills that would mandate the adoption of the metric system.

The potential to adopt the metric system even looked quite promising in the 1970s, when the U.S. National Bureau of Standards proclaimed themetric system would greatly benefit the country. A bill was passed and children began learning the metric system in schools to help adjust for the coming change.

That change never happened. Why? Most Americans, including business owners, thought the change indicated an unnecessary level of control the government was trying to assert over American business. Others thought America should be a leader in international standards, not a follower. And, yet again, the effort for the U.S. to adopt the metric system failed.

Now many believe it would be too costly and time-consuming to switch from imperial to metric.

By not adopting the metric system, products in the United States vary greatly in standard size than those found elsewhere. Our folders, dividers,binders, and standard envelope sizesare based on the inch. In the U.S., the most popular paper sizes are Letter paper which measures 8.5-inches by 11-inches and legal which measures 8.5-inches by 14-inches. In contrast, countries using the metric system have A4 as their standard letter-sized paper, which is 210 mm by 297 mm (our chart found hereis a great reference for paper sizes).

We do see someevidence of the metric system in our daily lives in the U.S, though. Some examples include 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer races, 2-liter bottles of soda, and science using the metric system as the standard.

The Origin of the Imperial System of Measurement

So, where did the United States get the imperial system of measurement?

This system dates back to ancient Egypt, ancient Rome, and Anglo Saxony.

The terms “pound,” “foot,” “yard,” and “gallon” are over one-thousand years old. The inch, foot, and yard all likely come from the Roman adaptation of the Egyptian cubit as a way to standardize trade.

Why “foot”? Because the Romans were measuring distance with their feet, or by paces. The mile was 5,000 feet.

Fascinating fact: the first Roman system of measurement was based on the finger.

Click here to download our free measurement charts!

The Metric and Imperial Measuring Systems At-A-Glance

Understanding Measurement Tools Like the Ruler

Now that you have a brief understanding of how the imperial and metric systems of measurement compare, it’s time to take a closer look at how we measure these units.

The Ruler

When you first learned about measuring, you were probably introduced to the ruler. The ruler is the most common measuring device.

In the United States, most rulers have the imperial measurements along one long edge while the other long edge shows the metric measurements.

A standard ruleris 12-inches long and 30 centimeters in length.

It is likely your ruler will state “inches” or “cm” to make it easier to tell which side is which.

Each of these measurements has a perpendicular line to denote where this measurement falls on the ruler. They are the longest lines on the ruler.

The inches are divided into smaller segments: halves, quarters, eighths, and sixteenths.

As the value or length decreases, the size of the line denoting each decreases.

The centimeters are divided into millimeters (10 per centimeter).

Understanding How to Read a Ruler in CMs and Inches

Reading a ruler is simple.

For example:

If you were to line your ruler up to a standard #10 envelope, you would find the shorter side is 4 and 1/8 inches and the long side is 9 and ½ inches.

Other Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rulers

Different Types of Rulers and Other Measuring Tools

Measuring Tape

A measuring tape is often used to measure length greater than 12 inches. The “tape” is usually made of thin metal and has a metal foot or “end clip” on the end to hold onto an edge of what is being measured.

A measuring tape can be between 12 and 100 feet in length. This compact device makes it an easy-to-carry measuring tool because it has a spring at the center that the measuring edge wraps around and winds itself into.

They often feature the imperial measuring system on one side and the metric system on the backside.

When reading a measuring tape, pay attention to the inches and the fraction closest to the end point of what you are measuring.

Because the end clip of a measuring tape can cause inaccuracy, most builders recommend a method called “burning an inch” if you want the most accurate measurement using a measuring tape. To do this, align the “1-inch” marker on the end of the item being measured, run the tape the distance you want to measure, then subtract one inch from the total length.

Folding Rulers

A folding ruler is a series of 12-inch or smaller length rulers held together with hinges and increasing in size. Folding rulers can feature imperial, metric, or a combination of measurement systems. They can be made of different materials such as wood (the most common), aluminum, steel, plastic, or fiberglass. They are most often used by carpenters.

The advantages of a folding ruler include:

• It can be easily transported due to its compact size once folded.
• It can measure angles
• It can measure two sides at once.
• It offers vertical measurements since it becomes rigid when extended.
• It can be used with just one hand when the user has to hold something with the other hand.

Sewing Rulers and Measuring Tools

When it comes to sewing and seamstress work, a different set of measuring tools comes in handy. Many seamstresses and tailors prefer to have several measuring devices, some of which have become standard. Most sewing rulers are metal or clear acrylic and feature grid lines that help the user measure horizontally and vertically at the same time.

These tools include:

• A Blueprint Mat or Cutting Mat
• A French Curve Ruler
• A Hip Curve Ruler
• A fashion or styling-design curve ruler

Quilting Rulers

Quilters, like seamstresses, often use rulers that are broader in size and made of clear acrylic. These rulers are also called “grid rulers.” The best grid rulers have angle markers to help square the quilt pieces up easily.

Which do you prefer – metric or imperial? Let us know! For more information on office supplies, check out our blog. To see what we’re up to, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. And if you have any questions or just want to say hey, send us an email! Larry would love to hear from you.