Welcome to the web site of the UK metric association!

On our web site you will find the following information:

an explanation of why it is in Britain's interest to complete the changeover to the international metric system as soon as possible
a demonstration of how the metric system is much easier to use than obsolete imperial
accurate information to correct misunderstandings and debunk myths about metric
practical help for people unaccustomed to metric
sources and references for researchers and journalists

Confused by Celsius?
Mystified by metres?

Visit our think metric web site

Order a copy of our report

A very British mess

Special features

Why must Britain be the odd man out?

Read what it must be like for international travellers on British roads.

Did you know that measurement law is as old as Magna Carta?

Click here to read more

What about freedom to choose units of measurement for trade?

Read what the great libertarian philosopher John Stuart Mill had to say.

Myths about metric

Click here to read the common myths around metric and imperial

Britain's new Highway Code.

Updated but outdated – a victim of the measurement muddle.

The new Highway Code is an example of the consequences of Britain 's measurement system muddle. Its mixture of units from the imperial and metric systems brings confusion, when clarity should be a foremost requirement. The UK Metric Association (UKMA) has looked forward to the completion of the metric changeover, and produced a simplified, metric version of the Highway Code to illustrate the clarity that one system makes possible.

London , 27 September 2007

Read the full article in our press section

“No return to lbs and oz” says pro-metric group

London, 11 September 2007

The announcement by the European Commission that it is to propose that “supplementary indications” (such as lbs and oz) should be allowed indefinitely does NOT mean that traders can go back to weighing and pricing in imperial measures ...

Read the full article in our press section

It's time to move on

Measurement affects us all when we work, buy food, fill up the car with petrol, weigh ourselves, go for a medical check-up, buy a property, go out for a drink, go for a walk or tend the garden. Modern Britain needs the best set of measures available.

In 1668, the distinguished scientist and philosopher, Bishop John Wilkins, founder of the Royal Society , proposed a system of measurement which contained the essential features of metric. His “Standard” unit was almost exactly one metre and like the metre was to be used with decimal multiples and submultiples. He proposed decimal units of volume and weight similar to the modern litre and kilogram. However, it was in France that the first practical application of his ideas was implemented - leading to the modern metric system, properly known as the International System of Units.

Over 140 years ago, in 1862, a House of Commons Select Committee unanimously recommended adoption of metric units for public administration. They were not terrified of taking in newfangled measurements from the "old rival" - France - but simply saw lots of advantages in having more modern units.

Although this was in the heyday of the British Empire, it was known that Imperial units were anything but 'made in Britain' being largely imported from the Romans, Saxons and the French. Indeed British Victorian scientists enthusiastically embraced metric units. These scientists came up with some important additions to the metric system that we take for granted today - including mega- for one million, micro- for one millionth.

Metric units are used in most countries of the world because they are so practical. They are decimal, the different units fit together properly and metric calculations are really easy. Metric units are not just for engineers and scientists but for architects, cooks, DIYers, gardeners, nurses and mountaineers.

kilo of messels

In 1971 the UK very successfully adopted decimal currency throwing aside the Roman-style 'old money'. In 1965 it was decided also to replace Roman - style measures with metric and since then Britain has adopted metric in many walks of life. The vast majority of manufacturing is metric, letters and parcels are weighed in grams, health records are metric, children learn metric at school, film sizes are metric and our maps are created using metric. Ultimately a complete conversion is inevitable.

Sadly, while countries like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa managed to change over from imperial by about 1980. Britain has got roughly half way and got stuck. This has meant that the full benefits of using metric have not been realised. We suffer from today's mess of two systems.

Worse still, metrication has become politicised. In the 1960s and 1970s there was a broad cross-party political consensus in favour of metric units; metric was universally regarded as better. Units were a purely practical issue. Today, opposition to metric units is more or less an article of faith for many people opposed to Britain's EU membership and for some other politicians. Wild myths have become accepted as fact by many politicians and journalists. The result is that most politicians do not want to touch the measurement issue with a bargepole.

UKMA thinks that Britain deserves the best units for our education, health, roads, jobs and competitiveness. Above all, we think it is important that our children can simply apply what they learn in the classroom to their everyday lives. We want our politicians to get their heads out of the sand and to sort out the current mess. We need a wide-ranging programme to complete the conversion to metric as soon as possible. But with metrication being almost a taboo issue for 20 years we need your support to sort things out.

If you agree with us, consider joining us or helping us by donation. Please also speak out and write to your MP. Even if you do not agree with us or have not made your mind up, then at least give this website a fair reading. Look at the articles and statements from some eminent people from all walks of life. If you are unfamiliar with metric look at what it is and how it can be used in practice. If you are unsure why metric is better then look at the reasons for and against metric with an open mind.judge for yourself.