The U.S. Doesn't Use The Metric System. Or Does It? : Short Wave (2024)

A cosmetic product being poured into a measuring jug in France. The United States is one of the few countries in the world that hasn't fully adopted the metric system. Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption

Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. Doesn't Use The Metric System. Or Does It? : Short Wave (2)

A cosmetic product being poured into a measuring jug in France. The United States is one of the few countries in the world that hasn't fully adopted the metric system.

Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP via Getty Images

From currency and commerce, food labels to laboratories, the metric system is the foundation of many science and math fields. And while the United States hasn't fully adopted the metric system, the International System of Units (or SI, as it's officially known) has a role to play in our everyday lives.

To mark our 100th episode (a multiple of 10, which is the basis for the metric system!), we spoke with Elizabeth Benham, Metric Program Coordinator at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, about the history of the metric system in the United States.

This episode was produced by Brit Hanson and edited by Viet Le.

The U.S. Doesn't Use The Metric System. Or Does It?  : Short Wave (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Last Updated:

Views: 5656

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Birthday: 1999-09-15

Address: 8416 Beatty Center, Derekfort, VA 72092-0500

Phone: +6838967160603

Job: Mining Executive

Hobby: Woodworking, Knitting, Fishing, Coffee roasting, Kayaking, Horseback riding, Kite flying

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Refugio Daniel, I am a fine, precious, encouraging, calm, glamorous, vivacious, friendly person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.